by Patrick Ford, PT, DPT

Many are currently being affected by the global pandemic that is the COVID-19 otherwise known as the coronavirus. It is likely that we know someone or are personally experiencing some sort of social isolation as a result. It is important, now more than ever, that we understand how to combat the effects that isolation can have on our physical and mental health.

How can social isolation affect me and those I care about?

There is strong evidence that social isolation is associated with negative effects on our cardiovascular system and mental health. Being socially isolated and lonely causes symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even dementia.

Many of you may have been urged to work at home causing isolation away from coworkers. Your children may be home from school and isolated from their friends and teammates. Perhaps you have a loved one in a senior living facility that is not allowed to have visitors and has limited time outside of their living spaces. Each one of you is susceptible to experiencing these negative effects of isolation.

Beyond its impact on mental health, social isolation can affect our physical health as well. When we are confined to our homes, we are less likely to maintain our daily physical activity levels. This is likely due to a lack of access to fitness equipment, cancelled sporting activities, or a decrease in motivation. In any case, decreased activity can lead to negative effects on our cardiovascular system. And we all know how important it is to keep our hearts healthy.

How can I combat these effects while practicing social distancing?

First and foremost, this experience serves as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within our own homes. In addition social media, text, phone calls, or video chatting allows us to stay in contact with one another. These options are the best way to practice social distancing while maintaining a social life.

The positive effects of exercise on both cardiovascular and mental health has been widely studied. It’s as easy as incorporating 15-30 minutes of walking at a moderate intensity each day to see these positive effects. For those who enjoy it or are looking for a new challenge, running is a great way to achieve this as well.

Other movements that do not require any equipment include: squats, lunges, push-ups, sit ups, planks, bridges, stairs, and many more. Try moving continuously through multiple movements for 10-30 minutes taking breaks as needed. All of the movements listed above can be modified to meet your fitness level. Ask your therapist about movement options that will work for you, as well as how often to do them.

The Bottom Line

The situation we are facing is creating new challenges for each of us. Some of these challenges are out of our direct control but our physical and mental health can be maintained and improved by taking action now. Maintain social distancing and go on a walk or to the park with friends and family. For new ideas, contact your physical therapist, follow the wide variety of exercise accounts on social media, or research reliable exercise apps for your phone. Gain a sense of control, improve your physical and mental health, and strengthen your connection with family and friends by staying active!

Check out more of our blog posts for tips on how to stay healthy and productive during this trying time.

Tingling, numbness, burning, or “pins and needles” in the arm or hand can be unsettling. These sensations—called paresthesias—often come and go, but when they persist, they can interfere with work, sleep, and daily activities. One of the most common sources of upper-extremity paresthesias lies in a highly complex network of nerves called the brachial plexus.

In this post, we’ll break down what the brachial plexus is, how it becomes irritated, and why physical therapy is one of the most effective conservative treatments for restoring comfort and function.

What Are Upper Extremity Paresthesias?

Upper extremity paresthesias are abnormal sensory experiences in the shoulder, arm, forearm, hand, or fingers. They can feel like:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Electric or shooting sensations
• Burning or “hot/cold” feelings
• A sense of heaviness or “dead arm”

Paresthesias usually indicate irritation, compression, or altered signaling of the peripheral nerves that supply the arm.

Meet the Brachial Plexus: The Nerve Highway of the Arm

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates from the spinal cord in the neck (C5–T1). After exiting the cervical spine, these nerves weave through the scalene muscles, travel under the clavicle, pass between the pectoralis minor and rib cage, and eventually branch into the major nerves of the arm—such as the median, ulnar, and radial nerves.

Because this pathway is long and intricate, there are many places where nerves can become irritated or compressed. Common contributors include:

• Postural stress (forward head, rounded shoulders, prolonged computer work)
• Muscle tightness (scalenes, pectoralis minor, upper trapezius)
• Joint dysfunction in the cervical or thoracic spine
• Thoracic outlet compression
• Repetitive or overhead activity
• Trauma such as whiplash
• Neural tension or restricted nerve gliding

When one or more of these impinges on the nerves, patients may experience radiating symptoms anywhere along the arm.

How Physical Therapy Helps

Physical therapy is a first-line, non-invasive approach to treating upper extremity paresthesias related to brachial plexus irritation. PT addresses both the root cause and the symptoms through targeted interventions that restore mobility, reduce compression, and improve posture and motor control.

1. Postural Assessment and Correction

Poor posture—especially forward head and rounded shoulders—reduces the space available for the brachial plexus. PT helps by:

• Retraining deep neck flexors
• Strengthening scapular stabilizers (mid/low trap, serratus anterior)
• Improving thoracic extension
• Adjusting desk ergonomics

Correcting posture reduces tension on the nerve pathway and helps prevent recurrence.

2. Manual Therapy to Relieve Compression

Hands-on techniques can improve mobility and decrease muscle-driven nerve pressure. These may include:

• Soft tissue mobilization of the scalenes, upper trapezius, pec minor, or subclavius
• Joint mobilization of the cervical and thoracic spine
• Rib mobility techniques
• Myofascial release to decrease neural irritation

These approaches reduce mechanical stress on the nerves.

3. Nerve Gliding Exercises

Also known as neural mobilization, nerve glides help the brachial plexus move smoothly through surrounding tissues. When nerves slide and glide properly, symptoms often diminish.

Therapists prescribe specific glides tailored to the irritated nerve branch—for example, median, ulnar, or radial nerve mobilizations.

4. Strengthening and Motor Control Training

Weak stabilizing muscles often contribute to nerve compression or dysfunctional movement patterns.

Strengthening focuses on:

• Deep neck flexors
• Rotator cuff muscles
• Scapular stabilizers
• Core and thoracic extensors

Improved muscular balance reduces strain on the neck and shoulder structures that influence the brachial plexus.

5. Education and Activity Modification

Finally, understanding symptom triggers helps patients manage and prevent flare-ups. PT may address:

• Sleep positioning
• Workstation setup
• Phone or laptop use
• Proper lifting and overhead reaching mechanics

Empowering patients with knowledge improves long-term outcomes.

When Should You Seek Physical Therapy?

You may benefit from PT if paresthesias:

• Persist longer than a few days
• Frequently recur
• Are triggered by a specific posture or activity
• Interfere with sleep or daily function
• Are accompanied by neck or shoulder tightness

Immediate medical evaluation is recommended if symptoms involve significant weakness, sudden loss of function, or if they follow a traumatic injury.

The Bottom Line

Upper extremity paresthesias can be frustrating, but they’re often highly treatable. Because the brachial plexus is influenced by posture, muscle balance, joint mobility, and repetitive stress, physical therapy offers a comprehensive approach that addresses each of these factors.

If you feel like any of these symptoms sound like you, contact us for a free screen or full evaluation! We are happy to help.

The Big News Is Finally Here! 🎉

Introducing Kinetic Edge Direct, a new comfort and performance program that helps you feel and function better without barriers or wait times. Launching in Pella and Des Moines on January 1, 2026.

A Note From Our CEO

“At Kinetic Edge, we have always believed in something simple but powerful: movement changes lives. Over nearly three decades, our team has helped thousands of people overcome pain, recover from injury, and return to the activities they love. But people want more than recovery. They want to stay strong, move well, and take charge of their long-term comfort and performance.

That is why we created Kinetic Edge Direct. This membership is for proactive individuals who want to invest in their bodies before issues arise. Whether you are a young athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who wants to stay independent and energetic, this program gives you the tools, guidance, and access you need to keep moving forward. Members receive preferred pricing, direct communication with their specialist, and regular tune-ups that can prevent many common setbacks.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will make in our communities and continuing our mission to help people restore hope through movement.”

– Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

A Simpler Way to Feel and Function Better

At Kinetic Edge, we believe you should not have to deal with long wait times, insurance limitations, or confusing approval processes to feel your best. That is why we created Kinetic Edge Direct, a simple cash-based membership program designed to support your health, comfort, and performance throughout the year.

By removing insurance from the process, Kinetic Edge Direct makes it easy to get the care you want, when you want it.

No prior authorizations
No coverage limitations
No surprise denials
No restrictions on type or duration of treatment

You receive direct access to the services you need without waiting for approval. It is predictable, transparent, and centered entirely on your goals.

With Kinetic Edge Direct, you have consistent access to expert movement specialists, high-value recovery tools, and hands-on performance services that help you stay ahead of issues instead of reacting to them.

Why Become a Member

Kinetic Edge Direct is built around a simple idea. Feeling and functioning better should be easy and consistent.

Benefits That Set Kinetic Edge Direct Apart

Consistent, proactive care before pain becomes a problem
Earlier detection of concerns
Faster corrections when something feels off
Fewer setbacks and fewer flare-ups
More confidence in your movement each day
High-level recovery and performance at an affordable rate
More hands-on time combined with effective tools for comfort and performance
A predictable, low monthly cost
Discounted pricing on all services
Direct communication with your movement specialist for fast answers and ongoing support
Freedom from insurance hassles and limitations

Membership Options

All membership levels include:

20% off all performance and recovery services
20% off Recharge sessions
Direct communication with your movement specialist
Access and discounts for shockwave treatments

Recover ($39 per month)

Recover is our most accessible membership. It is ideal for anyone who wants consistent support without a large commitment. It helps you stay ahead of pain, get quick guidance when something feels off, and enjoy discounted access to performance and recovery services.

Recover members receive:

20% off performance and recovery services
20% off Recharge sessions
A direct line to a movement specialist for simple check-ins and quick advice

Perform ($99 per month)

Perform is designed for active individuals who want regular, hands-on support to keep their bodies operating at a high level. Whether you train consistently, have a physically demanding job, or want structured monthly maintenance, Perform provides the tune-ups your body needs.

Perform includes all Recover benefits plus: One Recharge session each month for targeted work, early detection, and proactive corrections.

Excel ($349 per month)

Excel is our most comprehensive membership. It is designed for individuals who want consistent, high-touch care and a deeper partnership with their movement specialist.

Excel includes all Recover benefits plus: Four Recharge sessions each month for regular maintenance and optimized performance.

Baseline Assessment

Your membership begins with a comprehensive Baseline Assessment, a personalized evaluation designed to help you get the most out of Kinetic Edge Direct.

During this session, your movement specialist will:

Identify your strengths and areas that may need support
Establish your personalized comfort and performance goals
Build a tailored plan for your first several months of membership
Help you prioritize which services will benefit you most
Give you actionable insights you can use immediately

Think of it as your roadmap for feeling better, moving better, and performing better — a jumpstart to your success in the program.

Cost: $49 (retail value $150)

Good news: This fee is waived for clients transitioning directly from active physical therapy into a membership, since much of this information has already been established in your plan of care.

As Medicare open enrollment approaches, seniors are being flooded with advertisements promising low-cost, benefit-packed Medicare Advantage plans. On the surface, these plans can look like an easy choice — low or even $0 premiums, built-in prescription coverage, and extra perks such as dental, vision, or grocery cards.

But as 2026 approaches, new regulations and insurer cutbacks are reshaping the landscape. Many of these plans will look less expensive up front but come with higher out-of-pocket costs, fewer choices, and reduced benefits once you actually need care.

Fewer Choices, Fewer Perks

Across the country, several major insurance companies are cutting back on their Medicare Advantage offerings for 2026. That means fewer plan options for seniors to choose from and, in many areas, the elimination of some existing plans altogether.

Extra benefits that have become common selling points — such as over-the-counter allowances, gym memberships, and grocery stipends — are being scaled down or dropped. At the same time, more plans are shifting from flexible PPO structures to stricter HMOs, which limit which doctors and hospitals you can use and often require referrals for specialists.

In short, while the number of available plans may shrink, the restrictions within those plans are likely to grow.

Higher Costs Hiding Beneath “Low Premiums”

The appeal of a $0 premium plan can be strong, but it’s important to understand what’s changing behind the scenes. In 2026, many insurers are raising their maximum out-of-pocket limits — the total amount you could spend on care in a year before the plan covers 100%.

Some plans are also shifting from flat copays to coinsurance, meaning instead of paying a predictable fee for a visit or procedure, you’ll owe a percentage of the total bill. That percentage can add up quickly, especially for hospital stays, advanced imaging, or specialty care.

Prescription drug costs are also expected to rise slightly, with the annual out-of-pocket cap increasing from $2,000 to $2,100. While that limit provides some protection, changes in how medications are tiered and priced mean many enrollees could still pay more overall.

Network Restrictions Could Limit Care

Another growing concern is provider access. As insurers tighten costs, more plans are favoring HMO-style models with smaller networks of approved doctors and hospitals. This can make it harder to keep your preferred providers — or even find a local specialist that accepts your plan.

If your doctor or hospital leaves your network in 2026, you could face the choice of paying higher out-of-network rates or switching providers altogether. This is especially challenging for patients with ongoing conditions or those who travel frequently.

The Importance of Reading the Fine Print

It’s easy to focus on what looks good in the brochure: low premiums, added benefits, and convenient bundled coverage. But the true value of a Medicare Advantage plan lies in its coverage details — not the marketing highlights.

Before enrolling or automatically renewing your plan for 2026, take time to:

Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) carefully to understand how your plan will differ next year.
Check your provider network to ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals remain covered.
Compare your medications in the Medicare Plan Finder to see if your drug costs or coverage tiers are changing.
Consider your health needs — especially if you see multiple specialists or travel frequently.

The Medicare open enrollment period, from October 15 to December 7, 2025, is your opportunity to make adjustments before these changes take effect.

Bottom Line

Medicare Advantage plans can still be a good fit for some people — but the changes coming in 2026 make it more important than ever to read the fine print. A plan that looks like a great bargain could end up costing more in the long run, both in money and in flexibility.

If you’re currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage, take a closer look at what’s changing before you renew. What looks like savings now could mean limited choices, surprise bills, and fewer benefits down the road.

Sources:

Information from The Wall Street Journal (“Big Changes Are Coming for 2026 Medicare Plans – What You Need to Know”).

As educators, we’ve all had students who seem constantly “off”—the ones who can’t sit still, overreact to sounds or textures, seem spacey, or bounce between extremes in behavior and attention. What if these weren’t discipline issues or defiance, but signs of sensory processing challenges or retained reflexes that impact learning?

Understanding sensory needs and how a child’s body and brain are working behind the scenes can transform how we support students—and help them succeed in your classroom.

🌟 What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is the brain’s ability to take in, sort, and respond to information from the world (sound, light, movement, etc.) and from the body (muscles, joints, and internal cues). When this process breaks down, students may be either over-responsive or under-responsive to their environment—or fluctuate between the two.

🔹 A student with a low threshold might notice every little sound, get overwhelmed by bright lights, or gag at food textures.
🔹 A student with a high threshold might seem inattentive, chew on clothing, constantly move, or ignore verbal instructions.

🤸 Why Movement Matters: Primitive Reflexes and Learning

You may not realize that unintegrated primitive reflexes—automatic survival responses from infancy—can interfere with attention, coordination, emotional regulation, and even academic skills.

Here are a few key reflexes that can impact the classroom:

Moro Reflex (Startle): Triggers fight-or-flight. Students may appear anxious, avoid movement, or struggle with transitions and attention.

ATNR (Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex): Interferes with crossing midline, reading, handwriting, and following verbal directions.

STNR (Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex): Can cause poor posture at desks, vision challenges, or trouble copying from the board.

Spinal Galant: Linked to fidgeting, poor attention, difficulty sitting still, and even incontinence.

When these reflexes don’t integrate during early development, students are often operating from a “survival brain,” not their “learning brain.”

🧠 What Can Teachers Do?

Here are classroom-friendly strategies that support sensory regulation and readiness to learn:

✅ General Organization

Post and review the daily schedule to increase predictability

Use consistent, multi-sensory cues for transitions

Provide flexible seating and allow alternative positions (standing, belly-lying)

🎧 Auditory Supports

Use calming music (50–70 BPM) or nature sounds during transitions

Provide noise-canceling headphones for overwhelmed students

Position students with auditory processing needs so their right ear faces instruction

🏋️‍♂️ Movement & Proprioceptive Input

Integrate structured “heavy work” breaks: wall push-ups, chair push-ups, yoga, animal walks

Use weighted lap pads or therabands on chairs

Offer brain breaks that cross the midline (marching, clapping patterns, etc.)

👀 Visual Supports

Reduce glare and bright lighting (limit fluorescent bulbs when possible)

Declutter workspaces and limit visuals on worksheets

Use visual organizers like color-coding, folding paper, or cue marks

👄 Oral Motor Supports

Allow chewing gum, crunchy snacks, or straws for self-regulation

Practice “puffer cheeks” or deep breathing paired with visuals

💡 Final Thoughts

Sensory dysregulation isn’t a behavior problem—it’s a brain-body disconnect. When we build in supportive strategies and offer students ways to regulate, we see growth not just in focus and academics, but also in confidence, connection, and classroom community.

If you have a student who seems overwhelmed, fidgety, inattentive, or emotionally reactive, they may benefit from occupational therapy support. Our team at Kinetic Edge specializes in sensory integration, reflex assessment, and tools for success at school and beyond.

👩‍🏫 Need Support for a Student?
Reach out to our team for consults, screenings, or collaboration!

📧 rachaelb@kineticedgept.com
🌐 www.kineticedgept.com

📍 Serving Newton, Des Moines, Ames, Oskaloosa, and Pella

Understanding Reflex Integration in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Did you know your child’s ability to focus, sit still, or coordinate their movements may be connected to reflexes developed before they were even born?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns that develop in utero and early infancy to support survival and neurological development. As a child grows and gains control over their body, these reflexes should naturally integrate—or “mature”—to make room for more advanced, intentional movement and thinking, but sometimes, reflexes don’t integrate as expected.

What Happens When Reflexes Don’t Integrate?
When primitive reflexes are retained, they can interfere with a child’s ability to function effectively in daily life. For example:

The Moro reflex—our “startle” response—can trigger an overactive fight-or-flight system, leading to anxiety, poor self-regulation, or difficulty with concentration.
The Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) can affect coordination, crossing midline, and visual tracking—skills needed for reading and writing.
The Babinski reflex, if retained, may impact balance and walking patterns, leading to poor posture or motor coordination.
The Spinal Galant reflex may contribute to bedwetting, fidgeting, or difficulty tolerating tight clothing.

Retained reflexes can impact both physical abilities and emotional well-being, especially under stress or during transitions. That’s why identifying and addressing these early neurological patterns is so critical.

How Occupational Therapy Helps
At Kinetic Edge, our pediatric occupational therapists are trained to identify retained reflexes and help children integrate them through targeted, play-based interventions. This process, known as reflex integration, involves:

Gentle, repetitive movements that mimic the original reflex patterns
Sensory and motor activities designed to build new, more efficient brain connections
Strategies that promote self-regulation, attention, balance, and postural control

Because the brain is incredibly adaptable (thanks to neuroplasticity), these interventions help children transition from automatic, survival-based responses to more intentional and controlled actions.

Why Reflex Integration Matters
A child who struggles with focus, fidgeting, emotional outbursts, poor coordination, or even speech delays may actually be working against these unintegrated reflexes every day. By addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms—we help children build a stronger foundation for learning, emotional resilience, and daily independence.

What to Expect
Your child’s journey begins with a comprehensive OT evaluation. We’ll look at developmental milestones, reflex patterns, and sensory processing to create an individualized plan focused on your family’s goals. With consistent sessions, many families begin to see improvements in:

School readiness
Emotional regulation
Fine and gross motor skills
Social participation
Independence with daily routines

👩‍⚕️ Let’s Help Your Child Reach Their Potential
If you suspect your child may have retained reflexes or sensory challenges, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule an occupational therapy evaluation at any of our convenient Iowa locations: Newton, Des Moines, Ames, Pella, or Oskaloosa.

🔗 www.kineticedgept.com

📞 Call your nearest clinic to learn more and get started.

Looking for the best outdoor adventures in Iowa this summer? Our team has compiled their top picks for family-friendly hikes, scenic lakes, vibrant city escapes, and hidden natural gems. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a day trip, these destinations offer something for everyone.

Maquoketa Caves State Park – Maquoketa, IA

Medical Claims Specialist, Ella Helgeson’s favorite childhood spot is perfect for families. With more caves than any other state park in Iowa, Maquoketa Caves offers dramatic geological formations, cool microclimates, and six miles of trails. Learn more

Lost Island Waterpark – Waterloo, IA

Practice Manager & Assistant Financial Officer, Renae Oppenhuizen’s family go-to for water fun! Enjoy slides, a lazy river, and wave pool at Iowa’s largest waterpark. Plan your visit

Decorah, IA

Many team members love Decorah for its natural beauty and vibrant charm. OT, Paige Nelson, has fond memories of taking her engagement photos in Decorah. Athletic Trainer, Dustin Briggs, says that Decorah has it all: great food, breweries & wineries, waterfalls & Pike’s Peak State Park. Pella Care Coordinator, Laura Van Zee, loves the beautiful landscape, hiking, waterfalls, the ice cream shops, and fresh water trout fishing with her family.

Decorah

Angela Glass, Physical Therapist in Newton, adds, “Northeast Iowa is one of our favorite places in Iowa to visit. There’s great hiking at Pikes Peak and Effigy Mounds. In Decorah, you can visit 3 different waterfalls (Dunning’s Springs is one of our favorites). There’s a fish hatchery and the downtown Decorah area has many different shops to visit as well as the Vesterheim Museum. If you stop in Decorah, Mabe’s Pizza is a must-try. On one of my favorite trips to the Decorah area, we kayaked the Upper Iowa River. You can stop on the sandbars and look for fossils. Phelps Park is really pretty and has a few scenic trails. There is also a pretty extensive bike trail. Another one of our favorite places for hiking is the Loess Hills in western Iowa. Hitchcock Nature Center and surrounding trails are awesome.” Discover Decorah

Lake Rathbun – Appanoose County, IA

Oskaloosa Care Coordinator, Lisa’s family favorite for camping and boating, this scenic lake offers swimming, fishing, and gorgeous views across southern Iowa. Find camping options

Des Moines Attractions – Des Moines, IA

Office & Billing Manager, Ro Westra’s favorites make Des Moines a must-visit spot. Highlights include the Downtown Farmers’ Market, concerts, Hotel Fort Des Moines, Bubba’s Southern Comforts, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Gray’s Lake trails, kayaking, and pedal boating. Explore DSM | Des Moines Botanical Garden | Gray’s Lake

Robert’s Creek – Knoxville, IA

Paige’s favorite paddleboarding spot, Robert’s Creek offers calm waters, beautiful surroundings, and a peaceful getaway just outside the Des Moines area. Learn more

Ledges State Park – Boone, IA

HR Representative, Morgan DeRaad’s family loves hiking and picnicking at this park known for sandstone cliffs and a creek that kids can splash through. Visit Ledges

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge – Prairie City, IA

Ella also recommends this refuge for its restored prairie landscape, bison and elk sightings, and educational exhibits. Plan your trip

Iowa State Fair – Des Moines, IA

Pella PT, Sara Schroeder’s favorite event of the year! Celebrate Iowa’s agriculture, food, and entertainment at this iconic fair. Iowa State Fair Info

Okoboji, IA

eating ice cream in Okoboji

COO, Todd Schemper’s family tradition involves long weekends by the lake, playing at Arnold’s Park, and enjoying classic Iowa summer fun. Okoboji Attractions

Iowa Waterfall Tour – Various Locations

Des Moines PT, Abbey Woodbeck’s summer adventure was a day tour of six stunning waterfalls across Iowa, complete with hiking and discovering hidden gems. Plan Your Tour

Davenport – Quad Cities, IA

Marketing Specialist, Tassi Fuson’s top pick for riverside fun! Tassi recommends strolling along the Mississippi River, visiting the Figge Art Museum, or catching a Quad Cities River Bandits baseball game. The nearby Freight House Farmers Market and downtown district offer a variety of dining and shopping options. Explore Davenport

Burlington, IA

Financial & Marketing Assistant, Karlene Vander Wilt’s favorite day trip destination!

Snake Alley

Walk around Starr’s Cave Nature Center, enjoy the stunning views of the Mississippi River at Crapo Park & Mosquito Park, and check out the historic Snake Alley, built in 1894 – it’s pretty amazing! Visit Burlington

🗺️ Interactive Map of Iowa’s Top Summer Destinations

To help you plan your trip, here’s an Interactive Map of all the destinations!

Whether you’re seeking family fun, thrilling water adventures, or peaceful nature escapes, Iowa has something for everyone. Where will your next Iowa adventure take you?

by Dr. Lisa Brekke, PT, DPT

The importance of seeing a physical therapist following a brain injury is significant. In a previous post this year we talked about early access improving outcome following injury. Seeing a physical therapist after a concussion can be beneficial for several reasons, as a concussion can affect various systems in the body. Here are a few reasons why it’s important.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: A concussion can disrupt the vestibular system (the part of the inner ear and brain that helps control balance). A physical therapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation can help treat dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues that often follow a concussion.
Neck Pain and Tension: Concussions can cause neck pain, tightness, or headaches due to muscle strain or whiplash-like effects. A physical therapist can provide exercises and manual therapy to alleviate pain and improve neck mobility.
Postural Control: After a concussion, your ability to maintain proper posture may be affected. A physical therapist can help you improve your posture and develop strategies to avoid strain or injury.
Return-to-Activity Progression: A physical therapist can guide a safe return to physical activity. They can help you gradually increase exercise intensity to avoid symptoms flaring up, ensuring that you don’t push too hard, too fast.
Headache Management: Many people experience headaches after a concussion. Physical therapy, particularly in the form of manual therapy, can help manage and reduce headache symptoms that may result from tension in the neck or jaw.
Preventing Long-Term Issues: By addressing symptoms early, physical therapy can help reduce the risk of chronic post-concussion syndrome (PCS), a condition where symptoms persist for weeks or months after the injury.
Cognitive and Visual Issues: Concussions can sometimes affect cognitive abilities and vision, leading to problems with concentration, focus, and visual tracking. A physical therapist can assist with exercises to improve these functions.
Education: Early symptoms need to be managed to allow for full recovery. A trained physical therapist is armed with tips and tricks to help you navigate the world and keep your symptoms down.

In short, physical therapy helps optimize recovery, address post-concussion symptoms, and guide a safe return to normal activities, all while helping to prevent long-term problems. Your physical therapist is an important part of your care team when recovering from a concussion.

If you believe you have experienced a concussion reach out to the experts at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy online or by calling 866-588-0230.

by Dr. Lisa Brekke

Concussions are a common but serious type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a blow to the head or body causes the brain to move within the skull. While many concussions do not warrant a trip to the emergency room, it is important to take any potential concussion seriously and seek medical attention if necessary.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

If you’ve experienced a blow to the head or a violent jolt and are wondering whether a concussion has occurred, there are several signs that should prompt a visit to the ER. Immediate medical attention is crucial when:

Loss of Consciousness: Even a brief loss of consciousness is a red flag. If you were knocked out, even for a few seconds, you should go to the ER immediately.
Severe Headache: A headache that is intense or worsening over time may indicate a more serious brain injury or bleeding, which requires immediate evaluation.
Vomiting or Nausea: Persistent vomiting or nausea after a head injury could signal a more severe condition that needs urgent treatment.
Seizures: If you experience seizures following a head injury, seek immediate medical help, as this could indicate a serious problem.
Confusion or Difficulty Thinking Clearly: Feeling disoriented, struggling to remember details of the event, or having trouble processing information may indicate a more significant brain injury.
Unusual Behavior or Personality Changes: A concussion can sometimes cause behavioral changes. If you or the injured person exhibits unusual behaviors, aggression, or confusion, seek urgent medical attention.
Unequal Pupils or Slurred Speech: Changes in vision, such as one pupil appearing larger than the other, or slurred or incoherent speech, could indicate a more serious condition, like bleeding in the brain.
Weakness or Numbness: If you feel weakness or numbness in any part of the body, especially on one side, this could be a sign of a stroke or other serious condition requiring immediate medical intervention.

When to See a Physician

If symptoms are less severe but still noticeable, a follow-up with your physician is warranted. You may also consult a sports medicine physician specializing in concussion management.

Other reasons to schedule an appointment with your physician:

Follow-up after an ER visit: Emergency rooms address immediate concerns like brain bleeds or skull fractures. Scheduling a follow-up with your physician or a physical therapist specializing in concussion management can help determine the next steps in your recovery.
Gradual Onset of Symptoms: If symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or fatigue worsen or do not improve in the days following a concussion, seek a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Cognitive Symptoms: Feeling foggy, having trouble concentrating, or struggling with memory problems are common after a concussion. A doctor can help manage these symptoms and provide strategies for recovery.
Gradual Return to Normal Activity: An athletic trainer or physical therapist can create a structured plan to help you safely return to your daily routine. This typically involves a step-by-step increase in activity, starting with light tasks and gradually progressing to more demanding activities as tolerated.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Whether you’re going to the ER or seeing your physician, here’s what you can expect:

Thorough Evaluation: The healthcare provider will ask about how the injury occurred, your symptoms, and any prior concussions or head injuries. They will also perform a physical exam to assess balance, coordination, and cognitive abilities.
Imaging Tests: If a physician or ER doctor suspects a more serious brain injury, they may order imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI to rule out bleeding, swelling, or other complications. Currently, there is no imaging or lab test that diagnoses a concussion—these tests are done to rule out more severe issues.
Observation: If symptoms are mild or unclear, you may be observed for a period of time, especially in the ER, to monitor for any worsening symptoms.

Red Flags for When to Seek Immediate Attention

If you are ever uncertain about whether your symptoms require urgent care, look for the following red flags:

Severe or worsening headaches
Difficulty waking up or staying awake
Slurred speech
Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
Severe confusion or agitation
Sudden changes in vision

How to Care for Yourself or a Loved One After a Concussion

Once a concussion is diagnosed, recovery time varies depending on multiple factors. However, there are general guidelines to follow:

Rest is Key: Relative rest—both physically and mentally—is crucial in the days following a concussion. This means avoiding physical exertion as well as mentally taxing activities like reading, using electronics, and even socializing for 24-48 hours.
Gradual Return to Activity: As symptoms improve, you can slowly ease back into your normal routine, starting with light activities. If symptoms return, reduce activity levels and rest until they subside. In Iowa, students must return to learning symptom-free without additional modifications before beginning the return-to-sport protocol. This protocol is typically overseen by an athletic trainer or physical therapist. If you or your child are not an athlete, finding a physical therapist specializing in concussion recovery can be beneficial for returning to work or school without lingering symptoms.
Follow-Up Care: Attend follow-up appointments to monitor recovery. A healthcare provider can ensure symptoms are improving and guide your return to daily activities.

Conclusion

Concussions should never be taken lightly. Whether you visit the ER or your primary care physician depends on symptom severity, but seeking a proper evaluation after any brain injury is crucial for your health. Early diagnosis, rest, and appropriate treatment can help ensure a safe recovery and prevent long-term complications. When in doubt, always seek medical attention—your brain’s health is too important to ignore.

by Dr. Lisa Brekke, PT, DPT

When athlete’s step on the field, court, etc. they run the risk of experiencing a concussion. When a concussion occurs what happens next is extremely important. To recover successfully it is very helpful to have data to inform a plan of care. This is why we believe baseline testing is crucial. In this post I will discuss what a concussion is and the importance of baseline testing.

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This sudden motion can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, ranging from headaches and dizziness to more severe cognitive impairments. Concussions can happen in various settings, including sports, car accidents, and falls, and while many people recover with rest and care, it’s important to take the proper steps to assess and manage the injury. One such step is baseline testing, which plays a vital role in ensuring proper recovery and protecting against further injury.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion occurs when the brain is impacted by an external force, resulting in temporary brain dysfunction. Symptoms can be present immediately or develop hours or days after the injury, and can include:

Headaches
Dizziness or balance problems
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Memory loss
Sensitivity to light or noise
Nausea or vomiting
Emotional disturbances (e.g., irritability, anxiety)

While many people experience mild symptoms that are resolved within a few days or weeks, there are factors that can lead to a prolonged recovery. It is important to treat concussions as soon as possible to improve recovery.

What is Baseline Testing?

Baseline testing refers to a series of pre-injury assessments aimed at measuring an individual’s brain function before any potential head injury occurs. These tests are typically conducted by a healthcare professional, often in the context of sports, but they can be valuable for anyone who may be at risk of head injury. The goal is to establish a “baseline” or normal cognitive function level for the person.

The tests typically measure a variety of aspects related to brain function, including:

Cognitive abilities: Memory, attention, and processing speed.
Balance: The ability to maintain physical equilibrium.
Neurocognitive performance: Decision-making, reaction time, and concentration.
Symptom reporting: Self-reported feelings of dizziness, headaches, or other cognitive symptoms.

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we utilize SWAY Medical for all baseline testing both in clinic and in the schools that we work with.

The Importance of Baseline Testing

Accurate Comparison for Post-Injury Assessment
- If an individual suffers a concussion, baseline testing can provide valuable data to compare their current condition with their pre-injury state. This comparison helps medical professionals assess the symptoms and impact of the concussion and track recovery. Without baseline data, it’s much more difficult to understand how significant the changes in brain function are after an injury.

Early Detection of Cognitive Impairment
- Concussions can lead to subtle changes in cognitive functions, which might not be immediately obvious to the individual. Baseline testing provides a reference point, so healthcare providers can detect even small impairments. This early detection is crucial for preventing further complications and ensuring the brain has adequate time to heal.

Guiding Return-to-Play Decisions
- In sports, it’s critical that athletes don’t return to play before they have fully recovered from a concussion. Returning too soon can lead to a higher risk of re-injury or a more severe brain injury. Baseline testing helps determine whether an athlete has returned to their normal cognitive function and physical abilities, ensuring they are truly ready to resume normal activities safely.

Establishing a Standard of Care
- By using baseline testing, doctors and healthcare providers can establish a standardized approach to concussion management. This allows for more consistent and accurate treatment decisions, whether in sports, work, or everyday life. It also helps educate athletes, parents, and coaches about the importance of recognizing and properly managing concussions.

Conclusion

Concussions are serious injuries that require careful management and attention. Baseline testing offers an essential tool for monitoring an individual’s brain health before and after a concussion. Whether you’re a coach, parent, athlete, or just someone concerned about head injuries, understanding the importance of baseline testing and utilizing it as part of a concussion management plan can significantly improve outcomes and promote long-term brain health.

By prioritizing concussion safety and investing in baseline testing, we can better protect athletes and individuals from the risks of head injuries and provide more effective recovery strategies when needed.

If you are interested in doing baseline testing with Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy please reach out online or call 866-588-0230.

by Dr. Lisa Brekke, PT, DPT

A recent article in U.S. News highlights a new research study that emphasizes early access to physical therapy as a key to concussion recovery.

The study followed over 200 adults recovering from mild traumatic brain injuries or concussions who were within two to 12 weeks (about 3 months) from their date of injury. The research concluded that starting physical therapy within two months is the best window to optimize recovery and ensure that the brain does not compensate for the initial injury, which can be detrimental in the long run.

Why do you want to avoid compensation post-concussion?

To understand the concerns related to post-concussion compensation, it is important to understand that a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that affects brain function and can occur when there is an impact to the head or body. Concussions are diagnosed by the individual’s complaints and an objective examination. CT scans may be obtained initially to ensure there are no skull fractures or brain bleeding.

Concussion is a functional change to an individual’s brain, not a structural change. Functional changes in how the brain works happen because of changes to the chemical and energy-related processes that help protect it from more damage. When a concussion is left untreated, it’s like the main road stays under construction and our brains learn to take a detour instead of using the main path. This is initially helpful as the brain heals and begins to reopen its main pathway. However, without the proper physical therapy for recovery, this main road doesn’t get utilized and new connections are made along the detour.

These detours are extremely helpful immediately to allow us to function; however, post-concussion they lead to detrimental effects as they are bypassing the most efficient route, burn more energy to complete tasks, and teach our brains to rely on certain systems more than others.

We have compensations that may include moving the whole body instead of turning your head, turning your head instead of shifting your eyes, avoiding head movements, avoiding phone and computer use, avoiding grocery stores, not driving, and not working out. These adjustments cause less information to reach our brain from our eyes, balance system, and posture, which can lead to problems like headaches, dizziness, trouble staying balanced, eye discomfort, brain fog, and difficulty thinking clearly as we keep trying to cope with these changes.

What does physical therapy do for concussion sufferers?

Physical therapy after a concussion focuses on finding out what your brain is struggling to adjust to and helping you gradually return to your normal activities. This will involve you describing your symptoms, as well as what increases and decreases them. It will also include an assessment of your neck, eyes, inner ears, and cardiovascular fitness, as these areas can be affected after a concussion. We will work with your physicians to provide reasonable accommodation for school or work while you are recovering and provide you with exercises and guidelines for activities in your daily life to allow for full recovery. You may also be referred to other medical providers with specialties that aid in your recovery.

So, what should you do?

If you suspect that you have a concussion or have been diagnosed with a concussion, see a physical therapist as soon as possible. There are physical therapists who specialize in concussion recovery, and they will be able to help you with the initial phases of recovery as well as progress you back to your prior level of function. This may require a collaborative approach, and your specialized physical therapist will have the resources and help you along the way.

Does this mean you are stuck with symptoms if you didn’t do physical therapy initially?

This does not mean you can’t see a physical therapist if your injury was more than two months ago. Physical therapy can help at any point of your recovery, even years down the road.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us online or call 866-588-0230 with any questions or to schedule.


References:  
Article referenced by U.S. News: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, study, Dec. 18, 2024; OHSU, news release, Dec. 19, 2024; The Washington Post, media report, Jan. 5, 2025 
Picture reference: https://thebraindocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cognitive-Reserve-Neuroplasticity-The-Brain-Docs-Sherzai-MD-1024x693.webp

Kinetic Edge and Hope of the Nations teams

On August 2nd, a dedicated group of Kinetic Edge team members—Troy Vander Molen, Carol Kelderman, Derrick Simms, Marcy Jones, Whitney Vander Veen, Rachael Barnette, and Emily Eaton—departed the United States on a mission to Tanzania. After an overnight layover in Dubai, they arrived in Kigoma, Tanzania, on Sunday, August 4th.

The following day, the team set up a medical clinic within the church at the Hope of the Nations Bible College compound. With the help of interpreters, they provided care to local residents seeking treatment. In just five hours, they attended to approximately 100 patients before heading to Lake Tanganyika for a refreshing swim.

On Tuesday, August 6th, the Kinetic Edge medical team returned to the church in Businde for the second day of the clinic. They were warmly greeted by familiar faces, including patients from the previous day who had returned with family members and children in need of medical care.

“We treated a range of musculoskeletal issues, likely influenced by the heavy physical work and the habit of carrying heavy items on the head and back. I personally saw an extraordinary amount of ‘women’s health’ issues due to my expertise. We encountered many arthritic conditions and were commonly treating infections, worms, malaria, constipation, and dehydration. We worked hard to familiarize ourselves with the most common conditions and local medications. A local physician and pharmacist accompanied us and were invaluable resources. We regularly stopped at a local pharmacy to replenish medications. All medications are available for purchase without a prescription, but the poverty and lack of medical care made our evaluations, patient education, and medication rare and valuable for the people we served,” shared Dr. Carol Kelderman.

Unfortunately, the clinic was abruptly shut down at 1 p.m. that day due to a complaint from a local medical clinic director. Despite this setback, the team managed to help another 100 patients before the closure. That afternoon, they visited a local market filled with shops offering colorful cloth for making clothes, as well as a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables. The day ended with the team gathering for a meal, sharing highlights from the day, and worshiping together.

The next day, the Kinetic Edge medical team took a break from the clinic. This pause was timely, as a Hope of the Nations representative had to meet with local government officials to obtain permission to continue their work. The team spent the day at the Hope of the Nations Primary School helping with various tasks and later participated in door-to-door evangelism in an area where a new church had been launched a few months earlier.

On Thursday, August 8th, the team traveled an hour outside of Kigoma to a mountain village called Bubango. “In Businde, we organized the patient list and practiced without government oversight. After the drama on Tuesday and Wednesday, we now had to see patients according to a list provided by the local government. Though there were 52 men on the list with 250+ women and children, our first patients were men, following the customs of their culture. Making it more difficult to serve the large number of people was the fact that the government would only allow us to have three American doctors see patients, and there were a few government officials there the whole time observing everything we did,” recounted Dr. Troy Vander Molen in his Facebook recap of the trip (check out his page for more details, photos, and videos).

Friday marked the team’s final clinic day in Tanzania, as they returned to Bubango. Each day, they visited the pharmacy to purchase medications tailored to the ailments of each patient. Word had spread about the team’s presence, and a large crowd awaited them. Fortunately, more team members were able to see patients than the previous day. Over the course of 3.5 days, the team served approximately 525 patients.

Saturday, August 10th, was the team’s last day in Africa. They took a well-deserved break from clinics and spent the day exploring. Their journey took them to Ujiji, where they visited the Livingstone Museum and observed soap being made along the way. The day concluded with a dinner at the Hilltop Hotel.

The next morning, the team was up early to board a plane back to Dubai and then home. Each member returned with immense gratitude for the experience, the people of Tanzania, and everyone back home who made this impactful journey possible.

“My favorite part of our experience was definitely the relationships we were able to build in such a short time—within our Kinetic Edge team, with the people we served during our clinics, with our buddies, and at the primary school. Despite language barriers, major cultural differences, different spiritual beliefs, and socioeconomic disparities, we found common ground and shared so much joy with the people we met. It’s hard for me to describe this trip as ‘good’ or ‘great’ because, to be honest, it was heartbreaking, challenging, and at times exhausting. But this trip stretched me in ways I didn’t know I needed. To see people with so much less access and material wealth than us surpass us in spiritual and relational wealth was eye-opening and inspiring. It was the most visible example of God’s hands at work I have ever experienced,” reflected Dr. Rachael Barnette.

Kinetic Edge team members in Tanzania swimming in lake

Kinetic Edge team members in Tanzania organizing medications

Rachael helping check in Tanzania patients

Kinetic Edge team with students in Tanzania

Toddler girl in child occupational therapy session doing sensory playful exercises with her therapist.

Unlocking Your Child’s Potential: Free Developmental Screenings at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Understanding the unique challenges and milestones of childhood development can be daunting for parents. That’s why we are excited to offer a free developmental screening for children, conducted by our dedicated team of occupational therapists.

What is a Developmental Screening?

A developmental screening is a 20 minute assessment aimed at identifying potential concerns in a child’s physical, emotional, and social development. It’s a proactive approach to ensure your child is on the right track or to identify areas where they might benefit from additional support.

Why Should You Consider a Developmental Screening?

Parenting comes with its fair share of worries. Are you concerned about your child’s anxiety, frequent emotional outbursts, or delays in motor skills? Does your child have difficulty making friends, paying attention, or avoiding certain noises or textures? Perhaps your child is struggling with sleeping, bed wetting, or other developmental challenges.

These concerns are common, and you’re not alone. Our free developmental screenings are designed to assess these issues and more, determining if Occupational therapy could address your child’s needs.

What to Expect During the Screening

Personalized Consultation with an Occupational Therapist (OT): Our screening begins with a one-on-one conversation between you and one of our skilled OTs. This is your chance to share any concerns or observations you have about your child’s development. Our therapists are here to listen and provide expert insights.
Interaction with Your Child: Following the consultation, our therapists will engage with your child in a series of fun and interactive activities. These activities are designed to assess various developmental milestones and behaviors, offering a comprehensive view of your child’s progress.
Comprehensive Evaluation: Based on the information gathered during the developmental screening, our therapists will determine whether Occupational Therapy (OT) could be beneficial. If they believe so from there they will schedule a comprehensive evaluation with you and your child to determine a plan of care.

Why Choose Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy?

Expert Team: Our team comprises highly trained and compassionate physical and occupational therapists dedicated to supporting your child’s growth and well-being.
Holistic Approach: We look at the whole child, considering physical, emotional, and social development.
Community Support: We’re more than just a therapy office – we’re a community. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Take the First Step Today

Your child’s potential is limitless, and we’re here to help unlock it. Don’t wait to address your concerns – early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s development. Schedule your free developmental screening today and take the first step towards a brighter future for your child.

To book your free screening or to learn more about our services, call 866-588-0230 or submit an online request.

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we’re committed to helping children reach their full potential. Join us in making a difference, one step at a time.

People in orthopedic therapy rehabilitation. Therapists character working with disabled patients, rehabilitating physical activity, physiotherapy. Set of flat cartoon vector illustrations

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we believe in a proactive approach to health and wellness. While many people think of physical therapy as something to turn to only after an injury or surgery, there’s a growing recognition of the benefits of a yearly physical therapy exam. Here’s why you should consider adding it to your annual health routine and how it can help you stay active, healthy, and pain-free.

Why a Yearly Physical Therapy Exam?

Early Detection of Issues

One of the key benefits of a yearly physical therapy exam is early detection. By assessing your physical condition annually, our therapists can identify potential problems before they become significant issues. This proactive approach can help you avoid injuries, reduce chronic pain, and improve your overall quality of life.

Customized Health and Wellness Advice

Each individual is unique, with different body types, fitness levels, and activity preferences. A yearly exam allows our physical therapists to provide personalized advice and exercises tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve performance or someone seeking to stay active as you age, our therapists can create a plan that aligns with your goals.

Improved Posture and Mobility

Poor posture and limited mobility are common issues that can lead to discomfort and pain. During your yearly exam, our therapists will assess your posture and mobility, identifying any areas that need improvement. We’ll work with you to develop exercises and stretches that can help you maintain proper alignment and flexibility, reducing the risk of future problems.

Strengthening and Conditioning

As we age, muscle strength and conditioning can decline. A yearly physical therapy exam provides an opportunity to assess your muscle strength and develop a conditioning program that keeps you strong and active. Our therapists can recommend exercises that target specific muscle groups, helping you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Managing Chronic Conditions

If you have a chronic condition like arthritis or back pain, a yearly physical therapy exam is an excellent way to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Our therapists can work with you to develop strategies that reduce pain and improve function, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.

Ready to Schedule Your Exam?

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we’re committed to helping you stay healthy and active. Our team of experienced physical therapists is here to guide you through every step of your wellness journey. Whether you’re looking to prevent injuries, improve your posture, or manage a chronic condition, a yearly physical therapy exam is a valuable tool.

If you’re ready to take control of your health, contact us today to schedule your yearly exam. Take the first step towards a healthier, more active lifestyle with Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy! Book your appointment today.

$The hands of a traumatologist doctor in green medical gloves examine the girl s damaged elbow joint. Injury and dislocation of the elbow joint, bruise and fracture. Growing pains$

Understanding Hypermobility

Hypermobility, commonly referred to as double-jointedness, is a condition where the joints can move beyond their typical range. While this flexibility might seem advantageous, it can lead to instability, pain, and an increased risk of injury. People with hypermobility may experience frequent joint dislocations, sprains, and muscle fatigue. If you have hypermobility, you might find yourself asking: how can physical therapy help me?

Why Physical Therapy is Important for Hypermobility

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing hypermobility by helping to strengthen the muscles around hypermobile joints, improve proprioception, and reduce the risk of injury. At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we focus on comprehensive approaches tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Strengthening Muscles and Stabilizing Joints

Our physical therapists create customized exercise programs to strengthen the muscles around hypermobile joints. Strong muscles help support these joints, providing stability and reducing the likelihood of dislocations and sprains.

Improving Proprioception

Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to sense its position in space. This is often diminished in individuals with hypermobility. Through specific exercises and techniques, we can improve proprioception, which in turn enhances coordination and balance.

Managing Pain

Chronic pain is a common issue for people with hypermobility. Our team uses a variety of methods, including manual therapy, stretching, and modalities like ultrasound or heat therapy, to help manage pain and improve overall comfort.

Enhancing Flexibility in a Controlled Way

While hypermobility involves an excessive range of motion, it’s still essential to maintain flexibility in a controlled manner. Our physical therapists can guide you through safe stretching exercises that help you maintain a healthy range of motion without overstressing your joints.

Education and Lifestyle Modifications

Knowledge is key to managing hypermobility effectively. At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we educate our clients on lifestyle changes, ergonomic adjustments, and proper body mechanics to reduce stress on hypermobile joints during daily activities.

How To Take Action

If you’re living with hypermobility and struggling with joint pain, instability, or frequent injuries, it’s time to take action. At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we’re committed to helping you achieve a more stable and pain-free life.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Don’t let hypermobility hold you back. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists today. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan designed to strengthen your body, improve joint stability, and reduce pain.

Book your appointment online, or call us at (866) 588-0230. Take the first step toward a healthier, more stable future!

Are you battling with the nagging pain of tennis elbow? Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast, a fitness aficionado, or someone facing prolonged desk work, the discomfort of tennis elbow can significantly impede your daily routine. That’s why we’re here to guide you through five effective exercises to alleviate pain and prevent recurrence.

1. Wrist Extensor Stretch:

Begin by extending your affected arm straight out in front of you, palm facing down.
Use your other hand to gently press your affected hand downwards until you feel a stretch in the forearm.
Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeat 3 times. Perform this stretch multiple times a day to improve flexibility and reduce tension in the wrist extensor muscles.

2. Forearm Pronation and Supination:

Hold a light dumbbell or a household object like a hammer or a can of soup in your hand, palm facing upwards.
Slowly rotate your forearm to turn your palm downwards (pronation).
Then, rotate your forearm to turn your palm upwards (supination).
Perform 2 sets of 15-20 repetitions, gradually increasing the weight as tolerated. This exercise strengthens the muscles involved in forearm rotation, aiding in better control and stability.

3. Eccentric Wrist Extension:

Hold a light weight (dumbbell or resistance band) in your hand with your palm facing downwards.
Use your unaffected hand to help lift the weight up into a wrist extended position.
Slowly lower the weight back down with the affected hand, controlling the movement.
Perform 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions. Eccentric exercises help build strength and resilience in the muscles and tendons, crucial for preventing reinjury.

4. Towel Twist:

Hold a small towel or a resistance band in both hands, palms facing each other.
Twist the towel or band by rotating your wrists outward, keeping your elbows close to your body.
Hold for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10-15 times. This exercise targets the muscles responsible for wrist stability, aiding in injury prevention.

5. Grip Strengthening with Stress Ball:

Squeeze a stress ball or a tennis ball in your hand as tightly as possible without causing pain.
Hold the squeeze for 5-10 seconds, then release.
Repeat 10-15 times. This exercise improves grip strength, which is essential for various activities and can help reduce strain on the forearm muscles.

Consistency is key when it comes to managing tennis elbow. Alongside these exercises, it’s crucial to incorporate proper rest, ergonomic modifications, and gradual progression into your routine. However, if you continue to experience persistent pain or if your symptoms worsen, it’s essential to seek professional guidance.

Take the First Step Towards Relief with Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, our experienced team specializes in treating tennis elbow and other musculoskeletal conditions. If you’re ready to take control of your pain and get back to doing what you love, schedule an appointment with us today. Don’t let tennis elbow hold you back any longer—let’s work together towards a pain-free future.

Cheerful football players doing warm up exercises on the field before the match. Happy footballers doing leg raises standing on the field.

Welcome to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, where we’re passionate about optimizing athletic performance and preventing injuries. Today, we’re diving into a crucial aspect of soccer training: dynamic warm-ups. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, understanding the significance of dynamic warm-ups can make all the difference in your game.

Why Dynamic Warm-Up?

Soccer is a sport that demands agility, speed, and quick decision-making. A dynamic warm-up is specifically tailored to prepare your body for these demands by increasing blood flow, flexibility, and neuromuscular activation. Unlike static stretching, which can actually hinder performance when done before exercise, dynamic warm-ups involve active movements that mimic the motions of the sport.

Benefits of Dynamic Warm-Up for Soccer Athletes:

Injury Prevention: Dynamic warm-ups help to prepare your muscles, tendons, and ligaments for the demands of the game, reducing the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries. By gradually increasing the range of motion and activating key muscle groups, you can improve your body’s readiness to handle sudden movements and changes in direction.
Enhanced Performance: By priming your body with dynamic movements, you can improve your agility, speed, and power on the field. Dynamic warm-ups have been shown to improve proprioception (awareness of body position) and muscle activation, allowing you to move more efficiently and effectively during gameplay.
Mental Preparation: Dynamic warm-ups also serve as an opportunity to mentally prepare for the challenges ahead. By focusing on the task at hand and visualizing success, you can enter the game with a clear mind and heightened concentration.

Sample Dynamic Warm-Up Routine:

Lunges with a Twist: Dynamic lunges with a rotation help to activate the hip flexors, glutes, and core muscles while improving thoracic spine mobility.
High Knees: This exercise increases heart rate and improves lower body coordination, preparing you for quick sprints and changes in direction.
Leg Swings: Forward and lateral leg swings help to improve hip flexibility and stability, crucial for kicking, sprinting, and defending.
Inchworms: Inchworms stretch the hamstrings, calves, and lower back while also engaging the core and shoulder stabilizers.
Bounding: Bounding exercises mimic the explosive movements required in soccer, improving power and stride length.

Elevate Your Game with Dynamic Warm-Up! Schedule Your Consultation Today

Ready to take your soccer performance to the next level? Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physical therapists at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to optimize your training routine, our team is here to help you achieve your goals safely and effectively.

Don’t wait until an injury sidelines you from the game you love. Invest in your athletic longevity and performance by incorporating dynamic warm-ups into your training regimen. Contact us today to book your appointment and unlock your full potential on the soccer field!

six years old bouy sleep with LED night lamp, School child dreaming. Kid angry of darkness.

Ensuring a good night’s sleep is crucial for the overall well-being of children. However, for some parents, bedtime can be a struggle, marked by restless nights and endless tossing and turning. If your child is experiencing difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are solutions available, and occupational therapy might just be the key to unlocking a peaceful night’s rest for your child.

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we understand the importance of quality sleep for a child’s physical and cognitive development. That’s why we offer comprehensive pediatric occupational therapy services designed to address sleep-related issues and promote healthy sleep habits.

Understanding the Role of Occupational Therapy in Sleep

Occupational therapy focuses on enhancing a child’s ability to engage in daily activities, including sleep. Our occupational therapists are trained to assess and address various factors that may contribute to sleep disturbances in children. These factors can range from sensory processing challenges and anxiety to poor sleep hygiene and bedtime routines.

Through personalized treatment plans, our therapists work closely with children and their families to identify underlying issues and develop strategies to improve sleep quality. By addressing the root cause of sleep disruptions, we empower children to achieve restful and rejuvenating sleep each night.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help Your Child Rest Easy

Sensory Integration Techniques: Many children struggle with sensory processing issues that can disrupt their ability to relax and fall asleep. Our pediatric occupational therapists employ sensory integration techniques to help children regulate their sensory input and achieve a state of calm conducive to sleep.
Bedtime Routine Development: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is essential for promoting healthy sleep habits. Our therapists collaborate with families to create personalized bedtime routines tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. From soothing activities to relaxation exercises, we help children wind down and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
Stress and Anxiety Management: Anxiety and stress can significantly impact a child’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Through cognitive-behavioral techniques and relaxation strategies, our therapists teach children coping mechanisms to manage stress and anxiety effectively. By addressing these underlying emotional factors, we help children feel more relaxed and at ease during bedtime.
Environmental Modifications: Creating a sleep-friendly environment is essential for promoting optimal sleep conditions. Our therapists offer guidance on optimizing the bedroom environment, including recommendations for lighting, noise levels, and comfort-enhancing strategies. By making simple adjustments to the sleep environment, we help children create a peaceful and inviting space conducive to restful sleep.

Take the First Step Towards Better Sleep Today

Don’t let sleep struggles disrupt your child’s well-being and development. At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we’re committed to helping your child rest easy and wake up feeling refreshed each morning. Take the first step towards better sleep by scheduling an appointment with one of our experienced occupational therapists.

Invest in your child’s health and happiness. Contact Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy and embark on the journey to better sleep today!

Stretching at the workplace of office workers. A set of vector illustrations of men and women doing exercises during a work break.

Stretching is a fundamental aspect of any effective physical therapy program. Understanding the mechanisms and benefits of stretching can empower you to make the most out of your rehabilitation journey.

The Basics of Stretching:

Stretching is a dynamic and versatile component of physical therapy that plays a pivotal role in improving flexibility, enhancing range of motion, and preventing injuries.

Static Stretching:

Involving holding a stretch for an extended period, static stretching helps improve flexibility and relaxes muscles. It is often incorporated into cool-down sessions to aid in recovery.

Dynamic Stretching:

This form of stretching involves controlled, repetitive movements. It is particularly useful during warm-up routines as it prepares the body for physical activity by increasing blood flow and flexibility.

The Physiology of Stretching

When you stretch, your muscles and connective tissues undergo various physiological changes. Understanding these changes is crucial for optimizing the effectiveness of your stretching routine.

Muscle Fiber Lengthening:

Stretching induces the elongation of muscle fibers. Consistent stretching over time can lead to increased muscle length and flexibility, contributing to improved overall mobility.

Blood Flow Enhancement:

Stretching promotes better blood circulation to the stretched muscles. This improved blood flow ensures adequate oxygen and nutrient supply, aiding in tissue repair and recovery.

Neuromuscular Response:

Stretching activates proprioceptors, sensory receptors in muscles and tendons. This activation sends signals to the nervous system, promoting muscle relaxation and reducing tension, creating a positive impact on overall muscle function.

Joint Range of Motion Improvement:

Regular stretching helps maintain and enhance joint flexibility. Increased range of motion contributes to better overall functional movement, reducing the risk of stiffness and discomfort.

Benefits of Incorporating Stretching into Your Physical Therapy Routine

Now that we’ve covered the science behind stretching, let’s explore the numerous benefits you can reap by incorporating it into your physical therapy routine.

Injury Prevention:

Enhanced flexibility and improved muscle elasticity resulting from regular stretching reduce the risk of strains and injuries, supporting a safer and more effective rehabilitation process.

Improved Posture:

Stretching aids in correcting muscle imbalances, leading to better posture. This can alleviate stress on the musculoskeletal system and promote overall spinal health.

Pain Reduction:

Regular stretching can alleviate muscle tightness and discomfort, providing relief from chronic pain conditions and contributing to a higher quality of life.

Enhanced Athletic Performance:

Improved flexibility and range of motion contribute to better athletic performance. Whether you’re an elite athlete or engaging in recreational activities, incorporating stretching into your routine can optimize your physical capabilities.

Take the First Step Towards Embracing the Stretch with Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy

We believe in a holistic approach to rehabilitation, and understanding the science behind stretching is integral to your success. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to guiding you through personalized stretching routines tailored to your unique needs. Embrace the science, embrace the stretch, and embark on your journey to improved mobility and overall well-being. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your path to optimal physical health starts with Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy.

Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is dedicated to promoting wellness and providing effective solutions for a range of musculoskeletal issues. One issue that has become extremely common in today’s tech-centric world: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. From understanding its causes and symptoms to exploring the role of occupational therapy in its treatment, let’s delve into this topic to empower you with knowledge and effective solutions.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway made up of bones and ligaments at the base of the hand, and any swelling or inflammation in this area can lead to compression of the median nerve.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Several factors can contribute to the development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Repetitive Hand Movements: Engaging in repetitive hand and wrist motions, such as typing or using a mouse for extended periods, can increase the risk.

Wrist Anatomy: Individuals with smaller carpal tunnels may be more prone to compression of the median nerve.

Medical Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can contribute to the development of CTS.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and fluid retention during pregnancy can increase pressure on the median nerve.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel:

Identifying the early signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is crucial for prompt intervention. Common symptoms include:

Numbness or tingling in the hand and fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping objects.
Pain or discomfort that radiates up the forearm.
Increased symptoms at night.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Carpal Tunnel Treatment:

At Kinetic Edge, our team of skilled therapists specializes in developing personalized treatment plans to address Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Our occupational therapy interventions may include:

Therapeutic Exercises: Tailored exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected hand and wrist.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to alleviate tension, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
Ergonomic Education: Guidance on proper workplace ergonomics to minimize strain and reduce the risk of CTS recurrence.
Nerve Gliding Exercises: Specialized exercises designed to improve the mobility of the median nerve and alleviate symptoms.

Call Kinetic Edge to Schedule an Appointment Today

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can significantly impact daily life, but with the right knowledge and a targeted occupational therapy approach, individuals can find relief and regain optimal hand function. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of CTS, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kinetic Edge online or by calling 866-588-0230. Our dedicated team is here to help you on your journey to recovery and improved hand health. Remember, taking proactive steps today can lead to a pain-free and functional tomorrow.

Physiotherapist working with mature female patient in a rehab center. Chinese woman lifts dumbbells on a fitness ball with a personal trainer

With the dawn of a new year comes the opportunity to set meaningful health and fitness goals. In this article, we’ll be exploring why making strength training a key focus in your resolutions is a practical and impactful choice. Whether you’re looking to boost fitness, prevent injuries, or take a holistic approach to your well-being, the benefits of incorporating strength training go beyond the physical, laying the groundwork for a healthier and more robust lifestyle.

Embracing Holistic Health:

Strength training transcends the mere pursuit of muscle gain. It’s a comprehensive strategy for enhancing your overall health. At Kinetic Edge, we advocate for a well-rounded fitness approach that not only builds strength but also improves bone density, boosts metabolism, and supports cardiovascular health.

Guarding Against Injuries:

Preventing injuries is a cornerstone of physical therapy, and strength training is a pivotal component. By fortifying muscles and joints, these exercises play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of injuries, whether you’re an athlete seeking peak performance or someone striving for improved daily mobility.

Joint Support and Pain Management:

For those grappling with chronic joint pain or arthritis, strength training emerges as a powerful ally. Strengthening the muscles surrounding your joints provides vital support, contributing to pain management. Our team at Kinetic Edge tailors strength training programs to individual needs and conditions.

Weight Management Synergy:

If weight management is on your agenda for the year, consider the complementary role of strength training. Building lean muscle mass elevates your metabolism, facilitating the maintenance of a healthy weight. Our physical therapists collaborate closely with clients to craft personalized plans aligned with their weight management objectives.

Cultivating Mental Well-being:

Beyond the physical benefits, strength training offers a significant boon to mental health. The endorphins released during a session act as natural stress relievers, mitigating anxiety and depression. By integrating strength training into your routine, you’re investing not just in physical health but also in mental well-being.

Take the First Step Towards Strength and Resilience with Kinetic Edge

At Kinetic Edge, we know if you move better, you function and feel better. Prioritizing strength training in your New Year’s resolutions is a commitment to enduring well-being. Our dedicated team stands ready to support your journey, providing expert guidance and personalized care across any of our locations. Let’s make 2024 a year defined by strength, resilience, and holistic well-being!

A physical therapist helps a patient to manage chronic pain by stretching injured leg with resistance band

Chronic pain is a persistent and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s due to an injury, a medical condition, or even unknown causes, living with chronic pain can significantly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, there’s hope for relief through physical therapy. In this blog post, we will explore how physical therapy can be an effective and holistic approach to managing chronic pain, helping you regain control of your life and enjoy a pain-free existence.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is characterized by discomfort that persists for weeks, months, or even years. Unlike acute pain, which is a temporary response to an injury or trauma, chronic pain can persist long after the initial injury has healed. It can result from various conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, and more. The pain can be a constant companion, affecting your mobility, mood, and overall well-being.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Managing Chronic Pain

Physical therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing and reducing chronic pain. Skilled physical therapists work with patients to address the root causes of their pain and develop individualized treatment plans. Here’s how physical therapy can help:

Pain Management: Physical therapists use a combination of manual techniques, therapeutic exercises, and modalities to alleviate pain and discomfort. These treatments can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and release muscle tension, providing much-needed relief.

Improved Mobility and Function: Chronic pain often leads to reduced mobility and functional limitations. Physical therapists design personalized exercise programs that focus on increasing flexibility, strength, and range of motion. These exercises can help you regain independence in your daily activities.

Posture and Body Mechanics: Poor posture and improper body mechanics can exacerbate chronic pain. Physical therapists educate patients on proper posture and body mechanics to minimize stress on the affected areas, reducing pain and preventing further injury.

Education and Self-Management: One of the key components of physical therapy is patient education. Physical therapists empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to manage your pain independently. They teach techniques for pain relief, self-massage, and exercises you can perform at home.

Psychological Support: Chronic pain can take a toll on your mental health. Physical therapists offer emotional support, helping patients cope with the psychological aspects of chronic pain, and develop strategies for stress management and relaxation.

Achieve Long-Term Pain Relief with Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy

Chronic pain can be a challenging condition to live with, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Physical therapy offers a holistic and effective approach to managing chronic pain by addressing the root causes, improving your mobility, and enhancing your overall quality of life. If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic pain, consider scheduling a session by contacting one of our clinics in Albia, Ames, Colfax, Centerville, Newton, Oskaloosa, Pella, and Des Moines!

Pregnant woman doing fitness ball and pilates exercise with coach. Happy future mother preparing for childbirth.

The Essential Role of Physical Therapy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey that brings joy, anticipation, and sometimes a few discomforts along the way. While expecting a child is undoubtedly a wonderful experience, the physical changes that come with it can also lead to various challenges and discomforts for mothers-to-be. This is where physical therapy comes to the rescue, playing a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth, healthy, and comfortable pregnancy. In this blog post, we’ll explore why physical therapy is essential during pregnancy and how it can benefit both you and your baby.

Alleviating Pain and Discomfort

Pregnancy often brings about a range of physical discomforts, including lower back pain, sciatica, pelvic pain, and joint issues. As your body changes to accommodate the growing baby, these aches and pains can be persistent and challenging. Physical therapy provides you with techniques and exercises to alleviate these discomforts, ensuring a more pleasant pregnancy experience. Expert physical therapists can tailor programs specifically to your needs, addressing your unique pain points.

Maintaining Muscular Strength and Balance

During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes in terms of weight distribution, posture, and muscle engagement. This can lead to muscle imbalances and weaken certain muscle groups. Physical therapy focuses on maintaining muscular strength and balance, which can help reduce the risk of injuries and falls, ensuring both you and your baby are safe throughout the pregnancy.

Promoting Optimal Posture

As your belly grows, it’s natural to adapt your posture to accommodate the additional weight. However, this can lead to poor posture and backaches. Physical therapists are experts in guiding you towards maintaining a proper and healthy posture during pregnancy. This not only reduces pain but also aids in the prevention of musculoskeletal problems.

Preparing for Labor and Delivery

Physical therapy can equip you with essential tools for labor and delivery. Techniques such as breathing exercises, core strengthening, and pelvic floor exercises are valuable assets for every expectant mother. By focusing on these areas, physical therapy can facilitate an easier labor and speedier postpartum recovery.

Managing Swelling and Edema

Many pregnant women experience swelling, particularly in the legs and feet, due to the body’s increased fluid volume and changes in circulation. Physical therapists can teach you how to reduce swelling through manual techniques, gentle exercises, and proper body mechanics. This helps ensure that swelling doesn’t turn into a more significant issue and that you remain comfortable.

Enhanced Overall Well-Being

Pregnancy can be an emotionally and physically challenging time. Engaging in physical therapy not only helps alleviate physical discomforts but also promotes emotional well-being. Regular exercise and movement can boost your mood, increase energy levels, and reduce stress.

Contact Kinetic Edge For Physical Therapy During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, and it’s essential to prioritize your well-being throughout this transformative period. Physical therapy offers a range of benefits for expectant mothers, from pain relief and improved posture to enhanced overall well-being. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort, preparing for labor, or simply seeking a more comfortable pregnancy, a physical therapist can be your invaluable partner on this extraordinary journey.

If you’re pregnant or planning to start a family, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced movement experts at www.kineticedgept.com or by giving us a call at 866-588-0230. We’re here to support you and ensure that you have a healthy, happy, and comfortable pregnancy. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

A Physical Therapist at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy Center works with an infant on crossing midline tasks to help progress to crawling

As parents and caregivers, we want the best for our children’s physical and cognitive development. We strive to provide them with opportunities that promote growth and learning. One often overlooked aspect of a child’s development is the ability to perform “midline crossing” tasks. Midline crossing tasks are activities that involve moving one hand, foot, or eye across the body’s midline, which divides the body into left and right halves. Incorporating these tasks into your child’s daily routine can have a profound impact on their development, and as a physical therapist, I am here to explain why.

Strengthening Brain Connectivity:
Midline crossing tasks help strengthen the neural connections between the two hemispheres of the brain. This enhanced connectivity is crucial for various cognitive functions, including problem-solving, reading, writing, and math skills. When a child crosses the midline, they engage both sides of their brain, fostering better communication and coordination between them.

Improved Bilateral Coordination:
Midline crossing tasks encourage the use of both sides of the body simultaneously. This promotes bilateral coordination, essential for activities like tying shoelaces, riding a bike, and playing sports. Developing strong bilateral coordination early in life lays a solid foundation for success in various physical activities.

A Physical Therapist at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy Center works with an infant on crossing midline tasks to help progress to crawling

Enhanced Fine Motor Skills:
Fine motor skills involve the precise control of small muscles in the hands and fingers. Many activities that require crossing midline, such as drawing shapes, cutting with scissors, or picking up small objects, help refine these fine motor skills. In addition, it is important for eyes to cross midline while eye teaming to be effective in reading, writing, and buttoning clothing.

Better Spatial Awareness:
Midline crossing tasks enhance a child’s spatial awareness and perception. They learn to understand their body’s position in space, which is valuable for activities like navigating crowded spaces, participating in team sports, and even dancing. Improved spatial awareness contributes to overall physical confidence.

Language Development:
Surprisingly, midline crossing tasks can also positively impact language development. The coordination and brain connectivity fostered by these tasks can lead to improved communication skills, including better articulation, vocabulary, and understanding of language concepts.

Enhanced Concentration and Focus:
Engaging in activities that require crossing the midline can help children improve concentration and focus. They learn to coordinate their movements and stay engaged in tasks for more extended periods, which is beneficial for both academic and recreational pursuits. When our brain is able to communicate effectively between hemispheres it doesn’t have to work as hard to function against gravity, leaving more mental energy to problem-solve, attend to, and regulate emotions and impulses.

Social Benefits:
Participating in group activities that involve crossing midline, such as team sports or dance classes, can improve a child’s social skills. They learn to cooperate, follow instructions, and communicate effectively with their peers while enjoying physical activity.

A Physical Therapist at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy Center works with an infant on crossing midline tasks to help progress to crawling

Incorporating Midline Crossing Tasks:

Now that we understand the importance of midline crossing tasks in a child’s development, the next question is how to incorporate these activities into their daily routine:

Encourage play: Provide toys and games involving reaching the midline, such as building blocks, puzzles, or drawing with chalk.

Enroll in organized activities: Consider enrolling your child in sports like soccer, tennis, or dance, where midline crossing movements are an integral part of the game.

Be creative: Encourage your child to explore their creativity through art and crafts activities that require crossing the midline, like cutting and pasting.

Practice at home: Incorporate simple exercises into your daily routine, such as reaching across the midline while sitting or standing. Make it fun and engaging.\

Midline Crossing Tasks Are Crucial

Midline crossing tasks are more than just physical activities; they are building blocks for a child’s overall development. Incorporating these tasks into your child’s daily routine can help them build a strong foundation for cognitive, physical, and social success. As a physical therapist, I highly recommend embracing these activities as part of your child’s growth journey. It’s a simple yet effective way to support their development and set them on the path to a bright future.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development reach out to us today at 866-588-0230 or schedule a free screen online!

Mature indian man suffering from shoulder and back pain while sitting on couch and working from home on laptop. Indian middle aged business man in casual clothing stretching neck while working on laptop. Stressed middle eastern businessman suffering from neck pain. As a physical therapy clinic, we see many patients who are struggling with pain and discomfort due to working from home. While remote work offers convenience and flexibility, it can also pose challenges to our physical health if we don’t pay attention. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to keep your body functioning properly while working from home.

Set Up an Ergonomic Workstation

This means making sure that your chair, monitor, keyboard, and mouse are all at the right height and position to minimize strain on your neck, back, and shoulders. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when setting up your workstation:

Invest in an adjustable chair and desk that can accommodate your height and needs. Ensure your feet rest flat on the floor while sitting, and your desk is at the right height to avoid straining your shoulders or neck.
Position your monitor at eye level to reduce strain on your neck and eyes. Use a laptop stand or external monitor if necessary.
Use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to prevent wrist and hand strain. Maintain a relaxed wrist position while typing or using the mouse.

Get Up and Move Around Regularly

Aim to get up and walk around for at least five minutes every hour. You can also stretch, do some light exercises, or step outside for some fresh air. Check out this blog post to learn a couple of simple yet effective exercises you can do during these times

Side View Of A Young Woman Doing Stretching Exercise In Office

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for your overall health and physical well-being. Try to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Most importantly, avoid excessive snacking on unhealthy options during work hours. Keep a water bottle at your desk and make sure to drink water throughout the day.

Listen to Your Body and Seek Professional Advice If Needed

Don’t push yourself too hard. If you’re feeling pain or discomfort, take a break or adjust your position. If the pain becomes excessive, be sure to see a physical therapist. We can help you identify the cause and develop a treatment plan to get you back to feeling your best.

Reach out to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy For a Free Screening

The Physical Therapists at Kinetic Edge understand the importance of maintaining your physical health while working from home. By following these tips and prioritizing your well-being, you can ensure that your body functions properly even in a remote work environment. Remember, a healthy body leads to a more productive and fulfilling work-from-home experience. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment or free screening. Stay healthy, stay productive!

Footballer wearing a blue shirt, black pants injured in the lawn during the race.

While athletes are the stars of the show at any sporting event, there’s an often-overlooked group of professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure their safety, performance, and well-being: athletic trainers. These unsung heroes play a vital role in the success of sporting events, from local games to international competitions. Let’s dive into the essential role that athletic trainers play and why their presence is so important.

Guardians of Athlete Well-being:

Athletic trainers are the guardians of athlete health and well-being. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate sports-related injuries. Before a game even begins, they assess the physical condition of players, identifying any potential issues that could impact performance. By working closely with athletes, trainers can customize conditioning programs and injury prevention strategies to help athletes stay in top shape.

Immediate Response to Injuries:

In the fast-paced world of sports, injuries can occur in an instant. Athletic trainers are often the first responders on the scene when an injury takes place. Their quick thinking, expertise, and ability to assess the severity of injuries are crucial in determining the appropriate course of action. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, a muscle strain, or a more serious injury, athletic trainers are prepared to provide immediate care that can make a significant difference in the recovery process.

Part of the Team:

Athletic trainers are integral members of sports teams, whether at the professional, collegiate, or high school level. They work collaboratively with coaches, physicians, and physical therapists to create a comprehensive plan for athlete care. By understanding the unique demands of a sport and the individual needs of each athlete, trainers can contribute to training regimens that maximize performance and minimize the risk of injuries.

Rehabilitation and Recovery:

In the unfortunate event that an athlete does sustain an injury, athletic trainers are there to guide them through the rehabilitation process. They design tailored recovery programs that address not only the physical aspects of healing but also the mental and emotional challenges that come with being sidelined. This comprehensive approach not only ensures a swift return to the field but also reduces the likelihood of recurring injuries.

Educators and Advocates:

Athletic trainers are not only concerned with the well-being of athletes during their careers but also throughout their lives. They educate athletes about proper nutrition, injury prevention techniques, and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By promoting long-term health, trainers play a role in shaping the habits and behaviors of athletes that can extend far beyond their time on the field.

Enhancing Athlete Performance:

Athletic trainers contribute to enhancing athlete performance by focusing on physical conditioning, injury prevention, and personalized training programs. With their expertise in biomechanics, exercise physiology, and nutrition, trainers help athletes reach their peak potential. By identifying areas of improvement and tailoring training routines, they play a significant role in elevating overall team performance.

Athletic trainers are the unsung heroes of sporting events, working diligently behind the scenes to ensure the safety, well-being, and success of athletes. Their expertise, immediate response to injuries, and commitment to athlete health make them indispensable members of any sports team.

Kinetic Edge Provides Athletic Training Services to Athletes of All Levels

Kinetic Edge takes great pride in providing athletic training services to various schools in our communities. We also work with many athletes from other schools. If you are or have an athlete that needs support in recovering from an injury or enhancing performance give us a call today at 866-588-0230.

Closeup of a needle and hands of physiotherapist doing a dry needling.

The therapists at Kinetic Edge do not provide acupuncture treatments. This article aims to clarify the differences between acupuncture and dry needling to assist readers in choosing the most effective treatment.

When it comes to alternative therapies for pain management and musculoskeletal issues, two techniques stand out as popular choices: dry needling and acupuncture. As a physical therapist, understanding the key differences between these two methods is crucial for providing the best possible care to patients. In this blog post, we’ll explore the nuances of dry needling and acupuncture, shedding light on their origins, methodologies, and intended therapeutic effects.

Origins and Background

Acupuncture: Originating in ancient China over 2,000 years ago, acupuncture is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It revolves around the concept of restoring the flow of life force energy, known as “qi,” through pathways called meridians by inserting thin needles at specific points on the body.

Dry Needling: A more recent therapeutic technique, dry needling, emerged in the 20th century. It draws inspiration from modern Western medicine and is rooted in the understanding of myofascial trigger points (tight knots within muscles) as sources of pain and dysfunction. Dry needling aims to release these trigger points to promote healing and relieve pain.

Theoretical Basis

Acupuncture: TCM practitioners believe that the human body’s vital energy, qi, flows through meridians, which correspond to specific organs and body systems. By balancing the flow of qi, acupuncture is thought to restore health and treat various ailments.

Dry Needling: Unlike acupuncture, dry needling does not consider energy meridians or qi. Instead, it focuses on targeting myofascial trigger points and areas of muscle tension, aiming to stimulate local tissue repair and reduce pain through mechanical and neurological mechanisms.

Technique and Needle Insertion

Acupuncture: Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, ranging from 0.16 to 0.25 mm in diameter. They are often inserted at varying depths, typically between 1 to 3 centimeters, and are sometimes manipulated manually or with mild electrical stimulation for enhanced therapeutic effects.

Dry Needling: In dry needling, slightly thicker needles are used, ranging from 0.25 to 0.30 mm in diameter. These needles are inserted directly into myofascial trigger points or tight bands of muscles, often eliciting a local twitch response (LTR), which indicates successful targeting of the trigger point.

Scope of Practice

Acupuncture: Traditionally practiced by acupuncturists, TCM practitioners, or licensed acupuncturists, acupuncture is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is used to address a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental conditions.

Dry Needling: Dry needling is typically performed by physical therapists, chiropractors, or other healthcare professionals with specialized training. Its primary focus is on treating musculoskeletal conditions such as sports injuries, muscle spasms, and chronic pain.

Regulation and Training

Acupuncture: Practitioners of acupuncture are required to undergo extensive training and certification specific to acupuncture. Regulations vary from country to country, but most places have well-established licensing boards and educational requirements.

Dry Needling: Training and certification for dry needling can vary widely based on location and professional background. Physical therapists, for example, may need to complete additional courses and demonstrate proficiency before practicing dry needling on patients.

While both dry needling and acupuncture involve the use of needles for therapeutic purposes, their philosophies, techniques, and intended outcomes differ significantly. Acupuncture, deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, seeks to restore the flow of qi through meridians to promote overall well-being. On the other hand, dry needling, a modern approach, aims to alleviate musculoskeletal pain by targeting specific trigger points within muscles.

As a physical therapist, understanding the distinctions between these two techniques is vital to offer the most appropriate and effective treatment to patients, ensuring their journey towards recovery is both safe and successful. Contact the Physical Therapists at Kinetic Edge to determine the best course of treatment based on individual needs and conditions. Call or request an appointment today.

by Dr. Lisa Brekke

Each year a team of experts meet and discuss updates on prevention, assessment and treatment of concussions. In October of 2022 they met and developed the 6^th International Concussion Consensus which summarizes evidence-based guidelines for concussion prevention, assessment and management. Below I will summarize the 6^th statement with the 8 Rs of Concussions.

Recognize

The new consensus updates the formal definition of concussion to help health care providers properly diagnosis a concussion. The important part for patients and parents to understand is that a concussion is not structural damage to the brain and therefore no abnormalities will be found on imaging. CT scans of the brain may be completed in the ER setting to rule out more serious injury including skull fractures and bleeding.

Reduce

Prevention was a big part of the consensus; finding ways to reduce the occurrence of concussions. The panel unanimously supported the following recommendations:

Mouthguard use in child and adolescent ice hockey.
Policy disallowing body checking should be supported for all children and most adolescent ice hockey.
Strategies limiting contact practice in American football.
Neuromuscular training warmup programs are recommended.
Policy supporting optimal concussion management strategies to reduce recurrent concussion rates.

Remove

Recognition of concussion is the first step. Removal of player from the field of play should be done if there is a suspicion or actual concussive event. This can be based on players signs and symptoms observed by other players, medical staff, or officials. Players who exhibit signs and symptoms should not return to play or training that day and should be evaluated by an experienced health care provider.

Re-evaluate

Follow-up with a health care provider is warranted after concussion. This is required for athlete to return to play.

Rest and Exercise

Strict rest after concussion is no longer the standard of practice. Relative rest is indicated for the first 48 hours which includes activities of daily living and reduced screen time. After 24-48 hours return to physical activity as tolerated is recommended and should begin with walking. Working with an athletic trainer on site at the school or a physical therapist (preferably one who specializes in concussion management) to return to play is highly recommended.

*It is important to note that in the state of Iowa, return to learn without modifications is required before return to sport can begin. If any delays occur, getting a second opinion and resources to help progress back to play is important.

Refer

Referral to healthcare providers who are specialized in concussion management should be considered for targeted treatment of persisting symptoms.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is recommended post-concussion. In the case of recurrence of symptoms when progressing through return to learn and return to sport strategies, re-evaluation and referral for rehabilitation is recommended.

Recovery

Facilitating return to learn is a vital part of the recovery process for student-athletes. Referral to appropriate health care providers is warranted immediately if there is a delay in return to learn. The return to sport protocol was updated in this consensus. It now includes improved parameters with return to light and moderate aerobic exercise and physician clearance before return to contact to ensure proper recovery to return to play. These guidelines should be utilized by athletic trainers and physical therapists to guide player safely and efficiently back to sport. In the state of Iowa, athletes need to be cleared earlier in the return to sport protocol, before stage 2. This law trumps the new consensus and should be standard practice in Iowa.

In every sports season it is important for individuals to know what to do in the event of a concussion. Persisting symptoms can be debilitating and significantly reduce an individual’s quality of life. Here at Kinetic Edge, we always offer free screens. Please reach out online or call 866-588-0230 to schedule a free screen if you or your child are experiencing concussion symptoms.

Trigger finger disease (locking finger or stenosing tenosynovitis disorder), hand anatomy with highlight on painful area. Patient has palm pain and catching of finger problem. Medical symptom concept

Have you ever experienced a painful clicking or locking sensation in your finger? If so, you may be dealing with a condition known as trigger finger. Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a common hand condition that affects the tendons in your fingers and thumb. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and explore the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of trigger finger.

What Are the Causes of Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is often caused by repetitive hand movements or activities that strain the tendons in the finger. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition, including repetitive movements, medical conditions, and finger anatomy.

The Symptoms of Trigger Finger

The primary symptom of trigger finger is the finger getting stuck in a bent position and suddenly snapping straight with a clicking or popping sensation. Additional symptoms may include finger stiffness, tenderness and swelling, and finger locking.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Treatment for Trigger Finger

Occupational therapy plays a vital role in the treatment of trigger finger, aiming to restore hand function and alleviate pain. Here are some ways occupational therapy can help:

Activity Modification: Occupational therapists can assess your work and daily activities to identify any repetitive or strenuous tasks that may be exacerbating your trigger finger. They can suggest modifications to reduce strain on the affected finger, such as changing grips, using ergonomic tools, or implementing rest breaks.
Hand Therapy: Experts in hand therapy can guide you through specific exercises to improve finger mobility, strength, and coordination. These exercises help to stretch and strengthen the affected tendons, reducing symptoms and preventing further complications.
Custom Splinting: Therapists can fabricate custom splints or braces to support the affected finger, providing rest and protection. These splints are designed to immobilize the finger in a functional position while allowing movement for other fingers, promoting healing and preventing deformities.
Joint Protection Techniques: Occupational therapists can teach you joint protection techniques to minimize stress on the affected finger joints during daily activities. These techniques involve modifying grasping patterns, using assistive devices, and employing adaptive strategies to reduce strain and promote optimal hand function.
Ergonomic Assessment and Recommendations: A good occupational therapist can evaluate your workstation and provide recommendations for ergonomic adjustments to ensure proper hand and finger alignment during work-related tasks. These adjustments may include changes in desk height, chair posture, keyboard and mouse positioning, and tools used to reduce strain on the fingers.
Pain Management Strategies: Occupational therapists can educate you on pain management techniques, such as heat or cold therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and activity pacing. They can also provide education on the use of assistive devices, such as splinting or adaptive tools, to alleviate pain during daily activities.

Contact Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy for Trigger Finger Treatment

Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in the comprehensive treatment of trigger finger. By addressing the underlying causes, modifying activities, providing therapeutic exercises, and offering ergonomic recommendations, occupational therapists help individuals manage symptoms, regain hand function, and improve their overall quality of life. If you suspect you have trigger finger, schedule a free screen with one of our occupational therapists today by going to https://www.kineticedgept.com/free-kinetic-screen or calling 866-588-0230.

a physical therapist treats a patient for pelvic health at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy Pelvic health issues can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, causing discomfort, pain, and emotional distress. Fortunately, physical therapy has emerged as a powerful ally in addressing these concerns. At Kinetic Edge, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with pelvic health issues and offer specialized physical therapy interventions to help them regain control, find relief, and enhance their overall well-being.

Understanding Pelvic Health

The pelvis plays a vital role in supporting the body, housing reproductive organs, and facilitating bowel and bladder function. Unfortunately, various factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, aging, trauma, and surgery can disrupt the delicate balance within the pelvic region, leading to a range of issues. Common pelvic health conditions include pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction.

Why Choose Physical Therapy for Pelvic Health?

Physical therapy is a non-invasive and highly effective approach to address pelvic health concerns. Unlike medications or surgical interventions, physical therapy aims to restore and optimize the body’s natural function through targeted exercises, hands-on techniques, and education. At Kinetic Edge, our skilled physical therapists specialize in pelvic health and work collaboratively with patients to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.

Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment:

When you choose Kinetic Edge for pelvic health physical therapy, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation to understand the root cause of your condition. Our therapists will take the time to listen to your concerns, perform a thorough physical examination, and may request additional diagnostic tests if necessary. This holistic approach enables us to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying factors contributing to your pelvic health issues.

Targeted Exercises

Exercise is a cornerstone of pelvic health physical therapy. Through targeted exercises, our therapists can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve coordination, and restore proper function. These exercises may include Kegels, core stabilization exercises, stretches, and specialized movements tailored to your specific condition. Our therapists will guide you through each exercise and ensure proper technique and progression to maximize your results.

Hands-On Techniques

In addition to exercises, physical therapists at Kinetic Edge utilize a range of hands-on techniques to release tension, improve mobility, and promote healing in the pelvic region. These techniques may include manual therapy, myofascial release, joint mobilization, and biofeedback. Our therapists will carefully explain each technique, answer any questions you may have, and ensure your comfort throughout the treatment process.

Patient Education and Empowerment

At Kinetic Edge, we believe that empowering patients with knowledge is crucial to their recovery. Our physical therapists will educate you about your condition, its causes, and strategies to prevent recurrence. We will also provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, posture, and ergonomic changes that can positively impact your pelvic health. By actively involving you in your treatment, we aim to equip you with the tools needed to maintain long-term pelvic health.

Contact the Physical Therapy Professionals at Kinetic Edge Today!

Pelvic health issues can significantly impact your daily life, but with specialized physical therapy interventions, you can find relief and restore function. At Kinetic Edge, our dedicated team of pelvic health experts is committed to helping you regain control, alleviate discomfort, and enhance your overall well-being.

Take the first step towards better pelvic health by contacting us today and embarking on a transformative journey towards a healthier and happier you.

by Molly Robuck

Summer is so close we can taste it and as movement experts we’ve been itching for nice weather to let us get outside and get active. If you’re looking for summer activities in Iowa look no further.

Hiking

For the outdoorsy people. Iowa has a lot of hiking areas, caves to explore, parks to see, lakes to fish in, and a lot more summer fun activities. Here are just a few of the hiking trails around Central Iowa.

Woodland Mound State Preserve – 19587 Kirkwood, Milo, IA
Elk Rock State Park – 811 146^th Ave, Knoxville, IA
Cedar Bluffs Natural Area Trailhead – 1211 Co Highway G62, Oskaloosa, IA
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park – 1308 Elk Horn St, Carlisle, IA
Brown’s Woods – 465 Brown’s Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Caves

Iowa also has quite a few caves you are able to go into and explore. Some of them may be a hike to get to, and some take some climbing, but they are all beautiful and well worth the trip to explore. Below is a list of a few caves that we have here in Iowa you can go explore. The top 2 are 2 of my personal favorites.

Crystal Lake Cave – 6684 Crystal Lake Cave Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003
Maquoketa Caves State Park – 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060
Ice Cave – 2559-2539 Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
Shrine of the Grotto – 208 1^st Avenue NW, West Bend, IA 50597
Starr’s Cave Nature Center – 11627 Starrs Cave Park Rd, Burlington, IA 52601

Water

If you are more of a water person or just looking for something to do that doesn’t involve a lot of walking, Iowa has several fishing, kayaking, and boating spots.

Terra Lake – 6300 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston, IA 50131
Gray’s Lake Park – 2101 Fleur DR, Des Moines, IA 50315
Lake Macbride State Park – 3525 Hwy 382 NE, Solon, IA 5233
Saylorville Lake – Saylorville Lake Cherry Glen Boat Ramp, Polk City, IA 50226
Diamond Lake – Montezuma on Hwy 63

The great thing about all these places is camping is located either near or at each of these. Hiking, exploring, boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming in a lake are all great outdoors activities to get you out of the house this summer and most of these places and activities are either free or not expensive.

Entertainment

There are lots more entertaining activities around Central and South-Central Iowa to keep you busy this summer. Below I will list of other activities Iowa has to offer.

Living History Farms – Urbandale, Iowa
Adventureland – Altoona, Iowa
Pappajohn Sculpture Park – Des Moines, Iowa
Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park – Des Moines, Iowa
Amana Colonies – Amana, Iowa
Iowa State Fair in August – Des Moines, Iowa

Indoor Activities

There are some indoor activities that you can do on those rainy summer days we sometimes get.

Iowa Children’s Museum – Coralville, Iowa
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – Des Moines, Iowa
Science Center of Iowa – Downtown Des Moines, Iowa
Playground For Kids – Ankeny, Iowa
Kids Empire – Des Moines, Iowa

If you want some fun activities to do other than sit in the house everyday check some of these out. Either take your family, go with friends, or even just a trip out of the house alone to do something new. Whatever you choose to do please be safe and have fun!

Keeping up with physical therapy during the holiday season can be tough. There are so many other things to do – cooking, parties, shopping, travel, and visiting with family and friends. But if you’re in physical therapy over the holidays, there’s a reason. You’re having pain or not moving as well as you want to. These issues place limitations on your life, which are going to affect your ability to do things – like cooking, partying, shopping, traveling, or enjoying time with friends and family. So even though keeping up with your PT this time of year is tough, it’s important. That’s why we’re going to give you our best tips to help you through the holidays.

Plan

Some of what makes the holidays challenging is the crazy schedule. To survive this, you’re going to have to plan ahead. We’re not just talking about appointments on your calendar, either (although those are important). Here are some things to think about planning ahead:

Your PT appointments

Your schedule is busy during the holidays. So is your PT’s. Plan and schedule your appointments in advance. You’ll get the times and days that work best for you, and you’ll already have your PT appointments in your calendar to plan other things around.

Your exercise

Hopefully you have a regular time to exercise. With the holiday mania about to shake up your routine, that time may no longer work. Think about when you’re going to exercise ahead of time and you’ll stay consistent.

Your diet

Healthy eating often gets derailed during the holidays. Putting low quality fuel into your body won’t help you feel better. Think about planning what you’re going to eat ahead of time. We’re not saying to skip every holiday treat offered to you, but maybe think about which ones you really need to have, and which ones you can skip in advance. It makes saying “no thanks” to that third slice of fruitcake easier.

Modify

We’re realistic. We understand that life isn’t the same during the holidays as it is during the rest of the year. That’s part of what makes this time of year special! With that in mind, our next set of tips focuses on making modifications to help you get through the holidays successfully.

Your PT Plan

When you planned your PT appointments out well in advance, you might have run into some challenges. Talk to your therapist about how you might be able to modify your plan of care through the holidays to make it all work. Maybe you’re going to PT three times a week and you can only come twice a week for a week or two. Plan this sort of thing in advance with your PT and you can work together to come up with the best plan.

Your exercise

Exercise is so important, it made our list twice. Now that you know when you’ll exercise, you might have to modify your routine to make it fit. Again, we recommend talking with your PT to see what you can do. Maybe your home exercise program can be modified so you can do everything in the kitchen during downtime when you’re cooking up your holiday feast. Maybe you can reduce the number of exercises to focus on maintaining the gains you’ve made until things settle down.

Your schedule

In your planning in advance (see how important it is?) you might have found that your normal routine wasn’t going to work. If your PT appointments or exercise time is usually right after work and you’ve now got commitments during that time, maybe you can move them to the morning before work. If you’ve been exercising outside, the shortened days may move you into the gym. Be flexible and consider temporarily modifying your schedule and your routine to make it work better during the holiday season. You can always go back to your previous routine after.

The holidays are a special time of year. Keeping up with your health and your physical therapy can be challenging during this time. But you don’t have to fall behind. With some planning and flexibility, you can stay healthy, enjoy the holidays and head into next year with good momentum!

And it’s never a bad time to address you pain a mobility challenges. If you aren’t in PT already and you’re thinking, you’ll just wait until the new year to get started. The time to get back to the things you love is NOW! Reach out online or give us a call at 866-588-0230 to schedule and evaluation.

Physical therapists are highly trained health care professionals. They are experts in human movement who are trained to evaluate and treat all kinds of musculoskeletal issues with exercise and other techniques. Everyone moves and everyone can benefit from exercise, so physical therapy can help people throughout their entire lives!

Physical Therapy for Children

Physical therapists start treating some people very shortly after birth. Common reasons a baby might need PT include torticollis and cerebral palsy. Torticollis is a postural issue caused by a tight neck muscle. Babies with torticollis hold their heads tipped to one side. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes difficulty with movement and coordination.

As children get older, some have trouble hitting their motor milestones – think of these as the “firsts” – sitting up, rolling over, crawling, standing, and walking. Physical therapists can help here too, using their expertise to help develop motor skills and coordination to get these children back on track.

Physical Therapy for Adolescents

In adolescents, sports injuries become more common. Whether it’s an ankle sprain, or an ACL surgery, a PT can help. The rapid growth in adolescents can cause issues too. Things like growth plate fractures, growing pains, Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, and Sever’s disease are all common in adolescence and are related to the changes the body is going through.

Physical Therapy for Adults

As adults, a lot of us will have back pain – studies say up to 80% of us. Physical therapy is one of the first treatments recommended for back pain. Physical therapists also see adults for injuries – maybe from weekend warrior type sports injuries, overuse, or from an accident at work. Some adults also start to show symptoms of diseases like multiple sclerosis, or myositis which also benefit from physical therapy.

Physical Therapy for Older Adults

Later in life, people tend to have more health issues that impact their ability to move. Things like arthritis, joint replacements, strokes, and heart attacks are all things a PT can help with. Physical therapists also help people age better – keeping them moving with exercise programs that help reduce falls, or helping them make adaptations and modifications to keep them in their homes safely.

Movement is a constant in life. As movement experts, PTs can help people of any age. Some specialize in treating pediatric patients, and some specialize in treating geriatric patients, but all PTs have the expertise to help people move better. If you’re needing help to move better reach out online or give us a call at 866-588-0230.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html

PT for pediatric ataxia – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31392562/

Adult in workplace – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32270086/

Adult myopathy (an example of something treated for adults, not geriatrics necessarily) – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31115788/

The Role of a Physical Therapist in Healthy Aging – https://www.ncoa.org/article/the-role-of-a-physical-therapist-in-healthy-aging

How Physical Therapists Can View Normal Versus Abnormal Aging – https://www.foxrehab.org/pt-impact-older-adults-optimal-function/

by Kimmy Marsh

You get your mail or check your e-mail and you’ve gotten a statement from Kinetic Edge. You take a look and you’re not sure it’s correct. Now what? Here’s a list of some Frequently Asked Questions we get in the Billing Department to hopefully help you decide what your next step is!

Q: What is a deductible?

A: The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. For example, if you have a $2,000 deductible, you will be responsible for the first $2,000 and then insurance will help pay after that. Depending on your plan, they could pay 100%, or you could still owe a copay or have coinsurance.

Q: What is coinsurance?

A: Coinsurance is the percentage of costs you pay based on the charges sent to insurance. For example, if you have a coinsurance amount of 20%, your insurance company will pay for 80% and you will be responsible for the 20%.

Q: What is a copay?

A: A copay is the fixed amount you pay per visit. For example, if you have a $25 copay, you will be responsible for $25 at every visit.

Q: I got an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from my insurance company saying my visits were denied. What do I do now?

A: If you receive an EOB from your insurance company stating that your visits were denied, we also receive that! We have a Claims Specialist on the billing team who works with insurance companies to reprocess claims if they come back denied or incorrect. If we need you to do anything to help reprocess your visits, he will contact you and let you know what information is needed! Most claims we are able to get corrected without needing any help from you!

Q: It looks like my insurance didn’t pay anything and transferred it all to me.

A: If your EOB states that everything got transferred to you, (for example, $201 charged to insurance, $201 is the patient responsibility) this most likely means that your claim was denied by your insurance company. If this happens, our Claims Specialist will appeal it and we work with your insurance company to get this corrected.

Q: I paid $50 a visit. Why am I not seeing that on my statement?

A: If you have a deductible, we ask that you pay $50 a visit to go towards your deductible in the hopes that you won’t get a statement with a large balance. When we apply that $50, it goes to your running balance & not to a specific date of service. Make sure you look at the “Patient Paid” column to make sure our records match up to yours!

Q: My credit card is on file to run, why did I get a statement?

A: While we try to collect payment at every visit, sometimes we miss them! We apologize for the inconvenience to you, but just give us a call & we can run the payment through your saved information!

Q: I have a secondary insurance. Will I still have to pay anything?

A: It depends on what secondary insurance & plan you have.

If you have Medicaid as a secondary, they will cover the balance.
If your secondary has a Deductible or Out of Pocket Maximum to reach, you will have to pay that before they will cover at 100%.
If Medicare is your primary insurance, you might have to cover the yearly Medicare deductible before the secondary will kick in at 100%.

If you have any questions on what your out-of-pocket costs will be, don’t hesitate to call our Corporate Office and talk to our Insurance Specialist!

Q: I thought I paid my statement balance in full, so why did I get another one?

A: Depending on the time of statement printing & you sending in your payment, sometimes they get crossed over in the mail. If you think this happened to you, call our Corporate Office to make sure this was the case & something wasn’t missed on our end!

Q: I got a statement in the mail, but would love e-statements. Can I sign up for those?

A: Absolutely! Just give your clinic a call & let them know that you want to be signed up to get e-statements! You can also opt out if you get e-statements, but would rather get them in the mail!

Q: I got a statement—how can I pay the balance?

A: We have multiple ways you can pay your statement balance!

Go to www.kineticedgept.com/pay-my-bill/
Call in to your clinic location or the Corporate Office to make a credit/debit card payment over the phone
Mail in the payment stub on your statement with a check or your credit/debit card information
Stop in to your clinic location and pay with cash, check or credit/debit card

Q: Can I set up a payment plan?

A: If you’d like to set up a payment plan for your balance, call our Corporate Office to discuss if this is an option for you! We do our best to work with you to get your balance paid in a timely fashion, while also understanding that life happens!

If you have any other questions about your statement, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Billing Team! Just call 641-204-0046 and let us know your questions or concerns!

Albia, Iowa (November 1, 2022) – Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, a leading provider of services that enhance musculoskeletal comfort and performance for individuals and employers, announced today the opening of their newest clinic in Albia. This clinic, their eighth Iowa location, is set to open on January 2, 2023 inside the Made of Mettle facility south of Highway 5 on North F Street.

Dr. Troy Vander Molen, CEO of Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, had previously identified a potential need for outpatient physical therapy services in Albia and reached out to Made of Mettle owners Ashley and Bryan Crosser after seeing news of the new facility they had built.

Made of Mettle came about as a result of the Crosser’s passion for community involvement and generosity. Bryan had found his volunteer niche in sports, from coaching to fundraising for better facilities, while Ashley tended to be behind the scenes, promoting organizations with new graphic & web design, social media and all things digital. They put their passions together, bought a shop and began working toward their dream of providing a multi-sport fitness resource to youth in the community.

“We immediately knew we wanted to add skilled coaches, sports performance classes, and possibly even rehab services to offer kids the full package,” stated Ashley Crosser. “Into our lives came an email from Troy congratulating us on starting this large endeavor to help the youth in our area, and now we’re business partners on a mission to provide needed services to not only athletes, but the entire community.”

Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy opened in 1998 in Pella, Iowa, which remains the company headquarters. They have seven additional clinic locations throughout central and south-central Iowa. Since a change of leadership in 2014, Kinetic Edge has experienced unparalleled growth.

This recent success increased their interest in finding new markets to serve. The interest in growth, however, is not simply to add pins to the map, but the desire to influence people and communities with their unique mission to transform lives and restore hope through movement.

“The Albia community has been on our radar for a long time as an area of future growth for Kinetic Edge PT. Albia has made an impression on us as being a close-knit, hard-working, patriotic community that consistently demonstrates a love for neighbor and a passion for their local school system and its student-athletes.” shared Vander Molen. “When we met the Crossers and saw first-hand how they have invested in local youth athletics to enhance the lives of the kids there, we immediately knew that the Made of Mettle facility and its programming were a natural complement to our mission, vision, and values. We are proud to open our eighth clinic location in Albia and look forward to years of restoring hope and transforming lives through movement and physical therapy there.”

Kinetic Edge has a 24 year history of restoring health to people with musculoskeletal problems. They provide client-focused, one-on-one care people need using evidence-informed techniques, which has proven to be very effective. Plus, as an independent provider of physical therapy, their effective interventions generally result in lower costs for clients whether they are using their health insurance benefit or paying out of pocket. They look forward to opening and serving the community of Albia and surrounding areas soon!

by Cassie Houtz, PTA

Cupping has been around for thousands of years, though the form and types of cups used have varied. Today, you may have seen athletes in your local community or on TV with circular, purple bruises. Those are cupping marks! (You don’t always bruise during cupping but it can happen depending on different factors.) If you aren’t familiar with cupping, it is when you use a specific type of cup made of glass, hard plastic, or silicone, to apply negative pressure to the skin, fascia and muscle under the skin and help with healing or recovery. It can also be called by a technical name, myofascial decompression.

How does it work?

Cupping works by creating suction and pulling different layers of tissue up into the cup. Most cups have a valve at the top and we attach a pump to pull out some of the air. Depending on how strong we cause the suction to be, it can pull skin, fascia, and muscle up into the cup. This can do a variety of things depending on where and how it is applied. It can increase blood flow and bring more healing nutrients to a specific spot. Sometimes the increase in blood flow can create a temporary bruise from blood pooling, but it doesn’t normally hurt like a bruise. Cupping can break up adhesions, which create tightness in the skin or fascia (the layer between your skin and muscle), that occur from poor healing. It can help loosen scars on the surface of the skin, and also help super stretch a muscle, so that it stretches and contracts better and does not feel as tight or painful. Cupping also create more space over a compressed nerve in your arm or leg, which improves pain and healing time for the nerve. It can also be used to bring awareness to an area of muscle that your brain is having trouble using correctly.

Below is an image of a shoulder muscle from an MRI machine showing what cupping does underneath the skin. The first image is before using cupping, the second image is with the cup on, and the third image is the results of the decompressed muscle after the cup is removed. Look how much looser that muscle looks!

When do we use it?

Cupping can be used to decrease pain, assist in healing an injury, or speed up recovery after a race or game. The following list are some (but not all!) of the diagnosis and reasons we use cupping at our Kinetic Edge clinics:

Back pain/stiffness
Neck/upper trap stiffness
Frozen shoulder
IT band tightness
Plantar fasciitis
Total knee replacement
ACL surgery
Tightness around scars
Tennis or golfers elbow
Recovery from race or game

We consider using cupping during a treatment when stretching and massage doesn’t help an area loosen up, or it tightens back up very quickly after the therapy session. It takes between 5-15 minutes to do cupping during a therapy visit. It isn’t painful, but can feel like a pretty strong pull, like someone is squeezing hard. We adjust the pressure based on what we’re targeting, what part of the body the cup is on, and how strong our client can tolerate. You can feel the results immediately afterwards, and it often feels better for days at a time! It is very important to do a lot of stretching 24-48 hours afterwards to help the stretched muscles and tissue stay loose and not tighten back up. People who are more sensitive to pressure can be sore for a few hours up to a day afterwards. But most clients who have had cupping done love how loose they feel and are excited that they can do more activity with less pain immediately afterwards.

Our Kinetic Edge locations in Pella, Oskaloosa, Des Moines, and Ames have therapists who can perform cupping treatments. Schedule an appointment talk to a therapist to see if this is something that can help you heal or recover better!

by Nicole Ferguson

When you enter any KE clinic, you’re met with the gentle clacking of a keyboard, the shuffling of papers, light music in the background and the smile a Care Coordinator. You take a seat in a cozy waiting room where conversation is light, and the prospect of a helpful appointment is in the air. You’re almost immediately welcomed by name and reminded why you come to Kinetic Edge again and again.

You might get a similar greeting when entering your other favorite local businesses, but KE does things just a little differently. Our Care Coordinators (or CCs) are more than just the smiling faces that check you in for your appointments. They’re the friends that make sure you can get the help you need, when you need it. The healthcare system at any point can be frustrating at best and we take pride in doing our best to make our part of it as easy as possible.

I like to joke that we take the care and coordinate it, however, that’s exactly what we do. We take the information you give us and make sure it gets where it needs to go. The Care Coordinator is in charge of making sure your care moves seamlessly through the clinic; from paperwork to treatment graduation, with a little help (okay, a lot) from our back-office team. Our vision at KE is to help create a community of healthy, happy, and hope-filled people and that starts the moment you walk in our door.

CCs make communication a top priority. We make sure that our clients know what is going on with their care, their insurance coverages, and their appointments. From the smallest thing like getting that new print-out of exercises delivered to you, to emailing an itemized bill for your HSA, or finding the best time for your next appointment.

What else do they do?

Check-ins & scheduling appointments
Payment collection & distribution
Insurance & Benefits communication
Lobby presentation & comfort
Receiving incoming referrals
Sending out plans of care from our DPTs
Securing protocols from physicians
Updating charts and digital filing
Filling medical records requests
Collecting outcome measures
Data collection and input
Assisting with insurance authorization

These are just a few items we do every day to make your journey in the healthcare system a little easier. We wouldn’t be able to do anything that we do without our KE family supporting each other. From the back office to the front desk, straight to you; our happy, healthy, hope-filled clients. To get in touch with one of our awesome care coordinators reach out online or give us a call at 866-588-0230.

by Molly Robuck

Aquatic therapy can have lots of names: water therapy, aquatic rehabilitation, aqua therapy, pool therapy, therapeutic aquatic exercise, or hydrotherapy. It is an exercise and/or treatment done in a swimming pool with a physical therapist or occupational therapist. It can be used for relaxation, rehabilitation, fitness, and other therapeutic activities. Now, some may think that aquatic therapy is only for those who have pain in their muscles, joints, or ligaments. However, it can also be greatly beneficial for those with autism and other development disorders as well.

There are many benefits to doing aquatic therapy. I could tell you about all of them, but we would both be here all day. So I am just going to tell you about a few of the mental and physical benefits to this therapy.

Physical Benefits

It increases joint flexibility;
- So, when you have an affected body part it will float, making it less painful and easier to move.
It improves balance;
- With the buoyancy and the pressure of the water it provides support to your body, so you won’t have the fear of falling.
It decreases pain;
- Soaking in warm water can increase a person’s comfort. Warm water helps by increasing the blood supply to the affected area of the body.
It builds muscle strength;
- Since water is 600+ times more resistive than the air, it allows strengthening of the weak muscles.

Possible Mental Health Benefits

Reduces depression
Reduces anxiety
Improves functional autonomy
Decreases oxidative stress in depressed elderly people

It is important to note that not everyone should do aquatic therapy! Those with cardiac disease should not participate in aquatic therapy. If you let your therapist know of any pre-existing conditions, they will help determine if aquatic therapy is right for you.

The Aquatic Therapy Experience

First let’s hear from one of our Physical Therapists who provides Aquatic Therapy to clients.

“I am so thankful to have aquatic therapy as an option for treating clients. The buoyancy of the water allows clients to be able to be successful with activities that they might struggle with in the clinic as there is less stress on the joints in the water, while the resistance from the water creates the opportunity to build muscle strength and work on balance. I find this especially helpful when working with people with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, low back pain and low leg injuries. It is exciting for clients to be able to move better and with less discomfort especially when they aren’t able to tolerate many activities on land. The strength and improved mobility achieved in the water then transfers nicely to help increased function out of the water as well.” – Liz Vermeer, PT, DPT

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what an Aquatic Therapy client had to say about her experience at Kinetic Edge.

“When I came to Kinetic Edge and Liz Vermeer, I was not very mobile at all because of a serious muscle wasting disease. Liz worked hard to find the best option to get me moving. We worked on balance (w/ paralysis in both lower legs & feet). Knowing water therapy would be a good option, we found a way to safely get me in the pool. It made a huge difference in my recovery. I’m walking without a cane or walker. My advice – give aquatic therapy & Liz a chance – it works wonders!” – Sandi Joy Milby

If you’re interested in learning more, give us a call at 866-588-0230 or reach out online. If you’d like to know if it’s right for you, schedule a free screen to talk to one of our therapists.

by Lisa Vos & Chasidy Ryan of the Kinetic Edge Insurance Team

Insurance… just the word can be intimidating! Most people are unaware of their insurance benefits and don’t know where to start when asking questions.

Here is a guide for what you need to know for physical and occupational therapy coverage.

_____________________________________

So, your insurance “covers” physical therapy—which means you won’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket for your therapy visits, right? Not quite. The fact that your insurance plan covers therapy services doesn’t necessarily mean you’re off the hook as far as payment goes. In many cases, you’ll still have to pay a deductible, co-insurance, or a copayment.

To better understand the terms of your plan, you first must understand the terminology. Here are a few common questions regarding insurance lingo:

What is a deductible?

This is the total amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts to pay. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, then your insurance won’t pay anything until you have paid $1,000 for services subject to the deductible (keep in mind that the deductible may not apply to every service you pay for). Furthermore, even after you’ve met your deductible, you may still owe a copay or co-insurance for each visit.

What is a copay?

This is a fixed amount that you must pay for a covered service, as defined by your health plan. Copays usually vary for different plans and types of services. Typically, you must pay this amount at the time of service. Again, copay amounts are fixed—which means you will always pay the same amount, regardless of visit length.

What is a co-insurance?

This type of out-of-pocket payment is calculated as a percent of the total allowed amount for a particular service. In other words, it’s your share of the total cost. For example, let’s say:

Your insurance plan’s allowed amount for an office visit is $100.
You’ve already met your deductible.
You’re responsible for a 20% coinsurance.

In this situation, you’d pay $20 at the point of service. The insurance company would then pay the rest of the allowed amount for that visit. Keep in mind that the coinsurance amount may vary for different services.

What are my costs if I have Medicare?

If you have Medicare, that doesn’t mean you won’t have any cost. You need to meet your Medicare deductible (for 2022 this is $233). If you have secondary insurance, they might cover this deductible amount, but NOT all plans do. You will need to check with your secondary insurance to find out.

If you do NOT have a secondary insurance, you are responsible for a 20% coinsurance (which the secondary will otherwise cover). This will come to $11-25 per visit.

What are my costs if I have Medicaid / Iowa Total Care / Amerigroup?

If you have Medicaid, you will not have any out of pocket cost. You are required to have a referral from your primary physician. We are also required to request authorization for your care.

So, how much will I owe for each visit?

If you have not yet met your deductible, then you will pay $50 per visit towards your deductible. If you have coinsurance, we collect $10 per visit towards your co-insurance. You’ll then owe any applicable coinsurance or deductible balances after we receive the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company and we will send you a bill for the balance. Conversely, if we find that you have overpaid, we will refund you via check as soon as possible. As for copays—these amounts rarely vary, so if your copay for physical therapy visits is $30, you will owe $30 at each visit.

Here are a Few Handy Definitions:

Date of Service: The date of your visit.
CPT Code: The code denoting each service provided to you during your visit (e.g., manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, self-care instruction, therapeutic activities, etc.).
Billed Amount: This is the amount we billed the insurance company for that particular service based on our fee schedule.
Adjusted Amount: This amount is not a payment, but rather a write-off or “reduction.” It is based on the contract in place between your provider (us) and your insurance company. Neither you nor the insurance company pays this amount. The provider essentially writes it off.
Allowed Amount: The contracted amount agreed to between the provider (us) and your insurance company.
Patient Responsibility: This column may be labeled “Deductible,” “Copay,” “Coinsurance,” or “Patient Pay.” It is the amount that you, the patient, are responsible for paying. If a secondary insurance is on file, we will forward this amount to that insurance for payment. Once we get the secondary EOB back, you will receive a bill for any outstanding balances in the patient responsibility column.
Insurance Paid: This is the amount the insurance company paid us for the services you received on that date of service.

Are there any restrictions on the types of providers I can see?

Some insurance plans (e.g., PPOs, HMOs, and EPOs) are limited to a certain network of providers. There are times that Kinetic Edge is not in your network. We work to let you know that. If we are out of network with your plan, you have the option to self pay.

Do I have to get a referral to see a specialist?

If your insurance plan requires you to obtain a referral before seeing a specialist (e.g., a physical therapist), and you fail to do so, the insurance company may deny coverage for services rendered. So, if you do not want to go through a primary care provider (e.g., your family physician) each time you want to see a specialist, make sure your plan does not require a referral (a.k.a. prescription) for specialist services. Most insurances do not require a referral in Iowa, but there are some that do. Please check with your insurance.

How many visits of “X” am I allowed each year?

In this case, “X” represents a specific type of service (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, or chiropractic). Some plans place a limit on the number of covered visits per year (e.g., 20 visits), while others allow for unlimited visits. Some plans have a hard visit limit and others we can request additional visits. We try and communicate that to you on the payment policy you receive at your first visit.

Our insurance benefits support team will also monitor your number of visits throughout your care. If you are able to receive additional visits for your plan, we will cover this requesting step for you. Some insurance companies will also give a date range for those visits.

Do I need to have prior approval (authorization) to attend therapy?

You do not need prior approval to start your care, as we can get you in for an evaluation without authorization. We will then use that evaluation from your physical and/or occupational therapists and will reach out to your plan and get authorization to continue your care. Each insurance company has a different processing time for approvals. You are able to continue your care during this pending authorization stage, but if approval is denied you will be responsible if there is additional cost.

So, If I don’t want to use my insurance benefits, can I just pay for services myself?

The self-pay rate for all follow-up visits at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is $70- $110. Because an insured client with a deductible may have to pay $75 or more for the same service, many insured clients ask if we can essentially “pretend” they are uninsured. If we are contracted with your insurance company, we are obligated to honor that contract—which means we must bill your insurance for services rendered. These contracts also prohibit us from providing discounts or waiving client financial responsibility (e.g., copays or coinsurances). If we do not contract with your insurance, or if you have exhausted your benefits for the year, then you may be eligible to receive services on a cash-pay (i.e., self-pay) basis.

A Couple of Notes

Most insurance companies offer several different plans. Thus, two clients with Blue Cross Blue Shield, for instance, may have completely different insurance benefits, and therefore, completely different financial responsibilities. Some plans have no copays or deductibles; others may have a $10,000 deductible. Furthermore, some providers may not accept all plans from a particular insurance. This is why it is crucial that you investigate the details of your specific plan.
If your insurance offers an online patient portal, sign up for it! These resources typically enable you to:
- check your insurance benefits,
- track your deductible,
- see which providers in your area accept your particular plan,
- track your claims, and
- compare claims to your receipts from the doctor’s office (if they don’t match up, you can then follow up on any discrepancies).

Kinetic Edge offers a free insurance benefits check so that you will be able to understand financially what therapy will cost. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to know your plan, but we do everything we can to check accurately. We welcome questions and will do what we can to help. If you would like to inquire about your insurance coverage for physical therapy or occupational therapy, please reach out online or call 866-588-0230.

by Molly Robuck

Who out there gets all happy and giddy when they hear the word exercise? There aren’t a lot of people who love to be told “you just need to exercise more.” But have you ever thought of changing the word exercise to MOVE? Also instead of saying I HAVE TO exercise, say I GET TO.

I for one for about 6 months loved to exercise. I had a routine of getting done with work and going to a work out class 3-4 times a week, walking/ running on the weekends, and also worked out during nap time for my daycare kids. But then we went on a 1 week family vacation that didn’t have anywhere for me to walk/run nor a place to really get a good work out in. So like most I fell off the exercise train. I went back to just “relaxing” and not taking care of myself. My husband would often say “You really need to get back out to class or for a walk.” He wasn’t saying it to be mean; he was saying it because I was happier and easier to live with when I did.

So, let’s fast-forward from then to 2 years later. I started going back to school to become a health and life coach. During one of our sessions, we talked about ways to balance blood sugar and the blood sugar rollercoaster. Did you know that after you drink your coffee or whatever quick pick me up you reach for, and you are feeling great and energetic, then moments later you crash and reach for another, you are on a blood sugar rollercoaster? There are better ways to avoid the blood sugar crash. Movement “exercise” is a great way to help you avoid it. Not saying you need to go out and run 5 miles, do a P90x video, or anything like that. What I am talking about is doing a movement that you really enjoy.

Movement Menu

So how about creating a movement menu for yourself each week? It could be the same Movement menu for say a month then change it up a little, so your body doesn’t get too use to the same movement every day.

You might be wondering, what is a movement menu? A movement menu is a list of inspiring movement options for different fitness/energy levels and time constraints. So, write a list of things you like to do to get your body moving. It could be things like; Biking, running, yoga, dancing, Zumba, walking, running, stretching, swimming, golf, basketball, baseball, softball, cleaning, gardening, Pilates, or whatever else you like to do that isn’t sitting down.

So my advice to you is write down at least 5 movements that you enjoy doing and get your body moving. Not only will it help you with your blood sugar crash, but it will also help in so many other areas of you health and life. There are lots of ways to help with the blood sugar rollercoaster.

If you are like most people, you start out strong and then fall off. So, find an accountability partner to hold you accountable to move your body in a way that you enjoy. Your accountability partner may even end up joining you on your journey after they see how much better you feel.

If you’re trying out your movement menu and you feel any pain or discomfort feel free to reach out to our movement experts to schedule a free screen or request an appointment.

by Aimee Keller, PT, DPT

Are you experiencing pelvic pain, back pain, or lack of control of your bowels and bladder? It may be because of your pelvic floor, but not to worry. Physical therapy can help!

What is the pelvic floor?

It is a group of muscles that act as a hammock between the tailbone, pubic bone, and hip bones. These muscles help support the abdominal organs when you are standing. They also have a large influence on stabilizing the spine when performing daily activities, as well as give you control over relieving your bowels and bladder. Just like any other muscle in the body, sometimes the pelvic floor muscles can become weak, tight, or painful; causing difficulty when it comes to supporting our abdominal organs, supporting the spine, and with maintaining urinary and fecal continence.

Symptoms of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction

Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction affect both men and women. However, women often assume that their symptoms are “normal” following pregnancy or are just a part of aging. While common, these types of issues are never considered normal and can severely impact quality of life. Dysfunction of the muscles can present as pain in the pelvis or low back, uncontrolled leakage of urine or stool, or prolapse of pelvic organs. A pelvic health physical therapist can help identify dysfunctional muscles of the pelvic floor and can determine the proper plan of care to work towards getting these muscles to function properly again. Retraining the muscles can help reduce pelvic and back pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and improve control of bowels and bladder.

Physical therapy for the pelvic floor

Pelvic health physical therapy consists of meeting with a DPT specifically trained to treat muscles of the pelvic floor. Your physical therapist will assess your current symptoms and medical history. They will also do a physical examination to identify the root cause and develop an individualized plan of care. You will be instructed in a home exercise program and lifestyle changes to help you take control of your symptoms. Your therapist may also use techniques such as manual therapy, electrical stimulation, or biofeedback to further assist retraining the pelvic floor.

Reach out online or give us a call at 866-588-0230 today to set up an appointment with one of our pelvic health specialists to get started on taking control of your life again!

It’s no secret that prices have been going up. Gas is expensive. Food is expensive. The housing market is crazy. If you’re looking for ways to save money, physical therapy might be just what you’re looking for.

Save Money with Physical Therapy

A study that looked at the claims data of 472,000 Medicare beneficiaries with back pain found that when PT was the first treatment, costs were 19% lower than when people got injections first and 75% lower than for people who were sent straight to surgery. The study also found that in the year following diagnosis, people who got PT first had costs 18% lower than those who got injections, and 54% lower than those in the surgery group.

Another example happened in 2006 when Virginia Mason Health Center in Seattle teamed up with Aetna and Starbucks. They sent workers with back pain to see both a physical therapist and physician for their first treatment. Use of MRI dropped by 1/3, people got better faster, missed less work and were more satisfied with their care. The cost savings was so great that Virginia Mason was losing money on treating back pain. So Aetna ended up paying them more for PT treatments because they were saving so much money.

Physical Therapy First Means Fewer Visits…

A paper published in Physical Therapy looked at outcomes when patients went to a PT first vs. their physician for back pain. It found that those who went to their physician first needed 33 PT visits, while those who went to PT first only needed 20. Seeing a PT first saves money, but it also saves time.

It Also Means Better Outcomes

A study of 150,000 insurance claims published in Health Services Research, found that those who saw a physical therapist at the first point of care had an 89 percent lower probability of receiving an opioid prescription, a 28 percent lower probability of having advanced imaging services, and a 15 percent lower probability of an emergency department visit.

High quality research consistently shows that taking advantage of direct access and getting to your physical therapist quickly leads to better outcomes in fewer visits with lower costs. We think that’s a deal worth taking advantage of.

If you think you might benefit from physical therapy request an appointment or give us a call at 866-588-0230 to schedule.

References

https://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2010/11/03/4743604/0_ANovelPlanHelpsHospitalWeanItselfOffOfPriceyTests.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33245117/
https://www.apta.org/news/2017/07/26/study-says-cost-savings-of-physical-therapy-for-lbp-are-significant#:~:text=Researchers%20say%20that%20not%20only,over%20treatments%20that%20begin%20with
https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/77/1/10/2633027?login=true
https://newsroom.uw.edu/news/early-physical-therapy-benefits-low-back-pain-patients

Ames third grader, Ben Smith, starting coming to work with Kinetic Edge Occupational Therapist, Rachael Barnette, last year to work on his handwriting. In one of his sessions early this year Ben mentioned to Barnette that he was worried about his father’s safety when he came to pick him of from Edward Elementary school. Ben’s father, Brad Smith, is blind and a busy intersection that he used to pick Ben up from school and take him to his appointments did not have an auditory crosswalk to aid him in crossing the street. “If dad crosses, or anyone, if they don’t know if it’s a green light, there could be an accident,” Ben said.

When hearing his concern, Barnette had an idea. What better way to work on his writing skills then to write a letter asking the city to update the crosswalk and make it safer for all of their citizens? So Ben got to work, writing two drafts of the letter. Rachael and Ben faxed the final draft to the city on February 10th and to everyone’s surprise he got a response the very next day.

ames crosswalk test

Ames traffic supervisor, Brad Becker, responded that they would get to work on this right away, and that he did. On Monday, April 4th, Barnette, Becker, Ben and his dad met at the intersection of Mortenson Road and South Dakota Avenue to use the auditory crosswalk for the first time.

When asked about how this all came about Ben’s dad said, “Ben was a little stressed out about the physical motions of making different letters, drawing and writing in general. Rachael must have asked him, as opposed to just writing random letter or words, what’s something important to you? That really was the key to getting him over his stress level about writing.”

Barnette responded, “My job as an OT is to just find things that are meaningful for people and kind of use those as a tool for whatever goal we are working for. What’s more meaningful to a third-grad boy than his dad?”

“That’s how he is normally. He’s somewhat protective of me and my safety. He’s a good helper,” Ben’s dad said. “I’m glad to have a son like Ben.”

Writing therapy is one of the many services that our Occupational Therapists provide their clients. If you have questions about writing therapy or any of our other services call 866-588-0230 or contact us online.

Additional Sources:
Ames Tribune

by Liz Vermeer, PT, DPT

At Kinetic Edge, our mission is to transform lives and restore hope through movement! With increased Covid numbers, times are still somewhat uncertain. There are so many things outside of our control that can be scary, but there are also many things we can be doing to protect ourselves. Research suggests that exercise is one of those things!

What Does the Research Suggest?

In an article from Neuroscience News, researchers have found strong support that cardiovascular exercise can decrease the occurrence and severity of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). While around 80% of people with COVID-19 have minimal to no symptoms, those hospitalized from COVID-19 have ARDS up to 50% of the time. About 45% of these people with severe ARDS die. During exercise, the muscles in your body produce a powerful anti-oxidant that moves through the blood and binds to your heart and lungs. Research suggests even ONE episode of cardiovascular exercise can increase the amount of this anti-oxidant in the body and can decrease the effect of the COVID-19 on the heart and lungs. The anti-oxidant EcSOD has had positive affects on multiple disease processes.

How Much Exercise Should I be Getting?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and American Heart Association (AHA) recommend 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days per week. Exercise is considered any physical activity above the normal activities you would do in a given day. Exercise can include walking, biking, running, swimming and/or dancing, as well as yard work and other household chores that aren’t normally a part of your day.

What if I Can’t Tolerate 30 Minutes at a Time?

If exercise hasn’t been part of your routine, 30 minutes per day can seem daunting. Start where you are able! Start being more active for 5 or 10 minutes per day and work your way up to 30 minutes as you are able. Would 10 minutes of exercise 3x/day work better for you than 30 minutes at a time? Be flexible and give yourself grace as you work to improve your cardiovascular health and your immune system!

What Should I Do if I Hurt When I Exercise?

The movement specialists at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy are happy to help with any movement issues that cause you pain. There are in-clinic appointments available to individuals who feel comfortable going into the community and telehealth appointments for those who are not comfortable leaving their houses available at our Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy clinics. In-clinic and Telehealth appointments are accepted by most insurances including, but not limited to, Medicare, Medicaid and Wellmark. Call (866) 588-0230 to schedule an appointment or receive a complimentary benefits check.

Sources:

American Heart Association. (2018, April 18). American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity for Adults and Kids. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

Center for Disease Control. (2020, April 10). Physical Activity Recommendations for Different Age Groups. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/age-chart.html

University of Virginia Health System. (2020, April 15). COVID-19: Exercise May Protect Against Deadly Complication. Retrieved from https://neurosciencenews.com/coronavirus-exercise-16169/?fbclid=IwAR1X0q1z8kPWv17UiNSY16xtAKg2hJ2rc9ZOqpa_wLGmJgBiuLXC7ILrS3Q

Yan, Z., & Spaulding, HR. (2020). Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase, a Molecular Transducer of Health Benefits of Exercise. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213231720303190?via%3Dihub

Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

As a senior in high school, I, like many students, applied to several colleges and filled out a number of scholarship applications. After receiving my application, one college in particular invited me to campus to engage in a personal interview for one of their larger academic scholarships, so I packed my nicest clothes, got in the car with my parents, and drove for five hours to their pristine campus, not knowing exactly what to expect.

The scholarship for which I was being considered was named after Norman Vincent Peale, an American minister and author who is known for his work in popularizing the concept of positive thinking. In fact, he authored a best-selling book entitled The Power of Positive Thinking, which no doubt influenced the Reverend Robert Schuller, pastor at the popular Crystal Cathedral in southern California that launched the televangelism movement in America. So, as I made the trek seeking this distinguished opportunity, I, like Peale and Schuller, maintained great optimism though I had never participated in a personal interview in my short life.

As I met and talked with the interviewers, our conversation centered around my family, my academic and extracurricular experiences, and my belief system. At one point, one interviewer asked, “Who are a few of your heroes?”

I suppose I should have been prepared for such a question, but I was not. I gave the patented answer: my parents. I spoke about my love of baseball and my favorite Kansas City Royal player, George Brett. And I mentioned my new-found respect for Martin Luther King, Jr. having recently read his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, which he penned 27 years earlier in April of 1963.

The interviewers looked somewhat perplexed with my response. I was meeting with them in a small, rural town in northwest Iowa where many people worshipped in a Reformed or Christian Reformed church. Maybe they thought I was speaking about Martin Luther, not his namesake of this Protestant reformer, the Black minister and racial activist from Atlanta. Or perhaps they didn’t expect a Caucasian teenager from a predominantly white community in a small Midwestern town, someone who was born nearly a decade after the events in Birmingham and several years following his assassination in Memphis, to put MLK on his Mount Rushmore of Heroes.

When asked why I considered Martin Luther King, Jr. a hero, I mentioned that I was amazed at how he truly understood the human condition and was willing to stand for truth and justice while also maintaining his Biblical convictions. The fact that he used his platform to stand between two forces, one of complacency and another of bitterness and hatred, and model the “more excellent way of love” was impactful to me.

It has been many years since I read MLK’s letter in its entirety, so I reread this message to his fellow clergymen this past weekend in advance of today’s celebration of his life. I would encourage you to do the same for you may find, like me, that his words are as timely today as they were then.

In the middle of his address, this excerpt rings in my ears:

Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

This quotation was offered in the context of what King considered his people’s “great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom… the white moderate, who is more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice…”

King emphasized that the presence of tension was not the result of the Black people who had committed to “nonviolent direct action” but instead stressed that these people “merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive.”

When Colin Kaepernick knelt as a protest to the national anthem in 2016, an act that started a movement in the NFL and stoked emotional responses across our country, my response was typical of a member of the predominant race in America. “I understand his concerns, but this is not the time or place.”

In his 1963 letter, King’s words have helped me understand the foolishness of that type of thinking. He emphasized the importance of shining the light on prejudice, and he underscored that the status quo will not change, that growth will not occur, without “constructive, nonviolent tension.” Much of King’s letter is a warning and admonishment to the Christian Church for having ignored this reality and, by its silence, becoming an “arch defender of the status quo.” And he encouraged the readers to use their time creatively “in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.”

I think the reason I am most enamored by Martin Luther King, Jr. is that, despite the injustice that he both witnessed and personally experienced, he never became bitter and always remained hope-filled. In the manner of Norman Vincent Peale’s exhortations, King remained optimistic by clinging to the principles upon which the Church was founded and upon which the United States of America was established. He maintained hope for the future despite the depravity of man and its sin-impacted institutions, which he emphasized in this portion of his letter:

But even if the church does not come to the aid of justice, I have no despair about the future. I have no fear about the outcome of our struggle in Birmingham, even if our motives are at present misunderstood. We will reach the goal of freedom in Birmingham and all over the nation, because the goal of America is freedom. Abused and scorned though we may be, our destiny is tied up with America’s destiny. Before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth, we were here. Before the pen of Jefferson etched the majestic words of the Declaration of Independence across the pages of history, we were here.

A core premise of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s approach to bringing about justice is one that we are wise to remember and highlight this MLK Day and always, and it is this: While tension is necessary, violence is not acceptable. King outlines that an effective, nonviolent campaign requires “four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self purification; and direct action.”

Throughout his life as a minister and leader, he remained true to these Biblical values, and he changed the world. I cannot fully appreciate what is like to be a Black person in America, then or now, but I know that it is extremely difficult to see what he witnessed, to experience what he experienced (see the photos at the end of this story the “riots” in Birmingham) and remain committed to purification of self. In fact, while challenging the status quo, he also chastised some of those within this movement, “people who have lost faith in America, who have absolutely repudiated Christianity, and who have concluded that the white man is an incorrigible ‘devil.’”

It was hard enough for me to forgive the interviewers who decided to award the Norman Vincent Peale Scholarship to another candidate instead of me, but, unlike me, King was absolutely committed to his core beliefs, the Biblical truths that he, a son and grandson of a generation of ministers of the Gospel, learned from his ancestors. Perhaps I should have taken on the mind of MLK he modeled when he penned the following in the closing of his letter:

If I have said anything in this letter that overstates the truth and indicates an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I have said anything that understates the truth and indicates my having a patience that allows me to settle for anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me.

I will learn from my mistakes and take on that approach today. May the words and witness of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Truths upon which his beliefs were formed, be my and your guide as we remember and reflect this MLK Day.

riots

By Carol Kelderman, PT, DPT

There never seems to be a surplus of time on any of our schedules and when you are injured or in pain, it is only natural to look for ways to get better faster. Whether you are an athlete that is eager to get back in the game or someone who wants to be able to get back to an active lifestyle, blood flow restriction training may provide a little extra edge in your recovery.

What is Blood Flow Restriction Training?

The term blood flow restriction training, or BFRT, can be confusing or even sound a little scary, so what exactly is this up-and-coming technique? Blood flow restriction training is a technique that can be used to increase strength gains during exercise by temporarily reducing blood flow to the limb. This provides the benefits of high intensity training while exercising at a lower intensity.

This can be of significant benefit when someone has pain, a period of immobilization, an injury or has had a surgery that results in the need to decrease workload. While the reduced stress on an area of the body may be necessary to allow for early healing or reduce pain, it often has the undesired impact of muscle atrophy that can lead to a prolonged recovery. BFRT stimulates multiple pathways to increase muscle.

How does it work?

It sounds magical but there is actually a lot of science behind the benefits. Our bodies respond to the stress that we place on them. High loads are typically necessary to stimulate the release of metabolites or chemicals that lead to strength gains. Unfortunately, those loads can also increase pain or be too much for healing tissues. Blood flow restriction can produce accumulation of the chemicals in the muscle similar to that experienced when lifting heavy. We observe a “muscle pump” effect that brings all these muscle building ingredients to the area. This muscle environment leads to greater fatigue and increased muscle activation, signaling the body to build muscle.

Support for Blood Flow Restriction Training

Blood flow restriction training has received a lot of attention more recently as the media and many professional athletes have touted the benefits of BFR. While the popularity of this technique is on the rise, it isn’t new. BFRT has been used for many years and researched for over 20 years. Some of the early research was born out of the need to find ways of stimulating growth hormone in injured military personnel. It now has a broad and ever-growing body of research to support it’s use as an effective and safe technique. The safety, as with many other techniques, is largely linked to the way it is used.

The therapists at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy are experts in determining who would benefit most from this technique. They use class one medical devices to provide individualized testing, select the appropriate settings and determine exercise selection.

If you have experienced an injury or surgery, getting stronger is a key factor in the recovery process. Contact one of our movement experts at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy for more information. Give us a call at 866-588-0230 or request an appointment online.

You know that physical activity is healthy for you. The benefits are well researched and the list is impressive. Here’s just a sampling:

Releases endorphins to make you feel good and fight depression
Helps control weight
Prevents diseases like stroke, diabetes and some forms of cancer
Improves sleep
Helps you live longer

Recent studies even show that physical activity strengthens your immune system, with a protective effect against COVID, and that staying active through middle age protects your brain as you age.

Physical activity is a wonder drug. If it was a pill, you’d buy it and take it every day. But even though activity is free, less than 25% of Americans meet the CDC recommendations for activity. We clearly need help.

Physical Therapists Are The Experts in Human Movement

To be active, you need to be able to move. Physical Therapists do more than help you recover from surgeries or major injuries. They are the experts in human movement. Sure, you could see a strength coach to lift weights, hire a personal trainer, go to a yoga class to work on your flexibility and balance, and see a chiropractor for adjustments. But that seems like a lot of people when a PT can help you with all of these things and more. Nobody knows more about human movement or looks at your health the same way a PT does. Your PT can help you with every aspect of movement including strength, range of motion, flexibility, endurance, balance and coordination.

As medical professionals they can help you with injuries or other issues. Your PT can work with your doctor to help use activity to manage things like diabetes, cholesterol levels or blood pressure instead of prescriptions. Your PT is also trained to work with people of all ages, so you can develop a long-term relationship and they can continue to adjust and modify your routine as you age or your goals change.

Stay Healthy For Life

Staying active has a long list of benefits both now and in the future. But chances are you’re not moving enough to make the most of those benefits. Most people need help. Physical therapists are the most qualified professional in existence to help keep you healthy now and in the future. So don’t think of your PT as someone you see when you need help with pain or an injury. Think of them as your partner and coach working to help you stay healthy for life.

Contact us online or at 866-588-0230 if you would like to get moving and improve your health today!

by Todd Schemper, PT, DPT, OCS

Several months ago, my brother Tyler mentioned that he wanted to do a ruck event. I had no idea what this all involved, but told him that I would do it with him if he signed up. This spring he texted me that he was signing us up, along with our younger brother Troy, for the GoRuck Tough event in Des Moines in June. This is when I began learning about rucking.

I have been a runner, cyclist, and triathlete for many years. My weight lifting has been focused on the strength needed for those types of events. My experience carrying heavy weights, pressing weight-filled and wet backpacks overhead, and squatting with weight for multiple workouts during an all-night strength/endurance event was extremely limited.

The word ruck means to carry weight or gear from one place to another. Rucking is literally going for a walk or hike with a weighted backpack. This can be done with a light backpack of 10 lbs. or up to 50 lbs. or more if training for an event.

The benefits of rucking are similar to walking, but with some increased value. You will end up burning more calories than just walking, due to carrying extra weight. There will be strengthening that happens by supporting a weighted pack. This will help strengthen your abdominals, back, and hips. Overall, rucking will aid in cardiovascular fitness due to the increased demand on your body while walking or hiking with weight on your back.

If you are interested in adding rucking to your fitness routine, you will need a few items. I recommend a good new pair of comfortable walking, running, or hiking shoes. A good foundation goes a long way to avoid foot pain and blisters. To carry weight, you will need a sturdy backpack or ruck sack. A hiking back pack will work to carry 15-20 lbs. If you are going to carry 30 or more lbs., using a backpack designed for rucking may be better. These backpacks are more durable and will support the extra weight. Some companies make back packs that have compartments built into them that hold 20-30 lb. weight plates. Other ways to increase the weight of your backpack is to add hiking gear, water bladders, ankle weights, smaller dumbbells or other household items that will get your pack to the desired weight.

The training that I did for my ruck event include both rucking and weight lifting. The ruck training included hiking or walking for 2-6 miles with 25-35 lbs. of weight on my back. The weight lifting included increasing demand with deadlifting, squatting, lunging, bench pressing, and overhead pressing, to increase my strength and simulate the activity challenge associated with the ruck event.

The ruck event that my brothers and I participated in included rucking with 45-50 lbs. for 13+ miles. During the 11 hours we were out on the (Gray’s Lake and downtown Des Moines) course, we participated in four interval workout sessions with our backpacks as our weight. We also completed military type tactical challenges that required us to run and drop down on the ground, as well as run out of the lake and crawl up the beach with our packs. Throughout the night our cadre leader was giving us history lessons about D-Day during our rest breaks. I am glad I trained hard for the event, but between the weight, walking, night without sleep, and multiple workouts, it was not quite enough training to make it through the event without some pain and discomfort.

You don’t need to sign up for a ruck event to get started with rucking or to experience the benefit of adding this activity to your fitness routine. I recommend getting a good backpack and start doing some walking or hiking carrying a little extra weight. I actually had a client of mine sign up for a ruck event after I told him about my experience. You never know, you might get hooked and find yourself committing to the sport.

If you do plan to get involved with ruck activity, we recommend consulting with a physical therapist before getting started. Physical therapists are movement experts that can help you understand your body and help you learn specific exercises that will help you be proactive with avoiding injury.

I enjoyed my through the night ruck event a few months ago. It was hard, but I definitely felt a sense of accomplishment with completing the challenge. I told my bother Tyler I would do one again, if I did it with him and Troy and I had a good backpack that would survive the challenge. I would probably push the weights a little harder with training. Until then, I will keep deadlifting, lunging, and overhead pressing, with more weight than I was doing in the past.

If you’re thinking about doing an event like this in the future and need help getting in shape, we can help! Contact us online or call 866-588-0230 to set up a free consult.

by Aimee Keller, PT, DPT

There are many aches and pains that can be associated with pregnancy, both before and after the baby arrives. Meeting with a physical therapist is a great way to manage your symptoms throughout each trimester of pregnancy as well as the weeks, months, and even years after giving birth!

A common complaint during pregnancy is low back pain, which can be due to ligamentous laxity, changes in the body’s center of gravity, and weight gain, all of which change posture and stress to the low back. These changes can result in improper alignment of the pelvic and low back joints and low back and leg muscle tightness, all of which can contribute to discomfort. A physical therapist can help identify factors contributing to your discomfort and prescribe a home exercise program to help manage symptoms in a way that is safe for you and the baby. A physical therapist will also likely use manual therapy techniques to help reduce muscle tightness and promote proper joint alignment to assist in further pain reduction. These techniques will improve your ability to continue to function like yourself throughout your pregnancy.

After birth, low back pain may continue to be an issue due to persistent abdominal muscle weakness, abdominal incisions if having had a Cesarean section, and postural changes due to lifting and holding the new baby. Physical therapy will identify what is contributing to your symptoms and prescribe exercises and utilize manual techniques to help get you back to feeling your best. Also, getting back to exercise in general can help boost your mood by releasing natural endorphins as well as assisting in getting you back to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Other common post-natal symptoms include persistent pelvic pain and urinary and/or bowel incontinence (uncontrolled leaking of urine and/or stool). Many women wrongly assume that they will just have to live with these symptoms the rest of their lives – but these symptoms can be solved by a physical therapist! A therapist specialized in pelvic physical therapy will perform an evaluation to determine the cause of the pelvic pain or incontinence and will utilize different exercises, breathing techniques, and manual therapy techniques to assist in reducing symptoms and getting you back to functioning like your normal self.

Unfortunately, aches and pains come along with the beauty of pregnancy and bringing new life into this world, but thankfully there are options to help manage your symptoms. Contact us at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy to get started with a physical therapy program that will get you back to feeling and functioning like yourself!

by Melissa Hansen, PT, DPT

In Iowa, baseball players are referred to “The Boys of Summer.” With a 35-40 game schedule in roughly 8 weeks, it is a grind for the players. Players and parents hear the words “Arm Care” and know it is important, but what exactly is it?

A baseball pitcher comes in the dugout after pitching and says, “my arm hurts” after pitching a couple of innings. This is not what coaches, parents or players want so how can players prevent a sore arm? Preventing a sore arm begins with proper warmups. As players warm up, it is not just about throwing and warming up your arm. It needs to be a total body warm up to improve blood flow to all parts of your body. A good arm care program will incorporate mobility and strengthening exercises along with a good warm up.

Hip mobility is very important in baseball players, especially pitchers. Hip external and internal rotation are needed for pitching for proper separation of the hips and shoulder. The thoracic spine mobility is also important to pitching. A pitcher needs to be able to rotate and extend through his thoracic spine during the throwing motion to assist shoulder external rotation and for scapular position. A lack of thoracic rotation can cause stress on anterior shoulder structures that can lead to a sore arm. These are some of the reasons both hip and thoracic mobility exercises should be incorporated into your arm care program.

thoracic spine mobility exercises hip mobility exercises

The next part of an arm care program is the strengthening portion. Scapular stability and control are required to control deceleration of the arm while throwing or pitching. If your scapula is not stabilizing correctly, force will be placed on other arm structures which can cause arm pain. Scapular strengthening and stabilization exercises should be part of your arm care program.

Scapular stability and control

J Band programs are good for strengthening the shoulder muscles, but these exercises should be done slowly and correctly to be effective. Incorporating a core strengthening program is also very important to a complete arm care program. Increasing your core strength can increase your velocity without straining shoulder structures.

core strengthening

Communication with your coaches is another key to arm care. Let them know if your arm is sore, tight or tired. Begin listening to and feeling your arm so you can communicate well to your coaches. Your communication will help determine what needs to be changed or done to improve your arm health.

Every player should have an arm care program that includes mobility and strengthening component. The key is to the program is consistency. A consistent program can prevent injuries and a sore arm!

If you have any questions or are needing assistance with an arm mobility issue please reach out to us online or at 866-588-0230.

Call now to get more help with arm mobility

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*images from MedBridge

by Elise Spronk, OTR/L

In 2016 during the last presidential campaign, my youngest son came home from school and announced that his friends had decided what my campaign slogan would be if I were running for president. I was intrigued and quickly asked what that would be. I didn’t know that I had such a strong, public stance that could possibly impact a group of 4th grade boys. He replied emphatically, “Elise Spronk for President! It’s good to be bored!” So apparently, my stance on kids needing to work through their own boredom was something I had preached enough about, or at least they had heard it plenty of times when playing at our house. I felt an immediate sense of accomplishment.

Not to sound like a “boomer”, but some, maybe many, kids “nowadays” have lost the art of entertaining themselves. Gone are the mudpies, the homemade/kid made tree forts, or blanket forts. Most kids don’t spend all day on bikes, riding back and forth across town to each other’s houses. Life is different. I’m not blaming anyone. Some of those activities are gone because of safety reasons and I totally get that. I’m the first to admit that my kids don’t get to do a lot of the stuff my parents allowed me to do. But what I’m concerned about is when we jump in too quickly to intervene and remediate our kids’ boredom. “I’m bored” triggers a knee jerk reaction to solve the problem by construing a well thought out craft or game. Again, I’m not knocking plans. Awesome activities can be planned and implemented by researching Pinterest and other websites. However, giving a child the opportunity to solve his boredom can result in some pretty amazing skills: ingenuity, creativity, problem solving, perseverance, negotiating and social skills if playing with a friend.

My fondest childhood playtime memories are the times my friend and I hauled a piece of plywood into a tree and thought it was the best treehouse ever. Or building leaf houses, woodpile forts, exploring to the back of the nearby field which took an entire afternoon because it was at least a ½ acre away. We built blanket forts and slept in them. We fished in the river with corn and never caught anything (which was good because we wouldn’t have wanted to touch a fish anyway). We played “kick the can” in the dark neighborhood. It was good to be bored.

The next time you hear your kids complain about being bored, just pause. At the most, just give one simple suggestion. They’ll work it out. We always did.

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

For 20 years I have been performing a variety of assessments in the arena of work injury management and prevention. There are many strategies to help maintain a healthy and productive workforce, and each employer should consider their unique needs when determining solutions to their problems. One of those strategies is called a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE).

What is an FCE?

That question can be answered quite literally.

Functional means something that is meaningful or useful. In the context of an FCE, functional indicates purposeful activity that is an actual work movement. A functional activity has a beginning and an end, as well as a result that is measurable.

Capacity speaks to an individual’s maximum ability. It indicates existing abilities for activities including the maximal function identified through observation.

An evaluation is a systemic process of observing, reasoning, and correlating, which results in a conclusion. In other words, the evaluation process implies an outcome statement that is supported through objective measurement of the activity.

“The purpose of the evaluation is to stress the physical abilities of the client to safe maximum in order to accurately document observations regarding work and activities of daily living.”

Putting it all together, an FCE is a comprehensive, objective test of an individual’s ability to perform work-related tasks like lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, gripping, pinching, bending, reaching, standing, walking, and stair climbing. The purpose of the evaluation is to stress the physical abilities of the client to safe maximum in order to accurately document observations regarding work and activities of daily living.

The outcome of the FCE can be used to for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to:

Providing objectivity to guide the return-to-work process for an employee after injury,
Justifying a referral for work rehabilitation, and
Highlighting necessary worksite modifications.

How can you determine a person’s safe maximum capacity?

There are several different philosophies that govern FCE providers in determining safe maximum capacity. My training in the FCE process was performed by WorkWell, a group that has been involved in this process since its infancy several decades ago. The WorkWell FCE process is considered a gold standard by many in the work injury management world.

The foundation of WorkWell’s FCE is a kinesiophysical approach whereby a skilled medical evaluator observes body movement and control, metabolic changes, pace, and various behaviors in one comprehensive functional evaluation. Those physical changes that are observed during the various functional movements help determine effort levels during the evaluation.

For example, when activity is performed at low effort, only primary muscles are needed to perform the movement. As the demand increases due to increases in the load or postural hold times, accessory muscles are automatically and involuntarily employed to assist the prime movers, and that will be apparent with observation of changes in body mechanics, balance, posture, heart rate, breathing rate, and movement quality.

I am a significant proponent of the kinesiophysical approach to functional capacity evaluation for a number of reasons. Most important to me, though, is the fact that as a rehabilitation professional, first and foremost, I have an ethical responsibility to care for my clients’ health and wellbeing in a conscientious and diligent manner.

The kinesiophysical approach, in my experience, allows me to best fulfill my most foundational ethical responsibility, which best serves all my clients – the patient, the employer, the insurer, and the employer.

In a 2011 Letter to the Editor of Work (Volume 38, 2011, p. 195), M.F. Reneman and D.P. Gross, researchers who have done substantial study on FCE processes, state the following: “It is doubtful that this ethical obligation can be met when we place ourselves in a situation whereby we are asked by a third party payer to judge the sincerity and legitimacy of our patients’ presenting problems for purposes of claims management decision-making. Ultimately, for patients, employers and insurers, it is much more constructive to conduct FCEs with a neutral or therapeutic [perspective] as opposed to a litigious perspective, because it may then be used to assist with facilitating work participation.”

The kinesiophysical approach, in my experience, allows me to best fulfill my most foundational ethical responsibility because it contributes to an atmosphere of trust and teamwork, and that type of testing environment best serves all my clients – the patient, the employer, the insurer, and the employer.

Is the kinesiophysical approach different than other FCE approaches?

There are other FCE philosophies that have some notable contrasts to the WorkWell kinesiophysical approach, most notably those that use what is known as a psychophysical approach.

“The evaluator uses criteria-based testing and acts as a coach, educator, and guide as he performs the evaluation with, not to, the client.”

In the WorkWell kinesiophysical approach, the therapist is a skilled evaluator that is in charge of the evaluation. The evaluator uses criteria-based testing and acts as a coach, educator, and guide as he performs the evaluation with, not to, the client. If the evaluator observes that the client is not putting forth full effort), he confronts the client in a positive manner and communicates with the client in a way that facilitates trust and cooperation, which typically leads to a more legitimate determination of safe maximal function.

The psychophysical approach, in contrast, allows the client to determine stopping points during testing. Therefore, the process can become more subjective since the evaluator is not observing true functional capabilities and full effort and, therefore, isn’t helping the client reach his/her safe maximal function.

Utilizing the kinesiophysical approach, the evaluator observes the client for consistency and uses integrated consistency checks. If inconsistencies are identified, the therapist’s goal is to further evaluate if there is any clinical rationale to support the inconsistency, which often leads to more fact seeking and critical conversations with the client.

The interpretation of results is not individualized and observational in the psychophysical approach. Rather, the results are typically based on formulas that do not take individualized evaluation into account and may negatively label the client by comparing their performance to norms or assigning improper motives to the observed inconsistencies.

Since the kinesiophysical approach simulates relationship between coach and athlete, teacher and student, safety is critical. When the client utilizes unsafe techniques during the FCE, the therapist stops the test and teaches the client how to perform the activity safely, a practice that often results in better functional measurements.

Client safety may not be emphasized in the psychophysical approach since it is not common for the evaluator to correct the client, and if correction is not provided, the client may assume that unsafe body mechanics are acceptable.

Ultimately, the kinesiophysical approach is essential for accurate work placement since the outcome has ensured safe maximum ability for the client, while the psychophysical approach may have limited usefulness in return-to-work since the results likely represent what the worker is willing to perform.

Why is rare so rare?

To objectively define exposure tolerance, the language of FCE reports use specific frequency or exposure definitions. The most commonly used definitions include the categories of never, occasionally, frequently, and continuously. The WorkWell process includes one additional frequency category: rare (Table 1).

Table 1. Definition of Frequency

Frequency	% of Workday	Hours:Minutes (8-hour day)
Never	0%	0:00
Rarely	1 – 5%	0:01 – 0:24
Occasionally	6 – 33%	0:25 – 2:40
Frequently	34 – 66%	2:41 – 5:20
Continuously	67 – 100%	5:21 – 8:00

It is important to note that in most FCE protocols, the maximum lifting capacity achieved by the client would be something the client would be approved to perform on an occasional basis since that is the lowest frequency category. Therefore, according to Table 1, we understand that the evaluator is clearing the client to perform lifting work at that level for a time period that may accumulate to a total of 33% of the workday (or up to 2:40 in an 8-hour workday).

By contrast, using the WorkWell protocol, the maximum lifting capacity would be the weight level that the client would be approved to perform on a rare basis, which means that the client could potential do lifting activities at that level of work for a time period that may accumulate to a total of 5% of the workday (or 0:24 in an 8-hour workday). This is more appropriate, which is easy to justify by considering a practical example.

During lifting portion of the WorkWell FCE, the client is asked to perform each type of lift at each weight level beginning with a light load for five repetitions. Typically, lifting of light loads can be accomplished quite easily and with a low effort level, which is confirmed using the kinesiophysical approach by observing in the client the use of only the primary muscle movers and with excellent, smooth body mechanics while experiencing minimal changes in heart rate and respiration.

At the conclusion of each weight level, additional weight is added until it is clear that the client has reached his safe maximum capability for that lifting task, which is confirmed by observing significant use of accessory muscles, less smooth movements, and noticeable changes in heart rate and respiration. The safe maximum five-repetition weight level is the level that the client is approved to lift on a rare basis (Table 1).

Now consider how you might perform in this lifting task. If we advanced the lifting demand until you were giving maximal effort and reached, for example, a 75-pound maximum on your waist to floor (i.e., squat) lift, which do you think is more likely to be your true frequency tolerance level to lifting objects that match your maximum lifting capacity in a real-world work environment? Up to 33% of the workday (2:40 in an 8-hour workday) or up to 5% of the workday (0:24 in an 8-hour workday)? The former (occasionally) would be the maximum capacity assigned to you by many FCE protocols while the latter (rarely) is the maximum capacity you would be approved to perform using the WorkWell approach.

Are FCEs error proof?

The WorkWell FCE protocol has been demonstrated to be reliable and reproducible. It has been supported by a significant amount of independent research, nearly one hundred peer reviewed articles, in fact, and it continues to evolve as scientific evidence grows. It is considered by many to be a gold standard for a reason, but, like each and every test and procedure used in medical professions, there exists some degree of error in any FCE process.

Indeed, there is error in some of the most basic measures we use in our standard physical therapy evaluation process. When we measure range of motion (ROM), research indicates that there is a +/- 5-10 degree margin of error. Although we recognize that the measurement is not perfect, we continue to use these fundamental measurements since they provide information on the status of a patient as various markers of improvement, particularly when we understand that changes of less than 5 to 10 degrees may not be statistically significant. Similar principles apply to other medical measurements in the medical field like blood pressure changes.

The overall result of a review of decades of research has determined that there is great value in FCEs despite their imperfections, and the body of research continues to accumulate and consistently advises the medical team and other stakeholders who rely upon the objective information to make solid, informed decisions.

The kinesiophysical approach is a unique blend of functional assessment and client coaching, an approach that is necessary to alleviate unnecessary errors and avoid inappropriate and subjective explanations of function in a process that is intended to be objective.

FCEs are not error proof, and they never will be, but it is important to understand the value they bring to the marketplace, which is understandable given that the snapshot of performance observed during an FCE is up to 20 times longer than the amount of time a physician dedicates to functional performance during a standard medical evaluation.

Perhaps more germane than the question of whether an FCE is error proof is an understanding of the assessment approach used by the evaluator during the FCE process. The kinesiophysical approach is a unique blend of functional assessment and client coaching, an approach that is necessary to alleviate unnecessary errors and avoid inappropriate and subjective explanations of function in a process that is intended to be objective.

by Ashley Klein, PT, DPT

ACL injuries are prominent in the sports world. They affect all types of athletes and non athletes, but they occur most often in soccer, football, and basketball. Women are more likely to experience an ACL injury than men. But what exactly is an ACL? How do you injure your ACL? If you do injure their ACL, what are your treatment options?

What is an ACL?

The anterior cruciate ligament is a diagonal ligament within your knee that connects your thigh bone (femur) to your large lower leg bone (tibia). The ACL prevents the tibia from sliding forward on the femur when performing high velocity movements. It also assists with overall stability in the knee.

How do ACL injuries occur?

An ACL injury can occur in a variety of ways, including:

A direct hit to the knee
Landing wrong after jumping
Abrupt stop in running
Planting and twisting the knee

How do you know if you injured your ACL?

Usually, a knee with an injured ACL will begin to swell significantly within 12-24 hours following injury. Some people hear a “pop” when their ACL tears. It may be painful to walk and your injured knee will likely begin to lose range of motion. If you attempt to run or go up and down stairs, you may have feelings of instability in the knee.

How are they diagnosed?

Physical therapists or doctors diagnose most ACL injuries by performing a physical exam. Often times they compare the injured knee to the non-injured knee as well. If your physical therapist or doctor is concerned that your ACL is injured, they may recommend you have an x-ray and MRI done to confirm the diagnosis.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment options vary depending on the person. Sometimes ACL injuries can even heal on their own depending on the severity of injury. If you’re not planning on returning to sports or other high-level activity, bracing and physical therapy treatment can be successful for managing pain, reducing swelling, regaining range of motion, and returning you to activities without limitations.

You should seek reconstruction if you plan to return to sports or other high impact recreational activities. Following an ACL reconstruction, you’ll need to go through several months of physical therapy to return to sport.

Resources:

Call now for help with your ACL injury

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by Whitney Vander Veen, PT, DPT, ATC

Did you know that there are several benefits to crawling that affect real time development, but also different aspects of learning and processing for your child later on in their life? Often times, babies will skip the regular developmental crawling phase. The good news is that some of the benefits can be performed even after a child is already walking.

Benefits of Crawling:

Strength: Crawling promotes strength in a child’s legs and hips, in their shoulders and hands, as well as their back and core.
Musculoskeletal development: Hip sockets are formed as muscles bring the hips inward and forward which promotes strength and balance for future walking. Wrist extension is developed which promotes future hand writing.
Brain development with crossing midline: Crawling lays the foundation for the right side of the brain to be able to communicate with the left side of the brain and vice versa for future motor bilateral coordination as they grow. This cross communication also supports future cognitive functioning, problem solving, memory retention, and can affect a child’s ease of learning!
- Midline crossing also helps integrate several neuromotor reflexes that play a significant role in brain development, learning, and sensory preferences.
Vision Development: Crawling promotes a baby’s depth perception, visual perceptual skills, and binocular vision as they change head position frequently and adjust their speed and direction.
Sensory Development: Crawling allows each baby to experience different textures as they change surfaces from carpet, hardwood, grass, or dirt. It also activates vestibular and proprioceptive systems which have to interact to form the foundation of our sensory processing.

How to Encourage Crawling:

Give your baby as much floor time as possible
Avoid overuse of baby equipment such as walkers, activity centers, and jumpers
Use motivating toys or objects such as cars, mirrors, tunnels, or boxes that your baby will want to move with or towards/through
Avoid popular trends that tell you crawling is not important

Remember – even if your child skipped crawling prior to walking, you can still encourage your child to crawl. This will help progress their brain development and achieve the other benefits listed above.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development reach out to us today at 866-588-0230 or schedule a free screen online!

As movement professionals we spend a large amount of time advocating for our clients to get up and move around throughout the day to prevent the ailments associated with a sedentary lifestyle. But just as important as what we do during the day, is what we do at night. SLEEP!

pooh sleep

Sleep allows our body to recover from the day’s activities. We all know (and love) the feeling of falling into bed after a busy day running errands, doing yard work, or cheering on our kids at the ball park. But what is happening when we close our eyes and rest our head on the pillow? To understand the underlying mechanisms, we first have to appreciate the different segments that comprise our sleep cycle.

Sleep Cycles

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) defines 4 stages of the sleep cycle. Before that, most specialists referred to five stages. For the purpose of this break down I’ll describe the four stages outlined by the AASM.

Stage one, is the initial drift off into slumber land. This stage is the shortest, lasting under five minutes and represents the beginning changes in brain activity. In stage 2 the body falls into a more relaxed state, brain activity continues to slow but there are short spurts of activity. The third stage, characterized by a pattern of delta waves, is marked with the physical changes of decreased muscle tone, decreased heart rate, and decreased respiratory rate. Stage four, commonly referred to as REM sleep is when brain activity increases. But wait?? Why is activity increasing when we are trying to rest? This increase in activity is linked to the detailed dreams that people often report during a restful night’s sleep. This increased brain activity is accompanied by a temporary paralysis of the major muscle groups of the body. This allows the muscles to relax and damage accumulated throughout the day to repair. With that basic appreciation for the different phases associated with the sleep cycle we turn our attention to the major question at hand, how does our body employ sleep to help heal itself?

Sleep and Recovery

While we sleep the body undergoes numerous physiologic changes that encourage healing and reduction of pain. During stages 3 and 4 of the sleep cycles the body sees its highest degree of growth hormone secretion. Growth hormone or more commonly known as human growth hormone, functions to stimulate cellular growth, reproduction and regeneration. Sleep impairments have demonstrated decreased secretion of this vital hormone and thus lead to decreased tissue healing capacity. Sleep also has a noted interaction with our body’s digestive system further impacting our body’s ability to utilize nutrients and utilize them as building blocks to recover. Sleep-deprived individuals have demonstrated impaired glucose metabolism, decreased testosterone, and increased cortisol levels in many studies. These physiologic changes all negatively impact our body’s ability to recover from either a rigorous therapy session or the stress placed on our body following surgery. So, what can we do to maximize our time in bed to ensure that our body gets back to tip top shape?

Action Steps!

Below are listed some Healthy Sleep Habits modified from the AASM

Keep a consistent schedule. This means going to bed and waking up at around the same time of day regardless of week day or weekend.
Set your bedroom up for success. Keep the room as dark as possible and the temperature at a cool, but comfortable level.
Strive for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. This means going to bed early enough to achieve at a minimum 7 hours!
Limit your exposure to electronics and bright lights within 1 hour of bed time. If you can’t, give blue light blocking glasses a try to help encourage melatonin secretion as you wind down.
Avoid the afternoon caffeine vice, late night feast, or alcoholic beverage before bed. All of these negatively affect our body’s ability to achieve restorative sleep.

For questions or more information contact us online or give us a call at 866-588-0230.

April showers bring…Rainbows!

Fun motor coordination and body awareness sensory activity

Rainy spring days got you stuck inside? Add color to your day with this fun sensory activity! Create a masterpiece with your child as they use all of the colors of the rainbow to produce art you can admire for years to come! Whether you’re trying to cheer up from a rainy day, or you just want to add some new decorations to the house, you’re sure to have a great time doing this activity with your child.

Here is what you will need:

-Large piece of cardboard, cardstock, or paper (large enough for child to sit in the middle)

-Markers, crayons, or colored pencils, finger paint, etc.

-Difficulty alternatives: Scooter, Bosu Ball, Finger Paint, Chalk

Drawing surface

Instructions:

Have your child sit cross-legged or on their knees in the middle of the drawing area. Placing the drawing utensils in reach, have your child pick one of the colors and begin making big, sweeping curves that start on one side of the body, and finish on the other. Encourage your child to not switch hands as he/she crosses the center of their body!

After they have gone back and forth with the first color, encourage them to pick other colors and create a beautiful rainbow that they can enjoy for days to come! If this becomes an easy task, have your child lay their stomach on a Bosu Ball or sit on a scooter to amp up the challenge of balance and coordination.

Finishing line

Activity Benefits

Not only will this activity give you timeless art work, it is also packed with sensory benefits!

1. Proprioception: Your child will learn what the appropriate force is when using markers, colored pencils, and crayons. For example, pushing too hard on the marker may make it bleed; or pushing too hard with a colored pencil on paper may make a hole.

2. Motor planning: Your child will become familiar with the action of making curves and may even begin to plan where they want the next line of color to go.

3. Gross motor skills and core strength: The arms and core will be working hard in this fun yet challenging drawing activity!

4. Balance and body awareness: Whether sitting on their bottoms, or up tall on a scooter, your child will have to control their balance so they do not tip over. This is also working on body awareness as they have to draw around themselves without marking on their clothes.

If your child bores with the traditional markers and colored pencils, have them use finger paint instead (as demonstrated in the pictures). This is a great way to include a manageable, yet fun mess. Another way to change up the scenery is to take this activity outside with chalk. Drawing the rainbow on the sidewalk or driveway. (Weather permitting of course!)

Want to learn more about improving your child’s sensory preferences and how occupational therapy at Kinetic Edge can help? Call us at 866-588-0230 for more information!

by James Laughlin, PTA

Kinetic Edge physical therapists treat lots of runners ranging from fitness enthusiasts, high school cross country and track athletes, to elite level runners. The number one question on every runner’s mind is whether they can continue running while injured. There is no short answer to this question as every individual’s situation is unique. Ultimately, this question comes down to a risk to benefit ratio. I will outline questions that you and your physical therapist should consider when making these decisions.

Is your injury recent or a recurring chronic injury?

If you are in the acute (0-4 days), or sub-acute (5-14 days) phase of an injury you likely would benefit from relative rest. The risk of aggravating the condition is high and the benefit to continued running is low considering the time frame needed for most acute injuries resolve. If you are a competitive athlete training for an event you should calculate the number of days to the event and calculate your risk analysis with your physical therapist.

With a chronic injury the answer is more nuanced and should be a collaborative effort between you and your therapist. Again, review the risk-reward ratio. Some injuries take longer to heal and are best served with relative rest. You may be able to perform alternative training activities to maintain your conditioning while reducing the training loads and stress on the healing tissues to an appropriate intensity.

Does your pain persist or improve with running?

It’s common to feel twinges of discomfort as we return to running after an injury. Twinges that resolve quickly and allow you to continue without ongoing symptoms usually present a low level of risk. Modifiable activity may also decrease the level of risk. One should never run through pain, especially if the pain is increasing. Pain is an indicator that something is amiss and should be respected and assessed.

Running modifications include altering gait, cadence, surfaces and volume. There is plenty of research that links overstriding to increased ground reaction forces and increased stress to the running muscles. By increasing cadence, you will shorten your stride, possibly decreasing ground reaction forces and symptoms. Another method of reducing the ground reaction force include altering the surface. I particularly like the treadmill in this situation as pace can be controlled and most treadmills today have some cushioning element to the deck. Reducing volume allow you to return to running below pain threshold and progress as symptoms warrant.

What if the pain persists regardless of modifications?

If you are unable to tweak modifiable components without continued pain then you should stop running. This is an indication that the underlying condition demands attention and the healing phases of recovery should be respected. Your therapist will conduct an evaluation to identify the source of your pain, and develop a treatment plan, including corrective exercises. Treatment may also include complimentary training or cross training to help you maintain aerobic fitness.

Complimentary training works the body in a way that is similar to the primary activity. Examples include Alter G treadmill or pool running, as two specific examples. Cross training is effective in maintaining general fitness while reducing the stress to the specific injured tissues. Runners typically look to biking or swimming as cross training options.

As you can see, there is not one single answer to the question of whether to run through an injury. Your body uses pain as a signal and that signal should be respected. Ultimately the decision to continue training, at any level, has a specific risk and reward benefit that you and your therapist must answer.

If you are an injured athlete, I would encourage you to contact one of our clinics and schedule a no obligations injury screen or set up an evaluation to get to the root of your problem and back to the activities you enjoy.

by Nathan Lucs, PT, DPT

Pain is a complex and inevitable fact of life. At some point or another we will all experience it. The pain experience is helpful as a guide to avoid further injury when experiencing an acute tissue injury, but what happens when it persists beyond tissue healing?

Pain does not have to be solely due to acute tissue or emotional injury. It can also be a reaction to POTENTIAL tissue or emotional damage. You see, the interpretation of pain is constructed in the brain, which means it doesn’t necessarily have to be provoked by a physical or emotional stimulus outside of the brain. This, in part, is why pain can persist beyond tissue healing.

How can I improve my pain experience and manage it?

One way you can improve and manage it is through education. Learning and understanding the pain science, physiology of pain, has been shown to reduce the pain experience and prevent catastrophizing. So reading this article and comprehending it alone has the potential to decrease your pain experience.

Let’s dive in to some education of terms and analogies to help paint a picture of a simplified version of the pain experience. First off, understand that there is no such category as “pain receptors” in the nerves that go out into your body from the spinal cord and return information. Instead, there are nerves that transmit uncomfortable sensations back to your brain that may or may not be injurious for the tissue it innervates. These nerves are called nociceptors. Then your mind interprets this as pain or brushes it off as something unimportant. A commonly used illustration can be explained like this: if you break your ankle and fall into the street, and that’s all you have to think about, then you likely will fall to the ground and lay there in agonizing pain. On the other hand, if you break your ankle and you have a bus heading your way, then you are likely to ignore the nociceptive inputs and get out of the way. In this case, it is more important to move than to interpret sensation of the irritated tissue at that time. Context is key to the pain experience. Nociceptive inputs from the body can be interpreted as pain, or can be brushed off as unimportant, annoying sensations only with the brain’s involvement. The resultant interpretation can be, in part, influenced by the context of the situation and knowledge of the physiology of pain.

Additionally, the brain and nervous system outside of it are plastic, meaning they can change or essentially become rewired in a positive or negative way. When pain persists past tissue damage, rewiring (also known as neuroplasticity) can occur both in the brain and the nervous system outside of it. Changes in neural sensitivity through rewiring can lead to a perception of pain that is not equal to the amount of tissue injury, which can lead to increased fear (the thought of potential tissue injury), decreased physical activity, and more pain.1 This is when the perception of pain can become maladaptive. Think of it like an alarm system, you want it to be sensitive enough to tell you when someone is breaking in, but don’t want it to be so sensitive that (in the spirit of fall) a leaf sets it off. In this analogy, the nervous system is the alarm system, someone breaking in is an acute injury in which tissue damage occurs, and the leaf is common every day movements after the tissue damage has been resolved. We want an alarm system that is sensitive enough for acute injuries, yet resilient enough to allow for every day movement in the absence of tissue injury. One way to build a resilient alarm system is through movement and exercise.

Exercise is an innate pain killer! Aerobic exercise specifically stimulates endorphin release. It has been shown that a 6 mile run can produce endorphins equivalent to 10 mg of morphine. To put that into context, people typically get 2-4 mg of IV morphine for maintenance of acute pain in the ER.4 Now, I understand some of you might be saying to yourself, “I don’t want to run 6 miles, is there any other way to receive those benefits?” Well, there is great news because it just takes 10 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise to produce an analgesic effect. Physical therapists can help with exercise modification and determining a graded exposure to exercise leading to an intensity that is right for you. (See the infographic provided by the ACSM for information on how to reach moderate intensity exercise if you are able.)

If you are interested in how you might benefit from exercise, feel free to reach out to us online or by calling 866-588-0230.

Sources

Puentedura EJ, Louw A. A neuroscience approach to managing athletes with low back pain. Phys Ther Sport. 2012;13(3):123-133. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2011.12.001
Van Oosterwijck J, Meeus M, Paul L, et al. Pain physiology education improves health status and endogenous pain inhibition in fibromyalgia: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Clin J Pain. 2013;29(10):873-882. doi:10.1097/AJP.0b013e31827c7a7d
Janal MN, Colt EW, Clark WC, Glusman M. Pain sensitivity, mood and plasma endocrine levels in man following long-distance running: effects of naloxone. Pain. 1984;19(1):13-25. doi:10.1016/0304-3959(84)90061-7
Lexicomp. (n.d.). Morphine: Drug information. UpToDate. Retrieved October 25, 2020, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/morphine-drug-information#F50711535
Hoffman MD, Shepanski MA, Mackenzie SP, Clifford PS. Experimentally induced pain perception is acutely reduced by aerobic exercise in people with chronic low back pain. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2005;42(2):183-190. doi:10.1682/jrrd.2004.06.0065

Should I bring my child in for pediatric occupational therapy? This is a question we hear often because many people don’t know what occupational therapy is and what it can do for their child. Occupational therapy can benefit any child age 0-18 who is experiencing difficulty with every day activities. These difficulties may include one or more of the following:

Poor balance
Picky eating
Emotional outbursts caused by sound/texture/etc.
Poor sleep
Anxiety
Motor developmental delays
Bed wetting
Dyslexia
Handwriting
Poor concentration

This is not an all-inclusive list, as each child is unique.

When children have these kinds of difficulties, they are often related to issues with sensory processing and/or reflexes that haven’t integrated. Sensory processing is an individual’s ability to process sound, movement, sight, touch, and taste. The ability to process this sensory input is necessary to allow the body to respond appropriately to the input. If a child has difficulty processing sensory input, they may have unexplained outbursts, difficulty focusing on tasks, or they may shut down completely. Reflex integration typically occurs within the first few months to years of life. Babies are born with reflexes, which are essential to the development of their brain and body. For example, a baby will grasp something when it is placed in his hand due to the grasp reflex. As he develops, this response becomes integrated and no longer occurs, allowing mature hand coordination skills. If these reflexes remain present, the reflex could cause difficulties with coordination and several other tasks involved in everyday activities.

At Kinetic Edge, the occupational therapists approach these challenges using sensory and reflex integration. When we look at a child’s development, we view it as a pyramid. The bottom of the pyramid is sensory processing and reflex integration, two important components of foundational development. The top of the pyramid contains activities that involve complex thinking and problem solving, such as academic learning, behavior, and daily activities. If a child is lacking a strong foundation, he may experience difficulty with tasks that seem easy for other children.

If you notice your child is having difficulty with tasks at school or home, he or she may benefit from occupational therapy. Our goal as occupational therapists is to enrich the lives of children and their families through therapy that is fun, meaningful, and motivating. Using a bottom up approach, it is our hope that children can build a strong foundation which allows them to participate in meaningful activities they were unable to experience before. It could be a child attending a sleepover because they are no longer anxious or a family going out for dinner because their child is no longer bothered by the noisy restaurant. Together, we can change the life of a child and in turn, the life of a family.

Feel free to reach out if you have concerns about your child, we would be happy to talk about if pediatric occupational therapy may be right for them. You may request an appointment or schedule a free screen by calling 866-588-0230.

by Jodeann Cooley, PTA

Osteoarthritis is commonly known as wear and tear arthritis. OA is the most common type of arthritis. More than 27 million people in the U.S. have OA, and knees are the most commonly affected area. Osteoarthritis is caused when the natural cushioning between joints (cartilage) wears away. This causes the bones of the knee to rub closer together. This rubbing results in pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased ability to move, and sometimes, bone spurs.

Risk Factors

Age-People have an increased chance of developing OA after the age of 45, though younger people can get it too.
Gender-Women are more likely to develop OA than men are.
Weight-Being overweight puts significantly more stress on the joints, especially the knees.
Weakness-Decreased strength in the muscles of the knees can lead to OA.
Repetitive Stress Injuries-These injuries can be the result of jobs that require a lot of kneeling, squatting, and lifting heavier weights regularly.
Athletes-Especially sports such as soccer, tennis and long-distance running.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in the Knee

These symptoms usually come on gradually, and will worsen over months or years if the issue isn’t treated.

Pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest. You may also have constant low levels of dull pain, achiness, or sharp and intense pain.
Swelling in the knee joint.
Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
Decreased mobility-This may cause difficulty sitting and standing from a chair, getting in and out of a car, going up or down the stairs or walking. You may not be able to completely bend or straighten your knee.
Creaking or crackling in the knee with movement.
Buckling or locking of the knee.

Treatment Options

Goals of treatment are to relieve pain, return mobility and limit the progression of damage. Early treatment can significantly slow or eliminate the progress of symptoms and damage to the knee joints.

Weight loss: This helps to unload some of the pressure off of the knee joints.
Pain relievers: These are a good option for short-term relief, but long-term use can cause stomach ulcers, cardiovascular problems or kidney and liver damage. They also don’t slow down the advancement of OA.
Injections: These are for temporary relief and usually last for about 2 months. Most doctors will only administer these 3-4 times per year.
Surgery: This includes a total knee replacement and a partial knee replacement. This isn’t usually the first choice because the recovery time is several weeks or months. Surgery is typically done after other treatments have been used.
Physical Therapy: PT uses strengthening and stretching to help with function for daily activities and increase quality of life. Prescribed exercises will strengthen the knees so they can better support the knee joint, which in turn puts less stress on the damaged cartilage and bone. Stretching will make knees more mobile and flexible. Exercises also help with pain, and can help avoid surgeries, injections and pain medications.

Best Exercises for Osteoarthritis of the Knees

Three good beginner exercises are the following:

Quad Sets: Tighten your thigh and push your knee down into the bed.
Straight Leg Raise: Start with knee straight out and the other knee bent. Lift leg straight up towards ceiling. Pause, then lower.
Sit to Stand: Try these exercises 2-3 times per day. Walking is also a good exercise. However, walking on a treadmill or on uneven surfaces can make discomfort worse due to the higher impact to the knees.

If you have increased pain in the knees or you aren’t noticing improvements in 2 weeks with these exercises, request an appointment with one of our movement specialists at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy for an evaluation and an exercise program for your specific needs. You don’t have to live with the discomfort of OA of the knees; we can help you restore hope through movement!

Call now for more help with your knee problems

1-866-588-0230

by Whitney Vander Veen, PT, DPT, ATC

Do you find yourself questioning if your child is walking normally? Does your child take several steps at a time up on their toes or on the front part of their foot? Telling the difference between “normal” toe stepping and more problematic, idiopathic toe walking can sometimes be difficult – but idiopathic toe walking is not a part of normal development. Research is showing that toe walking is a visible symptom of other problems that have not become evident yet – whether from the vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, or visual sense systems. These sense systems are the human foundation for optimum development and movement.

Toe Stepping vs Idiopathic or Problematic Toe Walking

Signs when Toe Stepping may not be cause for concern:

Your child takes a few steps on their toes & then returns to flat foot
The “toe walking” is reducing in frequency
Your child has only been walking independently for a few weeks

Signs when Toe Walking is cause for concern:

The first part of the foot to come in contact with the ground is the front of the foot and your child has been walking independently for longer than six months
Does your child dislike their feet being touched or other touch senses?
Your child is clumsy, fall often, or bump into things
They get car sick
Your child loves spinning & similar activities more than other children
They are either experiencing, or have a history of, delayed milestones
Ankle flexibility is getting tighter & they have difficulty standing on flat feet even if they try
Your child was premature &/or low birth weight
Your child has difficulty with speech &/or learning

Future implications if Idiopathic Toe Walking continues without being addressed:

Bony Deformities: the foot is at greater risk for deformities during the first 2-4 years of walking
Pain in other joints and areas of the body including feet, hips, knees, and low back
Decreased balance strategies

What can you do if you are concerned:

Consult with a pediatric physical therapist, preferably one who is experienced & successful in treating Toe Walking

**Early intervention is key as skeletal changes are less likely to respond to intervention after 4 years of age

Become more knowledgeable on the topic: Visit knowtochange.com and learn from Liesa M. Ritchie (Persaud), PT, DPT, PCS – she has 28 years of experience and is leading the way in education for non-invasive treatment strategies for Idiopathic or Problematic Toe Walking

If you have any questions or would like to talk through any concerns you have please reach out to us online or by calling 866-588-0230.

Resources

knowtochange.com
Ackman J D et al. Comparing Botulinum Toxin A with casting for treatment of Dev Med Child Neurol. 2005 Sep.
Dietz, FR, Albright JC & Dolan L. Medium Term Follow Up of Achilles Tendon Lengthening in the Treatment of Ankle Equines in Cerebral Palsy. The Iowa Orthopaedic Journal. 2006;26:27-32.

• Schumway-Cook A, & Woollacott H. Motor Control: Theory and Practical Applications. Baltimore, Maryland: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001:25.

 by Heather Pilcher, PTA, ATC

I’m sure we’ve all heard the term Fibromyalgia but do you really know what it is. According to the CDC, Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain), sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia. Known as abnormal pain perception processing. Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million US adults, about 2% of the adult population. Experts do not know what causes fibromyalgia, but it can be effectively treated and managed. Fibromyalgia should be treated by a doctor or team of healthcare professionals who specialize in the treatment of fibromyalgia and other types of arthritis, called rheumatologists

There are a number of different methods to treat people with fibromyalgia, one important way is through aerobic and strengthening exercise. People with fibromyalgia should stay as active as your health allows, and change your activity level depending on your symptoms. Some physical activity is better than none.

According to the CDC, here’s how you can safely exercise and enjoy the benefits of increased physical activity with these S.M.A.R.T. tips.

Start low, go slow.

When starting or increasing physical activity, start slow and pay attention to how your body tolerates it. People with arthritis may take more time for their body to adjust to a new level of activity.

Modify activity when arthritis symptoms increase, try to stay active.

Your arthritis symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and fatigue, may come and go and you may have good days and bad days. Try to modify your activity to stay as active as possible without making your symptoms worse.

Activities should be “joint friendly.”

Choose activities that are easy on the joints like walking, bicycling, water aerobics, or dancing. These activities have a low risk of injury and do not twist or “pound” the joints too much.

Recognize safe places and ways to be active.

Safety is important for starting and maintaining an activity plan. If you are currently inactive or you are not sure how to start your own physical activity program, the Medical Fitness program at Kinetic Edge may be a good option.

Talk to a health professional or certified exercise specialist.

Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy offers a medical fitness program. Our medical fitness program (MFP) empowers individuals with medical complications to live a healthier lifestyle. Often, people want to be healthier, but they don’t know how to do it. The MFP educates people on how to change their lifestyle and gives them the tools to do so long term.

Different types of activities are recommended by the CDC and are addressed when you join Kinetic Edge for overall health and fitness.

Low-impact aerobic activities do not put stress on the joints and include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, light gardening, group exercise classes, and dancing.
Muscle-strengthening exercises include lifting weights, working with resistance bands, and yoga.
Flexibility exercises like stretching and yoga are also important for people with arthritis. Many people with arthritis have joint stiffness that makes daily tasks difficult. Daily flexibility exercises help maintain range of motion so you can keep doing things like household tasks, hobbies, and visiting with friends and family.
Balance exercises like walking backwards, standing on one foot, and tai chi are important for those who are at a risk of falling or have trouble walking. Do balance exercises 3 days per week if you are at risk of falling.

Some perceive fibromyalgia as a debilitating diagnosis, but through a consistent, appropriate exercise routine you can lead a full life with less intense and frequent symptoms. Let Kinetic Edge help you exceed your goals by joining our Medical Fitness program. For questions or to schedule contact us online or call 866-588-0230.

Chances are, if you are reading this article you are one of the many people who have searched the internet looking up the different causes of dizziness. At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we’ve put together the below information to help our clients throughout the Des Moines area understand the systems involved with balance, how our balance system works, common balance problems, and how physical therapy can help.

Systems Involved with Balance

Our brain is constantly receiving and analyzing information from our body systems to help maintain our balance. Here is a brief overview of the three main systems involved. Somatosensory is the information from joints and body positioning and makes up 70%. Vestibular is the information from fluid movement in the inner ear and makes up 20%. Vision is the final 10% of our balance.

How Does the Vestibular System Work?

There are three semicircular canals of the inner ear that use fluid movement to relay information to the brain (see figure 1). The hair follicles, in a stair step pattern, sense the fluid direction changes to relay head positioning to the brain. Each side of the brain is receiving signals from the ear that should correspond with the opposite side.

Figure 1. Photo: Mayo Education and Research

The problem

Otoconia (see figure 1) or sometimes referred to as “crystals” can become dislodged and alter fluid movement creating mixed signals. These mixed signals confuse the brain, which can cause dizziness. These mixed signals confuse the brain, which can cause dizziness or the sensation that your physical surroundings are spinning. This issue is also known as “Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo,” “BPPV,” or “vertigo” for short. While BPPV is benign and symptoms may resolve on their own without further treatment, BPPV can vary in severity and duration based on the individual. For instance, some may experience relief from their symptoms in under a minute after changing positions or when making certain movements while others may experience more prolonged or severe symptoms. In addition to dizziness, symptoms of vertigo can include nausea, vomiting, or a loss of balance. These more troublesome symptoms can increase the risk of falling and make other daily tasks such as driving, reading, or looking at screens more difficult to perform until vertigo subsides.

The Fix is In!

While a sudden loss of balance and other symptoms associated with vertigo can be scary, have no fear, your physical therapist can help! Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy has helped clients throughout Des Moines, IA and the nearby communities manage and relieve their vertigo symptoms through physical therapy maneuvers so that they can get back to living their lives comfortably.

With clinic locations in Ames, Centerville, Colfax, Des Moines, Newton, Oskaloosa, Pella, or Waukee, when you visit Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, a member of our staff will take the time to discuss your issue to recommend the right treatment to help with your balance issue. We’ll conduct a vestibular examination to determine which side of the body and ear canal is affected. From there, the repositioning maneuver of the otoconia or “crystals” takes just minutes and can resolve your vertigo symptoms in as little as one treatment.

If you have any questions about how to improve poor balance or would like to know more about how physical therapy can help with treating vertigo, do not hesitate to contact us today! We invite you to reach out to us online or by calling 866-588-0230.

Because we’re passionate about movement we want to show you how to move your body correctly. Check back for more videos on proper movement technique.

2/15/21 – Step Downs

Step downs may seem simple on initial inspection; however, they can be deceptively challenging. The step down is a popular exercise to promote eccentric (lowering) strength in our legs. This helps to control our body through a variety of tasks we encounter every day, such as descending stairs.

The focus of this exercises lies in the control. Regardless of the height you are using, you should be able to control the descent through the entire range of motion. This may require you to work from a shorter step. Focus on keeping your hips level throughout the movement.

Start Position:

Start standing on a platform or step with one leg hanging off the edge

Movement

With an upright posture, bend your knee and hip
Slowly lowering your foot towards the ground

Keys to success

Control the motion: Don’t let the knee cave in, the hip fall down, or cheat with your non-weightbearing leg!
You shoulder feel the thigh of the weightbearing leg doing all the work

1/25/21 – Hip Flexor Stretch

As we all continue to work from home many people continue to spend a large amount of time sitting. This can lead to a tight feeling in the front of our hip. This tightness can often be attributed to the shortening of the hip flexor musculature.

The hip flexor is actually called the iliopsoas muscle, which spans from our lower lumbar spine to the inner aspect of our femur. It functions, as the name suggests to flex the leg at the hip joint. It lies deep in our abdomen running against our back, through our hip and attaching to the top of our leg.

To assess if this muscle is tight and to properly stretch this muscle can be a challenge if individuals don’t take their time to perform it correctly.

Start Position

Lunge forward, bending the front knee and keeping your down knee underneath your hip

Stretch

Activate your core muscles to anchor your trunk on your pelvis
Gently tuck your tailbone under your pelvis
Collectively push your hips forward, this is a small motion

Keys to Success

Keep your trunk tall and avoiding arching backwards.

If you’re having trouble doing these movements please reach out to us online or call at 866-588-0230.

by Allison Garmager, PT, DPT

Did you know that physical therapy can be a successful alternative to surgery? Often, when we are experiencing musculoskeletal pain, we are told that we need surgery. However, physical therapy can be improve mobility, strength, and promote your body’s natural healing processes to reduce pain and restore function, allowing you to lead a more active lifestyle.

Research has found physical therapy to be an effective alternative to surgery for many musculoskeletal conditions, such as rotator cuff tears and meniscus tears. Additionally, physical therapy is a safer alternative to surgery, with decreased risk of experiencing adverse outcomes. In physical therapy, you will learn exercises and activities to reduce pain, reduce the risk of further tissue damage, and promote healing of injured tissues. Your physical therapist will be able to appropriately tailor the treatment and activities based on your specific needs and goals.

Physical therapy is almost always the most cost-effective way to restore health and cost of physical therapy function, especially when compared to surgery. This is true regardless of insurance coverage. We all know how complicated insurance is to understand so at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we will work with you to help you understand the physical therapy insurance benefits of your insurance plan. Though insurance plans differ, physical therapy is consistently lower cost to you and to our healthcare system compared to surgery. PT is also more effective than imaging and injections that don’t address the underlying cause of the problem. In a study done by Health Services Research they concluded “patients who had an MRI first spent an average of $4,793 more on healthcare costs.

What would a typical physical therapy session entail? We will listen to you and discuss your health and pain or movement problems. Then we will assess your function in mobility, strength, and neuromotor control to determine the cause of your pain or disfunction. Then, we will develop and plan and work one-on-one directly with you to address your specific needs with manual treatments and corrective exercises and activities to promote healing and improve your body’s ability to move better and feel better.

If you have pain or a movement problem you can learn more at www.KineticEdgePT.com or you can reach the specialists in movement at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy by calling us at 866-588-0230.

by Liz Vermeer, PT, DPT

Sitting is something we do every day. Sometimes jobs require us to commute to and from work or sit looking at a computer screen many hours per day. We sit while watching television or watching kids do extracurricular activities. While sitting is a necessary part of our day, sitting for too long can cause many musculoskeletal problems including neck and shoulder pain, low back pain and hip pain. Often this happens because prolonged time in any position will make some muscles short and tight and other muscles weak and stretched out.

sitting pain

https://www.muscletherapyaustralia.com.au/

5 Tips to Relieve Body Stress with Sitting

1) Move

Make sure to get up and move at least every hour. Movement helps bring blood flow to the muscles and joints helping both your cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system. The best way to improve strain and stress from prolonged positions is movement. Set a timer for every hour. Get up and get a drink of water. Go to the bathroom. Go look out the window. You get the idea!

2) Stretch

Sitting tends to cause our shoulders to round forward and the front of our hips to get tight. It is important to stretch these areas the opposite direction to undo the stress from sitting.

sit stretch

Thoracic stretch over the edge of the chair

stretch

Hip flexor stretch in the lunge position (Stretch should be felt in the front of the back leg)

3) Strengthen

While stretching is very important to keep us mobile, doing some strength exercises are also very important as muscles like our upper back muscles and our gluteal muscles get stretched out and are harder to get to work correctly. Strengthening can be very beneficial to improving body aches due to sitting.

hip bridge

Hip Bridge for glut activation

sitting posture

Shoulder Blade Squeeze Down and Back for Upright Posture

4) Be aware of your sitting position

Sitting position can have a huge effect on how your body feels and moves after sitting for long periods of time. Often, we end up rounding our shoulders forward and letting our low back curve into the chair. Having a chair at work or at home that supports the body into upright posture can be very helpful to decrease the strain of sitting for long periods.

ergonomic sitting position

www.ergonomichealthhq.com

If you try out these tips and find that you continue to have stiffness or pain from sitting that you would like to improve, the movement specialists at Kinetic Edge are happy to help! Call 866-588-0230 or request an appointment or a free screen today.

by Dr. Matt Scotton, DPT, ATC, CSCS

Do you wish you were healthier or more active? For about 80% of Americans, the answer to this question is “yes.” Don’t worry, there is hope,… and a simple solution. About 99.9% of people have the ability to improve their health and fitness in as little as two weeks.

In my experience as a physical therapist and athletic trainer for over 25 years I have witnessed positive health changes in thousands of people. I usually get to work with people who have health challenges complex enough that people know they need professional help to overcome them, but what I’ve learned and plan to share with you in this article applies to everyone.

The human body has an amazing capacity to heal and adapt. It heals and adapts to the “stress” we apply to it. The key to improving health and fitness is to apply positive, constructive stress to our body regularly. This means being more active or performing exercise at least two times per week. These positive changes in our bodies usually occur faster if we exercise every day.

Most people call things they do every day or every week habits. Research tells us that starting a new habit is not easy, but replacing a habit or attaching a new activity to an existing habit increases the success rate drastically. What unhealthy habit would you like to replace with a healthy one? Or what do you do every day that you could attach a healthy activity to? Here are a couple of simple examples: you could replace the habit of sitting while you watch your favorite show with standing or marching in place while you watch; or since we all eat every day, you could stack an activity like going for a walk right before or after a meal every day.

Since you’re reading this article you probably know that the benefits of daily physical activities and exercise are immense and include: increased energy, happiness, strength of muscles and bones, memory and brain health, and a more responsive immune system. Being active also reduces risk of many chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, depression, anxiety, heart attack, and stroke.

How much activity is enough? The updated physical activity guidelines from the US Department of Health and Human Services suggests 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week from people in every age group. (link: https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/physical-activity-guidelines-for-americans/index.html) This is about 30 to 60 minutes per day, and the best news is that it can be divided up into smaller blocks of time each day if you wish.

Physical activity has immediate impacts on our mood, function, and sleep. When we are consistently active our bodies adapt and we reap the long-term rewards of improved health and function and reduced risk of chronic illnesses.

If you have pain, weakness, or a balance problem that keeps you from being active request an appointment at one of our 8 clinics in Ames, Des Moines, Newton, Pella, Oskaloosa, Centerville, and Waukee. One of our physical therapists will work with you to achieve your health and function goals.

Foam rollers and self-myofascial release

by Ethan Lahn, PT, DPT

What is it?

We’ve all seen the foam cylinder sitting in the corner of the gym or the physical therapy clinic. But, have you ever wondered what exactly it is? Why is it used? Foam rollers are a form of “self-myofascial release”. But wait! Don’t run in fear from these complicated and scientific words. Let’s break it down: Myofascial is a fancy term referring to connective tissue called fascia that covers your muscles and helps link structures like muscles and bones together. Think of it as a thin layer of gristle on a steak or the skin on your chicken breast. The “release” is the freeing of tension in that sheet of tissue. Many tools such as lacrosse balls, massage sticks, and various shapes and textures of foam rollers are used for self-myofascial release. Let’s dive in!

How does it work?

The mechanisms underlying how foam rollers and other self-myofascial techniques work are not well understood and are often debated among the scientific community. The most accepted and well supported explanation is that friction created by rolling across the muscles and fascia helps modulate how our bodies sense pain and discomfort. By decreasing the pain sensitivity of our nerves, our muscles relax and get longer thus allowing for increased motion. For individuals in pain, decreasing the pain signals from our muscles allows for more efficient movement and, in many cases, decreases in pain and improvements in function. Other proposed explanations include the mechanical release of adhesions from the friction of rolling across the muscle (1). By removing these adhesions from the connective tissue, motion improves and there are immediate improvements in function.

What do the experts say?

A recent study examining numerous research trials shows that foam rolling is effective for short-term improvements in flexibility. Additionally, research shows it decreases muscle soreness when used following exercise (2). But what about static stretching or dynamic warm-ups? As a reminder, static stretching is when we hold one stretch for a long period of time, whereas dynamic stretching we are taking our body through a series of active movements and joints move through their full range of motion. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning recently published an article that determined that foam rolling is not an appropriate alternative for static or dynamic stretching. They cite the different tissue loading conditions between stretching and foam rolling as serving different goals (3). When we look at performance metrics such as jumping, researchers from Costal Carolina University found that there was no difference between foam rolling and dynamic stretching after about 5 minutes. They suggest that foam rolling is better suited at times other than directly before performance testing, due to its ability to modulate pain (4). This research suggests that foam rolling may be better suited to decrease muscle soreness felt from a previous workout, a phenomenon referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMs).

Should I use it?

YES. But… Ethan, you just said foam rolling isn’t effective and won’t make me jump higher and can’t replace my dynamic warm up! Then why should I use it? While this is true, the short-term benefits of unlocking short term flexibility allows you to get more out of things like dynamic stretching to increase your available motion. Let me reiterate. Foam rolling should not replace a good warm-up that gets your body primed to go for that run or lift. It should serve as another tool in your tool box to help you feel better after a hard workout or a more active recovery method during your day off of practice/working out. If you get to practice early, get on the foam roller and roll out those painful spots. This will help prime your body to get more out of your dynamic warm up. Think of it as a good back or leg massage that helps to work out all that soreness and tension in your muscles, thus preparing you to tackle your next workout!

So how do I use it?

Start by slowly rolling the targeted muscle until you find a tender or tight spot. Perform small amplitude oscillations over that spot while trying to relax that muscle, allowing the roller to sink deeper into the muscle (easier said than done, I know). Once you feel the tension release, move on to the next tight spot or muscle group. Spend between 30 seconds and 90 seconds on each muscle with specific attention to the sore areas.

Tips

Be active – Don’t just sit on the foam roller, MOVE YOUR BODY!
Slooooow and smooth, don’t rush through your routine. This allows your body to relax and let the foam roller massage deeper muscle tissues.

Products We Recommend

If you have questions about foam rolling or myofascial release give us a call at 866-588-0230.

Citations:

Barnes, MF. The basic science of myofascial release: Morphologic change in connective tissue. J Body Work Mov Ther 1: 231–238, 1997.
Wiewelhove, Thimo et al. “A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Foam Rolling on Performance and Recovery.” Frontiers in physiology vol. 10 376. 9 Apr. 201
Siebert, Tobias1; Donath, Lars2; Borsdorf, Mischa1; Stutzig, Norman1 Effect of Static Stretching, Dynamic Stretching, and Myofascial Foam Rolling on Range of Motion During Hip Flexion, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: February 14, 2020
Smith, Jason C et al. “Acute Effect of Foam Rolling and Dynamic Stretching on Flexibility and Jump Height.” Journal of strength and conditioning research vol. 32,8 (2018): 2209-2215.

By James Laughlin, PTA

What current research indicates for endurance athletes return to sport

If you are recovering, or have recovered, from COVID-19 you may be wondering when is it appropriate to return to participation in endurance athletic activities? In this brief literature review I hope to outline the current thinking regarding safely returning to endurance activity. Considerations must be given to the body systems affected by COVID-19 and the general health of the athlete prior to infection and post recovery. This review should help you improve your understanding of the risk factors associated with COVID-19 and elicit questions about how best to safely return to endurance physical activity.

COVID-19 is associated with a wide range of dysfunction across many of our bodies systems. Body systems most frequently cited in the literature include cardiac, pulmonary, hematologic, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal (1). Significantly the literature states that system involvement is varied and should be addressed on an individual participant basis.

Regarding endurance sport participation three body systems are worth noting. Risk factors associated with the hematologic system include increased risk for hypercoagulability and thrombosis (1). Gastrointestinal system concerns include hydration and energy availability (1). The majority of literature and research has been on the cardiac system.

Early research on the cardiac system looked at cytokine activity and subsequent injury to heart muscle cells (1). Additional complications include arrythmias associated with specific treatments (1). Initial research indicated that a cardiovascular screen should be performed to rule out heart abnormalities associated with COVID-19. This testing would include electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (EKG) and ultimately cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) (2). Recent research has indicated that extensive diagnosis with the aforementioned testing may not prove to be efficacious. Primary concerns include over utilization of testing; lack of normative data for comparison; and premorbid, benign abnormalities which can lead to confusion and fear (3, 4).

Current recommendations for return to endurance activity are driven by age, health history prior to infection, intensity of infection, and duration of infection. It is important to reiterate that each individual should be assessed in isolation as everyone’s response is unique. For simplicity we will look at two classes of athletes and current recommendations for return to activity.

One Class of individuals are those previously thought to be healthy, under the age of 35 and who’s symptoms were asymptomatic or minor in intensity. Assuming no symptoms for 14 days, or no symptoms 10 days following a positive test, it is advised that this athlete can return to endurance activity on a modified progression over one month (4). Initial endurance exercise load starts at 50% of previous volume, add 30% week two, 20% week three and finally adding the last 10% in week 4 (1).

Masters athletes, greater than 35 years of age, who pre infection were healthy without comorbidities can also follow the above guidelines assuming that they have been symptom free for fourteen days without a test; or symptoms free ten days following a positive test with no or minor symptoms. Week one load starts at 50% of prior volume. Add 30% week two. Week three add another 20% and finally on week four add final 10% volume (1).

If symptoms persist for greater than fourteen days or of moderate to severe intensity it is best to work with your primary care provider to consider screening and cardiac testing. Suggestions to this group are beyond the scope of this review and require specific advice from your physician

As we continue to see the number of COVID-19 cases rise it is likely that you or someone you know in the athletic community will suffer from this disease. Hopefully this review has consolidated some of the thinking behind COVID-19 and activity restrictions for the endurance athlete.

References

Metzl J, McElheny K, et al. Considerations for Return to Exercise Following Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 in the Recreational Athlete. HSSJ. DOI 10.1007/s11420-020-09777-1
Udelson J, Curtis M, Rowin E. Return to Play for Athletes After Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection-Making High-Stakes Recommendations as Data Evolve. JAMA Cardiology. Published online October 26, 2020
Verwoert G.C., de Vries S.T., et al. Return to sports after COVID-19: a position paper from the Dutch Sports Cardiology Section of the Netherlands Society of Cardiology. Netherland Heart J. Published 13 July, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7357275/
Kim J, Levine B, et al. Coronavirus Disease 2019 and the Athletic Heart Emerging Perspectives on Pathology, Risks and Return to Play. JAMA Cardiology. Published online October 26, 2020

by Aimee Keller, PT, DPT

Commonly, physical therapy is thought of as treatment following an injury or after having surgery. However, physical therapy is effective in preventing injury, especially when it comes to fall prevention in the elderly population. A physical therapist can help identify factors that may be putting you at risk of future falls.

Falls can occur due to multiple reasons, such as:

Strength deficits
Balance deficits
Medications
Vision impairment
Cognitive impairment

Your primary physician can assist in identifying any medication or underlying conditions that cause dizziness and increase risk of falling. While your physical therapist can address strength and balance impairments and give you the tools to improve those deficits in order to reduce risk of falls.

What does a fall prevention physical therapy plan of care look like?

Balance training: Your therapist will safely take you through different stationary and moving exercises. These will challenge your balance and, over time, improve your reaction times and ability to correct your balance to reduce your risk of falling.
Walking program: Your therapist will likely have you walking, stationary biking, and doing a variety of moving activities. These can improve your endurance, strength, and balance to maximize your functional mobility and improve your safety.
Dual-tasks: Older adults who have difficulties walking and doing another task at the same time (talking, reaching, turning the head, etc.) are at a higher risk of falling. Your PT can safely take you through “dual task” exercises, where you perform multiple things at once to prepare for real life situations.
Strength training: Having appropriate upper and lower extremity strength is important in correcting your balance and preventing falls. Your therapist will prescribe an individualized strengthening program to target your weak areas.
Education: Your therapist can provide information about ways to reduce your risk of falling at home and in the community, such as suggesting appropriate assistive devices to use or ways to set up your home in order to maximize your safety.

There are multiple ways physical therapy can assist you in improving balance and mobility. Improvements in these areas can reduce risk of falls and better quality of life. Contact Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy at 866-588-0230 to set up an appointment with our movement and balance experts to help get you safely moving again!

by Allison Garmager, PT, DPT

Do you or someone you know have a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease? According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), about 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disease. There are a wide variety of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. Although those listed may be some of the autoimmune diseases you are familiar with, there are many other categories of these disorders which stem from pathology of the immune system.

These autoimmune diseases can cause a wide variety of symptoms, some of which are musculoskeletal in nature and can be treated with physical therapy. For example, people with rheumatoid arthritis often experience joint pain due to inflammatory processes. Individuals with multiple sclerosis may experience difficulty with ambulation, along with other mobility impairments. People with myositis often experience progressive weakness, leading to challenges in performing their daily activities. Each autoimmune disease has unique features, just as each individual’s diagnosis brings unique symptoms.

It is usually beneficial if each person is treated with a multifactorial approach. Many members of the healthcare team, such as physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians can work together to improve health, function, and overall wellbeing. Early treatment is beneficial to select appropriate resources to manage changes in their health and function over time.

How can a physical therapist help with treatment of an autoimmune disease? As physical therapists, our primary focus is on function and mobility. We can utilize manual therapy to decrease muscle tension, improve mobility, and facilitate a reduction in pain. We can also assist patients in improving their strength, resulting in the ability to perform daily activities with greater ease. Gait training from a physical therapist can make walking easier and safer, and it may include instruction in the use of an assistive device, such as a cane or walker. Each physical therapy treatment is individualized and will be tailored to the specific challenges and needs of each person.

If you or someone you know has symptoms of or a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, there would probably be great benefit from a consultation with a physical therapist. At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we transform lives through movement. Contact us anytime to request an appointment or with questions!

by James Laughlin, PTA

You’ve heard it before. “You must strengthen your core”. “Your core is essential to sport performance”. “Strengthen your core and eliminate back pain”. The list goes on and on. All of these statements can be true. So why does your core matter? Developmentally the core is your foundation providing a central attachment for your extremities to anchor. Much like a house is not stable without a solid foundation, your body needs a similar anchor point.

Benefits of an energetic and engaged core:

Acts as a shock absorber to protect against injury
Allows for efficient body adjustments to enhance balance and stability
Forms an anchor point for efficient movement
Assists in transferring power to the extremities to improve power output

What is your core?

Now that we know the benefits of the core, we must define what is the core? One school of thought takes a broader look at the core defining it as your midsection extending from just below your chest to just above your knees. Another school of thought defines the core narrowly as the Transverse Abdominus (the deepest layer of our abdominal wall).

A working definition of the core

So which school of thought is more accurate or useful? Both are accurate taken in context. We have multiple layers of muscles within our body serving a multitude of responsibilities. The deepest layer of our muscles works locally providing stability to assist with efficient movement of the joints themselves. Without these muscles’ movement would be inefficient and increase risk of injury to the joint or muscles. Our outermost layer of muscles is responsible for creating the movements we are familiar with – lifting the arm or swinging the leg while running.

How do you strengthen your core?

Energizing the core requires efficient recruitment of these muscles. More than strength, muscles must perform when needed. An energized core is stable and dynamic allowing for efficient movement, transfer of power and protection from injury. Below I will introduce a valuable exercise to help “prime” your core.

The “Single Best” Core Exercise

Today I want to introduce one exercise that will help you to “turn on” your core. The Diagonal Chop incorporates not only the movement muscles but also engages the local stabilizing muscles as well. Through physiological principles this movement will ensure that both layers of the core engage making the remaining core work you do more effective.

If you have any questions or feel any pain or strain when performing core exercises please reach out online or call us at 866-588-0230!

by Whitney Vander Veen, DPT, PT

The American Physical Therapy Association states, “Pediatric physical therapists (PTs) work with children and their families to assist each child in reaching their maximum potential to function independently and to promote active participation in home, school, and community environments. Physical therapists use their expertise in movement and apply clinical reasoning through the process of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention” (Section on Pediatrics, APTA, 2009). Pediatric physical therapy is adapted to the individual need of each child to progress motor development and function as well as strength and endurance in children ages 0-21.

Common Reasons for and Diagnoses seen by Pediatric Physical Therapists

Diagnoses

Other Reasons

Developmental delay
Musculoskeletal injuries
Torticollis
Flat Head Syndrome
Cerebral palsy
Spina bifida
Hydrocephalus
Stroke
Traumatic brain injury
Coordination and balance disorders
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Spinal cord injuries
Scoliosis
Amputations
Hypotonia/Hypertonia
Down Syndrome
Angelman’s Syndrome
Charcot Marie Tooth Disease
Muscular Dystrophy

Child is behind in age-appropriate gross motor skills such as rolling, crawling, walking, jumping, catching, etc.
Child walks up on toes >50% of day
Child trips or falls often
Child gets tired quickly while playing
Child complains of pain in muscles, joints, or feet
Child has abnormal muscle tone (muscles appear tight/rigid or loose/floppy)-Infant born prematurely
Child sits in W-sit position often
Child crawls or walks asymmetrically

What to Expect During a Pediatric Physical Therapy Session

A physical therapy session at Kinetic Edge entails hands on techniques and therapeutic exercises tailored to each child’s specific needs. Goals are reached through play or recreational based activities. It is important that each child is engaged, motivated, and having fun throughout each therapy session so they can succeed and achieve functional goals to carry over into their everyday activities.

Your Child’s physical therapy session may include some of the following activities:

Stretching
Strengthening weak muscles
Balance Activities
Reflex Integration
Coordination Exercises
Activities to improve muscle / balance endurance
Learning/improving gross motor coordination skills
Family/Child Education of home program

As with all success stories that come from physical therapy no matter the age – following a home program plays a large role in the success a child achieves through pediatric physical therapy services. Goals are initially developed and driven from family input and progress is increased with home program activities that each family oversees. We strive to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for each child and want families to be involved and become advocates for their child’s independence.

Questions about your child possibly benefiting from pediatric physical therapy? Call 866-588-0230 to speak with a pediatric PT or schedule a free screen today!

 by James Laughlin, PTA

The 100-Up Exercise credited to G. Walter George in the late 1880’s saw a resurgence in popularity following the release of “Born to Run: A Hidden tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen” by AP correspondent and author Christopher McDougall. G. Walter George credits this exercise in part to helping him achieve several mid distance records. Today coaches prescribe a variation of this exercise to assist runners with their run form. Recently, as part of my recovery from foot injury, I have added this drill to improve run form and tolerance to running activity. Is The 100-Up Exercise the best running exercise of all time? I’ll let you make your own verdict.

Why do The 100-Up Exercise?

The purported benefits of this exercise are quite impressive considering the time involved and lack of special equipment. In fact, this exercise requires no equipment, including shoes. Participants are encouraged to perform the drill in bare feet. Further this drill should take no more than a minute or two.

Benefits of The 100-Up Exercise

Improves running efficiency through improved technique
Increases strength by directly conditioning “running” muscles
Improves performance by acting as a dynamic warm up
Decreases risk of injury through improved running mechanics
Return to run following injury in a controlled environment

As you’ll learn below, set up and focus on technique while moving the lower body through full range of motion takes the majority of thinking out of this exercise.

What is The 100-Up Exercise?

Many track and mid distance athletes will recognize this exercise as no more than the high knee drill, which is not accurate once we look at the specifics of the technique. The 100-Up Exercise has two components, the precursor minor exercise progressing to the major, or The 100-Up Exercise. Runners should start with the “minor” comprised of single leg marching, focusing on proper run technique and posture. Progress to The “major”, adding a dynamic component of running in place while maintaining good running posture and running mechanics.

Performing The 100-Up Exercise

The 100-Up Exercise has two components. There is both a Minor and Major variation of this exercise. Prepare for the Major with the Minor Exercise. This low impact variant will focus heavily on technique without physical strain. This is a particularly good place for a recovering runner to begin as well.

The Minor 100-Up Exercise

Stand in front of a mirror with two parallel lines of tape, running perpendicular to the mirror, on the floor approximately hip width or 8” apart
Stand tall with elbows bent as if to be running
Focus on one leg, drive knee up to hip height (this is important) while driving the same side elbow back
Return foot same start position (this is also important) and bring elbow forward
Repeat on the same side for 10-20 or even 30 repetitions and then repeat on the side

Stand tall and stay in place. Arm swing is in concert with the movement and simulates running technique. The knee must rise to the hip, if you are unable to maintain this range of motion stop. The goal is to stay in place and not moving forward, backward or laterally. Once you feel comfortable with this technique and can perform 30 repetitions correctly you can move to the major.

The Major 100-Up Exercise

Assume start position outlined in step one of the “minor”. Alternately you can perform this in the field without alignment cues.
Push off from the greater toe and drive knee to hip height
As you return ball of foot to start position begin driving off the ball of the opposite foot
You should feel as though you are running in place on the balls of your feet
Remember your knee must drive to hip height and arm swing is in concert with the leg movement

Initially you will find this exercise strenuous, you’ll not likely be able to maintain the correct technique for the full 100 reps. Do not despair start slow and build your endurance.

Exercise Prescription

Frequency: Daily
Intensity: Variable
Time: 10 – 100 reps
Type: Low impact stationary, Dynamic

Variations

Marching: Perform the Minor in a marching fashion
Alter surface: On uneven surface such as grass or on an Airex
Add propulsion: Advance to skip drill (high knees). Technically you are no longer doing 100-Up

Is The 100-Up Exercise the greatest exercise for runners? Give it a thirty-day challenge and decide for yourself. I personally have liked the focus on technique and some form of warm up. Changes I’ve noted in a short time are increased cadence; decreased over-stride and reduced foot pain while running.

If you have any questions or are in any pain when performing the 100-Up Exercise please reach out online or give us a call at 866-588-0230.

Call now to get more advice on proper exercise

1-866-588-0230

by Allison Garmager, PT, DPT

Do you experience pain when completing your daily activities? Do you feel that your balance is not as good as it previously was? If either of these questions (and many more!) pertain to you, then you may benefit from seeing a skilled physical therapist.

Limited Mobility

As physical therapists, we are movement specialists and assess mobility on a daily basis. Our passion at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is to facilitate health, hope, and happiness to improve function and fulfillment in the lives of our patients. When we are able to move better, we are able to continue to do the things that are most important to us in life.

General Muscle Pain

Physical therapists treat a wide variety of ages, diagnoses, and impairments. If you are experiencing any degree of pain which is from a musculoskeletal condition, you would benefit from a physical therapy evaluation and treatment. A Physical therapist can prescribe exercises to improve mobility and strength, which will allow for alleviation of symptoms. We can also utilize manual techniques to work through muscle tension and to facilitate better joint movement. Physical therapy can be beneficial as conservative treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Here are several examples of those conditions:

Low back pain
Ankle sprain
Rotator cuff tear
Neck pain and headaches
Frozen shoulder
Osteoarthritis

Rehabilitation After Surgery

A Physical therapist can also treat patients after they have undergone surgical intervention. We can assist with restoring mobility, strength, and balance control after a procedure is performed. When a patient undergoes surgery, there is a period of healing time which is required following. Physical therapists play a vital role in ensuring that patients return to an improved level of function during this time. Physical therapy can also be beneficial in conservative management of diagnoses such as osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tears, allowing patients to improve their function without having to undergo surgery.

Balance Impairment

Physical therapists can help patients with balance impairments and those who may be at risk of falling. As we get older, there are normal changes which occur in our balance systems. However, these changes often cause people to be fearful of falling. At physical therapy sessions, we can work on improving strength and balance through a variety of exercises. This helps to increase patients’ confidence and safety in their daily activities.

Pediatric Physical Therapy

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, our physical therapists also treat pediatric patients. Children may require physical therapy to improve strength, coordination, and to ensure that they meet their motor milestones. For pediatric patients, we enjoy integrating therapy and play to ensure that these children look forward to a fun and interactive therapy session.

Physical therapists also treat a variety of pathologies which many individuals are not aware that we treat. These include pathologies such as vertigo and TMJ dysfunction. One of our clinicians from Kinetic Edge will be providing more information regarding treating of TMJ dysfunction in a future blog post, so be sure to watch for this!

At Kinetic Edge, we truly enjoy helping patients of a variety of ages and with a variety of presentations enhance their health, hope, and happiness. If you think you or someone you know would benefit from physical therapy services, please reach out online or at 866-588-0230. We look forward to connecting with you in the near future!

by Tim Vanderwilt, PT, ATC

Whether you are scoring above or below par, there are some important things to remember when heading out to the course. The great professional golfer Ben Hogan once said, “Reverse every natural instinct and do the opposite of what you are inclined to do, and you will probably come very close to having the perfect golf swing”. Golf requires the body to move in ways that we don’t typically move. The ability to move in these ways can make or break whether we enjoy the game that we love.

The importance of our ability to move, also known as mobility, can affect our golf swing. The golf analyst Peter Kostis said, “Too many golfers have tension in their necks, chest, and shoulders. They can’t turn. They can’t swing their arms”. The limitations of our body affect not only our ability to stay injury free, but also our ability to effectively hit the golf ball. The three most common areas golfers have difficulty mastering the golf swing include thoracic mobility, hip mobility, and body awareness. These areas are important for any golf swing allowing golfers to swing freely and hit the golf ball.

Thoracic rotation: This is the upper portion of our back. Inability to rotate and turn our shoulder affects our ability to generate higher clubhead speeds to hit longer drives on the tee box. The majority of our occupations or daily activities don’t require us to move in a rotational motion. When we get to the golf course we are stiff throughout thoracic spine. If we are not properly creating movement by warming up, we are more likely to cause injury and decrease our ability to create speed while hitting the ball.
Hip mobility: The golfers hips need to be able rotate to reduce stress on our lower spine. The lower back does not rotate well and relies on the hips to rotate. If that does not occur in the hips, the stress occurs in our lower back. Golfers can also generate power in the hip and pelvis while shifting weight during the backswing and follow through. The hips should be able to tolerate these loads and generate clubhead speed during this weight shift.
Body awareness: This includes balance and posture. Our posture when starting the golf swing can affect how we move throughout the swing. To be able to maintain our balance is key to being consistent with our swing.

These are just a few of the things that need to be covered when addressing mechanics of the golf swing. It is important to create habits that will effectively improve mobility and reduce the risk of injury. If you are having difficulty with these or other areas of the body while playing golf, please reach out online or call 866-588-0230. We would love to assist you to return to the course pain free and healthy. By doing this you should be able to enjoy the game of golf for a lifetime!

by Carol Kelderman, PT DPT

There’s a lot of talk about core strength these days and everyone wants a beach body. But the core is really more than meets the eye. Did you know that you have a deep or inner core? And that your core has a floor? Some people think that a strong core is having “six pack” abs, but it’s a little more complicated than that.

I love anatomy and am constantly amazed by the intricate ways that our body works together to give us the function that we need. The core is actually made up of deep and more superficial stabilizing muscles.

Its main job is to be our center of stability where all movement begins and believe it or not, your posture and breathing make a big difference.

There’s more to the core

I often refer to the deeper core group as the anticipatory or inner core. These muscles include the breathing diaphragm, multifidus, transversus abdominis and the pelvic floor. These muscles work together to stabilize the body to prepare for or anticipate movement. Studies have shown that they activate before movement like lifting, taking a step or even reaching out. Without them, those mirror muscles don’t stand a chance.

The work of the outer or reactive core is also important and helps create movement on that stable base. These muscles are what a quick google search will typically tell you the core is all about. The rectus abdominis, obliques, paraspinals, glutes, lats and other popular muscles are important movers and worthy of press, but they can’t be our only focus.

Digging deeper in the core

So, let’s break down the deep core. You can think of it as a pressure control mechanism, similar to a full can of pop (AKA soda or Coke, depending on which part of the country you are from) with the respiratory or breathing diaphragm on the top, transversus abdominis on the front and side, multifidus in the back and pelvic floor muscles on the bottom.

The diaphragm is the breathing muscle that creates a dome under the rib cage. Breathing is so important that it deserves its own article. But in short, an exhale helps to stabilize and can vary in intensity based on the demands of the activity.
The transversus abdominis helps provide stability to the front and sides of the trunk. This compressor muscle acts like a corset to draw in the abdomen.
The multifidus is a muscle, or really more of a group of muscles, that lie deep along both sides of the spine.
The pelvic floor or “Kegel muscles” are more than just bathroom muscles. They play a crucial role in our stability, and like their counterparts, provide and accept pressure. They typically run into issues when the pressure they are forced to accept exceeds their capacity.

I like to think of this inner core group like a dimmer switch. When we are up and active, they are always “on” but some tasks require them to be turned up to high. Keeping them strong can be a challenge but it’s definitely worth the extra effort because in addition to loss of function, weakness in this muscle group can lead to a host of other issues. These issues can include poor posture, inadequate balance and difficulty walking or running correctly as well as back, hip or pelvic pain.

Physical Therapy and the core

As an orthopedic and sports focused Physical Therapist, I encounter patients who have worked hard to gain core strength but oftentimes end up with pain or dysfunction despite their best efforts. For example, athletes may have great leg or upper body strength but have difficulty with instability tasks or activities that challenge their core. Many times, the key to unlocking the potential lies in the right balance between muscles groups.

Your Kinetic Edge Physical Therapist can help you identify correct activation of your inner core. If you find it difficult, you aren’t alone. It can be trickier than it seems and those inner core muscles may need to be trained or taught to activate before they are a good team player in your strengthening routine. Contact us online or give us a call at 866-588-0230 with questions!

Call now to get more help with proper core training

1-866-588-0230

by Heather Pilcher, PTA

Motion is lotion! What in the world does that REALLY mean? We’ve all heard the phrase motion is lotion but today we are going to learn just what that means and how we can use it.

Motion is lotion refers to the importance of movement to lubricate our joints with nutrient rich fluid and to maintain and improve ROM and flexibility and to decrease pain and discomfort. What we don’t use regarding range of motion and flexibility we most certainly lose over time. Also, with too much rest or down time, we tend to stiffen up and joints become more painful.

Our mission at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is “to transform lives and restore hope through movement.” Movement! MOVEMENT! Movement is key to our everyday lives. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity. While that may sound like a very long time to be doing something you may not enjoy, it can be managed by breaking the time up into smaller sections. It could be as little as 30 minutes a day/5 days a week. They also recommend that some type of weight/strength training be performed twice a week. They also recommend that children (6-17 years) should get 60 minutes per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, mostly aerobic and weight/strength training 3 days per week. Children 3-5 years old should be physically active and have plenty of opportunities to move throughout the day.

So now you are probably wondering what does exercise REALY do for me? What are the actual health benefits to exercising regularly? Medline Plus reports on the following:

Health benefits to regular exercise:

Help you control your weight
Reduce your risk of heart diseases
Help your body manage blood sugar and insulin levels
Help you quit smoking
Improve your mental health and mood
Help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age
Strengthen your bones and muscles
Reduce your risk of some cancers, including colon, breast , uterine, and lung cancer.
Reduce your risk of falls
Improve your sleep
Improve your sexual health
Increase your chances of living longer

How can I make exercise a part of my regular routine?

Make everyday activities more active
Be active with friends and family
Keep track of your progress
Make exercise more fun
Find activities that you can do even when the weather is bad

If you feel that the experts at Kinetic Edge can help you get healthy, happy, and hope-filled through exercise, please contact us online or call 866-588-0230.

by Dustin Briggs, ATC, CSCS, NRAEMT, FMS

As the weather begins to warm up even more we’re spending more time outside gardening, golfing, exercising, or other activities. Increased time outdoors in higher temperatures can lead to dehydration and heat illness. Hydration is critical and often neglected even when conditions are not hot and humid. With all things being equal the average adult needs somewhere between 80-120 ounces of water under normal everyday circumstances. Many adults don’t drink enough water and supplement with pop, coffee, alcohol, or other beverages that cause further dehydration and performance issues.

Pre-Hydration

When exercising in the heat, hydration starts well before the activity and should continue during and after. Pre-hydration is arguably as or more important than during and post activity hydration. If you begin an activity dehydrated it’s difficult to get ahead while engaged in an activity in the heat. Particularly if you are consuming other beverages containing caffeine or alcohol which increase urination and cause other physiological changes.

Fluid temperature influences the amount of the fluid consumed, especially in the absence of thirst. While individual differences exist, a cool beverage of 50° to 59°F is recommended. To ensure proper pre-exercise hydration, we should consume approx 20 oz of water/sports drink 2 to 3 hrs before exercise and 7 to 10 oz of water/sports drink 10 to 20 min before exercise. In many situations, people will benefit from including carbohydrates (CHOs) in their rehydration.

Hydrating with Carbohydrates

Consuming CHOs prior to exercise, about 30 minutes, may be beneficial. Include CHOs during exercise if the session lasts longer than 45 to 50 minutes or is intense. CHO concentrations should be between 6-8% (typically seen in Gatorade). Concentrations greater than 8% can upset your stomach. Fruit juices, CHO gels, sodas, and some sports drinks that have CHO concentrations greater than 8% aren’t recommended as the sole fluid during an exercise session. Conversely, water should not be over consumed as water intoxication can have deleterious effects on the brain and body. A good balance of water, CHO beverages, and good nutrition is the most beneficial.

Dehydration

Additional factors which may contribute to dehydration and possible heat illness are obesity, lack of acclimatization, diet, clothing type, poor sleep habits, and length of activity. Dehydration of 1% to 2% of body weight begins to compromise physiologic function and negatively influence performance. Furthermore dehydration of greater than 3% of body weight further increases an individual’s risk of developing an exertional heat illness (ie, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke). Another good way to measure dehydration is by looking at urine color.

In conclusion, consistent hydration and balanced nutrition with good sleep habits is most beneficial. A marked water bottle or container to help calculate the amount of fluid consumed is a good choice for encouraging and tracking intake.

Decreasing sugary and caffeinated beverages and increasing water consumption will help you move better and feel better. As always when you’re spending time outside if you experience any other movement issues please reach out to one of the movement experts at Kinetic Edge.

Do you enjoy running or walking? Warm weather inspires many of us to get outside to enjoy the fresh air and the warmer weather. As you’re getting into your running routine, it is important to stop and remind ourselves of some basic but crucial things to make our running and walking fun. Here are some tips to make your running recovery quick and prepare your body for your next walk or run.

1. Refuel

Your body works hard when running, burning around 100 calories per mile. It is important to restore some of the energy in order to build muscle and be ready for future workouts. My personal choice for post-run beverage is chocolate milk. Not only is it delicious, but the carb to protein ratio is exactly what your body needs to properly replenish and refuel. Beyond food, water is another key ingredient to a successful recovery. Especially as the weather gets warmer, be sure to take in at least 80 ounces of water each day to prevent dehydration.

2. Roll out

We all have muscles that fatigue with running. Rolling muscles out is a way to ensure the muscles are more relaxed and ready to work again. This process can take many forms. You can use a running stick or rolling pin to work through the muscles. An alternative to these is a foam roll. When rolling out, we want to work on areas that are tight and sore, or areas of the muscle that feel harder. For most runners, the front and back of the thigh as well as the calves will be the hot spots with this activity. This may be uncomfortable, but your muscles should feel better after rolling out.

3. Rest

While staying active is crucial, so is rest. Rest allows our muscles and joints time to recover and reduce any inflammation that may have occurred during the run. It is also crucial to pace yourself when your begin running or increase your mileage. When you first return to running, using a “one day on/ one day off” schedule will help you see improvements and reduce risk of injury. If you aren’t giving your body what it needs to recover and rebuild, you increase your risk of overuse injury, forcing you to take the rest your body needs.

Use these running recovery tips to keep your body in shape throughout the running season. These may be simple, but remember the old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If we train well and refuel, roll out, and rest, this could be your best season yet. And as always, if you are having pain preventing you from getting back to running or from any activity you want to do, contact your movements specialist at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. We would love to help you out. Please give us a call at 866-588-0230 or request an appointment today!

Kinetic Edge is a missional organization that uses our expertise as movement experts to transform lives and restore hope. We have committed our existence to helping people feel better and function better so that they don’t have to accept the status quo. It has been a joy to ask others to come alongside us, to #JoinTheMovement that helps people redefine their physical reality and restore their health, happiness, and hope.

Pain is a complex experience. It permeates a person deeply as it involves the physical, the mental, the emotional, and the spiritual. It is experienced internally but often manifested externally, and pain is a reality that prevents people from living an abundant life. Most often, pain doesn’t fully resolve, restoration doesn’t occur until the environment around the area of pain changes.

For the past couple of weeks, I have been observing what is happening in American society in the wake of another racial tragedy. It has pained me to see significant manifestations that highlight divisions in American society. As someone who naturally leans towards the “logical” side of an issue, it was easy for me to simultaneously understand the plight black people in America while also intellectually dismissing it. My natural thoughts and mental explanations on the issue of racial inequality allowed myself to tolerate the status quo, to excuse it to some degree.

Recently I interacted with a black friend who in a loving way challenged me to think differently. We discussed the current events spawned by recent manifestations of societal injustice towards people of color in a respectful, genuine way. We each approached the other with love and respect knowing that our unique backgrounds have provided us each with a unique perspective and trusting that each of us wanted the same thing: restoration.

During this conversation, a light bulb came on. I realized that I had been ignoring an important part of the issue. I favored the intellectual without acknowledging that this is also an issue of the heart. It was in this environment, with this attitude and an opened heart, that my friend helped me understand that issues of racism cannot be fully acknowledged and restoration cannot occur when only one side has a voice. He also helped me understand that it is meaningful when I, a white person, use my voice to profess that racial injustice is real and wrong. And now I know that the most powerful way a white person can use his voice is to publicly commit to being a part of the solution. My friend transformed my life, and now my hope is restored.

A core value of Kinetic Edge is to treat others with mutual respect, because all people are equal as image bearers of Christ. We mourn today with people of color because we realize that equality is still a dream, not a reality. We stand in solidarity with the oppressed. And we commit to being a part of the solution by seeking out opportunities to speak the truth in love on behalf of all people, especially those experiencing a pain that permeates their entire being and prevents them from experiencing true health, happiness, and hope.

Over the past five years, we’ve asked people to #JoinTheMovement at Kinetic Edge, and we are asking you again. Come alongside us in this movement and use your voice to bring about true restoration and wholeness. Will you join us?

Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT
CEO, Partner, & Doctor of Physical Therapy
Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy

by Jayden Kauk, PTA

Do you frequently lift or carry heavy items for work? Does your job require you to reach objects on a very high shelf? Are you required to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time and the next day your neck, shoulder, back or hip seems to stop you from completing your usual daily activities due to pain or discomfort?

At work, home and during our daily activities in the community we are faced with many challenges that require us to reach, lift, carry, push or pull items that sometimes leave us with discomfort. To prevent this from happening we need to ensure we are using good body mechanics daily.

What are body mechanics? Well, this is how our bodies are moving with various daily tasks; for example, when we stand, sit, lift, bend or carry items. Having correct body mechanics is essential during our daily routine. If we don’t move with adequate mechanics it causes more stress to be placed on our joints, which overtime can lead to unnecessary pain or discomfort.

Here are some tips to reduce the risk of work related injury:

Lifting:

Items on the floor

Place item in front of you and make sure you are close to the object
Keep your abdominals engaged. Make sure to keep breathing as well
Bend your knees to a squat or lunging position
Keep your back in a “neutral” or straight position
Use your legs to lift item to your waist

Items on a shelf

If the object is above you, requiring you to get on your toes, use a step ladder
Once safely on a step ladder/firm level surface, bring item closer to you before trying to lift
Keep abdominals engaged while lifting

Avoid

Lifting in a bent or twisted position
Lifting from a forward stopped position

Carrying:

Make sure you are carrying the item as close to you as possible

Standing:

Stand on firm and level surface
Avoid standing in one position for a long time
Change positions frequently by shifting your weight from one leg to the other
When you can, try gentle stretching to alleviate muscle tightness

Sitting:

Place your bottom at the back of the chair
Allow space between the back of the chair & your knees
Place feet flat on floor
Knees bent to 90 degrees
Sit up tall, pull your shoulders back
Always avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. Get up and move as frequently as possible, your body will thank you. 😊 Even sitting in the most comfortable/ergonomic chair with good posture will eventually become uncomfortable.

As stated above, you can see the importance of maintaining good body mechanics during your daily routine. These concepts may seem unnatural to incorporate into your life, yet with repetition and continued practice, they will become natural and seem routine for you.

If you are experiencing pain or have questions about preventing a work related injury, please feel free to contact us at any one of our clinic locations (Pella, Des Moines, Oskaloosa, Newton, Centerville, or Waukee) by calling 866-588-0230.

by Shawni Wills, COTA/L

General knowledge tells us that exercise improves our overall physical health and body function. However, are you aware exercise also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, boosts your mood and can be an effective tool when dealing with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and stress?

Exercise promotes changes in the brain. These changes include new activity patters, neural growth, reduced inflammation and the release of chemicals in the brain, called endorphins and serotonin causing relief of tension and stress within the body as well as promote an elevation in mood and focus.

Anti-Anxiety

Participation in aerobic exercise, meaning cardiovascular conditioning (walking, running, biking, swimming, dancing etc.) has been shown to elevate and stabilize mood, decrease overall levels of tension, improve sleep, and one’s self-esteem. Performing as little as 5 minutes of aerobic exercise can begin to stimulate anti-anxiety effects. Regularly participating in moderate amounts of aerobic exercise will result in longer lasting effects.

Reduce Stress

Common symptoms of stress are muscle tension, headaches and insomnia. Exercise produces endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers reducing tension in muscles and improving the ability to sleep. When the body feels better, so does the mind.

Combat Depression

Exercise is a powerful depression fighter. As previously stated, it promotes many changes in the brain including releasing endorphins that energize your spirits and improve self- esteem and mood. Studies show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication, without the side-effects. Studies suggest that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%. Studies also suggest that regular activity 3-5 days per week for 30-60 minutes can prevent relapse.

Increase Attentiveness

Exercising regularly is one of the most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Physical activity increases the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels. These chemicals affect and improve concentration, motivation, memory, and mood. This works in much the same way as ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall.

No matter your age or ability, exercise is a great tool to improve your physical and mental health. Powerful chemicals are released to the brain relieving stress, improving memory, focus, sleep and boosting overall mood. Any amount of physical activity results in positive changes to the brain. Exercising 30-60 minutes 3-5 times per week is a powerful tool when dealing with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and stress.

If you’re experiencing pain when trying to exercise please reach out to one of the movement experts at Kinetic Edge Physical therapy and request an appointment today!

For more information:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/working-off-depression

by Allison Garmager, PT, DPT

When the weather starts to warm up, we often begin to engage in more outdoor activities. What are some of your favorite spring or summer activities? Spending more time exercising and being active is great for our physical and mental health. For individuals 65 and older, the CDC recommends doing 150 minutes per week of activity that is moderate in intensity. It may seem more manageable to spread this activity throughout the week. You could do physical activity 30 minutes 3 days per week and 15 minutes on the other 4 days of the week. Breaking activity up in this manner often makes it more manageable to attain. Examples of moderate intensity activity could include walking at a quick pace, biking, and gardening. I will outline some tips below that will help you to be safe and prevent injury as you increase outdoor activity:

Take breaks to allow your body to rest

There are often activities, such as gardening or mowing the lawn, which we only perform during certain months of the year. Whenever we initiate these activities again, it is normal to experience muscle soreness because our muscles haven’t performed that activity for some time. To prevent injuries or increased soreness, it is beneficial to take breaks during these activities. For example, if you have a full garden to plant, break that task up into 3 days rather than trying to complete it all within 1 day. This will help your body to acclimate to the tasks of the activity again. These breaks will also help with energy conservation, allowing us to continue our normal daily routines even with performing an increased amount of physical activity.

Do some warm-up exercise before engaging in the activity

It is important to warm your muscles up prior to doing an activity. You can warm-up in a variety of ways. Walking around the block would be a great idea. You can also warm-up by doing a few dynamic exercises. For example, you can do some standing marching, side-stepping, and hamstring curls. You can do these at a slower or quicker pace, depending on your activity level. You can also do some sit-to-stands from a chair or air squats. Getting your body ready to move will help to prevent injury.

Stay hydrated

It is important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to ensure safety while you are outside. Staying hydrated will also help your increase your energy level to complete the activities you want, even on the hot and humid days.

Seek physical therapy treatment

Have you had an experience with physical therapy treatment before? If you are having discomfort from physical activity that isn’t improving, physical therapy can help get you back on the right track. We can work on decreasing muscle tension and improving both mobility and strength to decrease your pain and to help you return to your favorite outdoor activities. Physical therapy treatment can also help prevent these injuries from happening again in the future.

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we are here to help you as you transition back into an active summer. We want you to enjoy your time outdoors so if you’re experiencing any discomfort in your summer activities please reach out to set up an appointment!

by Whitney VanderVeen, PT, DPT, ATC

What is Flat Head Syndrome?

Flat head syndrome develops when an infant’s soft skull becomes flattened in one area:

Plagiocephaly – pronounced play-jee-oh-sef-uh-lee
- Flattening at one side of the head
Brachycephaly – pronounced brak-ee-sef-uh-lee
- Flattening across the back of the head
- Head is wider than normal
Scaphocephaly – pronounced skaf-oh-sef-uh-lee
- Long and thin head shape when looking down from above

*46% of infants will have some degree of flattening on the skull by the time they’re 4 months of age!

What can cause flat head syndrome?

In 1994, the American Academy of Pediatrics launched the Back to Sleep campaign to raise awareness about safe sleeping for infants and the danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This campaign has extended to today as the safest way for an infant to sleep is flat on their back. In addition to the reasons listed below, infants can develop a flat spot either on the back or side of their head from sleeping on their back with the same area of their head in contact with the surface for hopefully hours at a time. The other main causes include:

Positioning and available space in the womb
Muscular Torticollis – Does your baby have a preference for which direction they turn their head towards?
Too much time in car seats and swings
Premature birth and time in the NICU

What can you do prevent/improve flat head syndrome?

Reposition your infant’s head while they sleep
Frequently change your infant’s positioning throughout the day– feeding, changing, holding, etc.
Tummy Time! Tummy time relieves pressure from an infant’s head AND strengthens their neck muscles to improve independence with head control
Limit the amount of time your infant spends in carriers, swings, bouncy seats, etc.
Early intervention is key for treatment – 0-4 months is ideal

Because your infant’s head might naturally rest on the already flattened area – flat head syndrome may worsen if untreated. In other cases, flat head syndrome can correct itself. Overall, it is difficult for parents to predict which infants do and do not need treatment for flat head syndrome so consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric physical or occupational therapist. Your specialist may be able to give you things to work on at home that are specific to your infant’s needs.

Reach out to Whitney at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy at (641) 676-3535 for additional information, or to schedule an appointment.

by Liz Vermeer, PT, DPT

Have you ever wanted to start being more active, but worried about the impact on your joints? There are many benefits of being active in the water, and that doesn’t mean you have to swim laps! Even performing standing and walking activities in the water can benefit you in a lot of ways. Our Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy team offers aquatic therapy at our Newton, Oskaloosa and Pella clinics and would be happy to help you see if water therapy might be right for you.

3 Big Benefits of Exercising in the Water

1. Your body is lighter in the water.

You might notice, when getting in the water, that you can feel less pressure on your back or your knees. The buoyancy of water creates a force that pushes back at you when you stand in the water, making the impact on your joints and low back less than standing on land. Standing in water that is the height of your waist decreases your body weight impact of the joints by 50%. Do you want some relief from that low back pain? Submerse yourself to shoulder height for a 90% decrease in body weight. This decrease in impact allows you to exercise longer in the water than you would be able to on land with fewer symptoms. But be careful – you might be pretty sore if you exercise for long periods in the water and your muscles aren’t used to the activity.

2. Water can help build strength in your muscles.

Have you ever tried to walk in water and noticed how challenging it is to get moving forward with any amount of speed? The resistance provided by the water not only requires increased muscle force to move, but challenges the control of the movement demanding a certain amount of stability of the extremity being used. As a result, you not only can improve your strength, but your balance can be enhanced as well!

3. Water can help with improving swelling.

After an injury or surgery, you will likely notice some amount swelling in the joint that was affected. Early mobilization of the affected joint, along with submersion in water can help get rid of swelling. Hydrostatic pressure of the water causes there to be more pressure at the bottom of the pool than there is at the top creating your very own compression sleeve without the annoying sock or sleeve. It can also explain why you have to pee more when you are in the water for any amount of time. Hydrostatic pressure associated with water also increases blood flow from the legs to the heart so if you have heart issues, it is important that you discuss aquatic therapy with your doctor before starting to see if your heart is strong enough for therapy.

www.spot.pcc.edu

Not sure if aquatic therapy might be beneficial for you? These are the most common types of people seen in the water at our Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy clinics in Newton, Oskaloosa and Pella:

Individuals with chronic pain including fibromyalgia
Individuals with low back pain or leg pain in which the impact of walking on land is limiting function and/or progress in therapy on land is slow due to significant pain
Individuals with significant weakness
Well-trained individuals who have had an injury that limits then from training on land, but don’t want to lose their current fitness level

If you are interested in water exercise, but aren’t sure if it is for you, schedule a free injury screen with your Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy staff.

by Aimee Keller, PT, DPT

Unfortunately, all of us experience pain or an injury at some point in our lives. As therapists, we recommend exercises and techniques to reduce pain and properly heal, but your nutrition also plays a major role in your recovery.

After an injury or surgery, your body is using more energy to heal itself, and therefore, requires up to a 20% increase in calorie intake. These extra calories, of course, should be nutritious foods that promote healing.

Diet

Protein-rich foods aide in stimulating muscle growth. Foods high in protein include:

Cheese
Meat (pork, chicken, fish)
Nuts and seeds

When injured, our bodies are also experiencing an increase in inflammation. Eating foods that help reduce inflammation is beneficial. Anti-inflammatory foods include:

Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, fish)
Pecans
Berries
Garlic
Dark chocolate (yay!)

Greasy, fried foods and processed meats (pepperoni, salami, bologna, hot dogs) increase the amount of inflammation in the body. These foods are best to be avoided at all times, with or without an injury, to prevent excess inflammation throughout your body.

Additionally calcium and vitamin D consumption is vital to bone healing following a fracture. Calcium and Vitamin D rich foods that help promote bone healing include:

Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
Kale
Salmon
Broccoli

Hydration

And we cannot talk about proper nutrition without discussing the importance of staying hydrated. Every system in our body uses water. Water is crucial in allowing our bodies function properly and to heal after an injury.

Sometimes staying hydrated can be difficult. Here are some tips to remind you to drink water throughout the day:

Keep a bottle of water with you throughout the day
Add a lemon or lime wedge to add flavor (without adding unnecessary calories and sugar)
When feeling hungry, try drinking water to curb hunger

Some things to look out for that may indicate you are dehydrated:

Dark, amber colored urine
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Headache

The combination of proper diet and exercise is important in our daily lives, with or without presence of injury. If you need help recovering from an injury reach out to the movement experts at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy online or at 866-588-0230.

by Jordan Bell, OTR/L

Are you looking for fun and creative ways to help entertain your kids while also meeting their needs? Then these activities are perfect for you! Each and every one of us have a sensory system built up of 7 senses: touch, taste, smell, hearing, vision, proprioception, and vestibular. Let’s take a closer look at each sense and talk about some sensory play activities that will work on each of them.

Touch

This sense is all about interacting with our world through our skin.

If you know a child who craves touch (always running hands or body on things, loves hugs and back rubs, likes messy play) or avoids it (doesn’t like tags in clothes or being messy, needs socks/shoes to be “perfect”, avoids touching others), then here are some great activities:

Writing in shaving cream
Make homemade slime or playdoh
Bins of dry rice, corns, beans, pasta, etc. with little toys hidden inside
Water or sand table play

If the kiddo avoids touch, take the activities much slower. Start with dry textures and progress to wet or sticky textures. Give them time and independence to interact; don’t force it.

Taste/Smell

These two, taste and smell, how we interact with the world through our nose and mouth, often go together. If you know a child who smells or mouths everything, or if you have a child who who has a very sensitive nose and is a picky eater, then here are some great play activities:

Name that taste/smell
- If your kiddo has a sensitive nose or is picky, be sure to use familiar and positive tastes/smell.
- If your kiddo is a little more adventurous feel free to add some variety.
Blowing bubbles
Sucking through a straw. Try a variety of textures like water, apple sauce, and a milkshake.
Chew gum
Cook together

Hearing

The sense of hearing is all about interacting with the world though sound and our ears. If you know a child who loves loud music or covers ears to unexpected noises then here are some activities for sensory play:

Name that sound/tune
- If your kiddo has sensitive hearing be sure all noises are familiar and positive. Avoid loud noises and prepare your child before the noise occurs.
Play instruments made from household items
- If your kiddo has sensitive hearing make a “silent band”
Do a YouTube dance or music class
Play telephone; be sure to whisper!

Vision

The sense of vision is all about interacting with the world through our eyes and what we see.

If you know a kiddo who loves to stare at bright lights or moving objects or a kiddo who avoids the sunlight or other bright lights then here are some great play activities:

Do a puzzle, I Spy, hidden pictures, mazes, dot to dots, and color by numbers.
- Try to do these in real life and limit screen time.
Color with crayons or chalk if the weather is nice
Create a mobile, sun catcher, or stain glass window art

Proprioception

The sense of proprioception is all about interacting with the world through our body, and it allows us to know where we are in relation to ourselves (i.e. my legs are on the ground and my head is on top of my neck).

If you know a child who loves big hugs or rough play, or a kiddo who is timid and avoids contact with others then here are some great play activities:

Build an obstacle course
- Be sure to include animal walks, jumping, climbing, crawling, and heavy work when you can.
- Some of my favorite obstacles include crawling under kitchen chairs or coffee tables, jumping on shorts like they are lily pads, animal walking around a room, and rolling or somersaulting through the hallway.
Jump to a beat
- Pick your kids (or your favorite song). See if they can jump to the beat for the whole song.
Do yoga, kick boxing, line dancing, or another work out activity that involves your whole body
Animal walks
- Use the standard bear, crab, and frog or have your kids make them up!
Act out a story book or make a play
- Act out going on a bear hunt or move the furniture to create a stage and seating for the audience. Have the kids do heavy work.

Vestibular

This sense is all about interacting with the world through our body with gravity and allows us to know where we are in space.

If you know a child who is always spinning/rocking or one that avoids motion then here are some great play activities:

Swing
- Try a variety of swings or use the swing in a variety of ways (sitting, kneeling, on your belly)
Build an obstacle course
- Be sure to add in movements like rolling, spinning, somersaults, and rocking.
Spin in an office chair, or have roller chair races
Ride a bike, use a scooter, roller skate
Roll down the hill or across the yard
Do a tumbling act or class on YouTube

Try a variety of sensory play activities each day. Be sure to select activities from each category to optimize your child’s sensory processing skills. If you have any questions on sensory processing, these play activities or how you could help your child contact one of our occupational therapists online or by calling 866-588-0230 today!

by Carol Kelderman, PT, DPT

This is a great time to get some exercise and some fresh air! For many people, running provides far reaching health benefits including stress relief. The only equipment necessity is a good pair of running shoes. With so many different shoes to choose from, making the right selection can be tricky.

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we see a variety of runners. Some of them are just getting started, others are dealing with a limiting injury, and some are even looking to maximize their performance. The right running shoe can make a big difference for each of those categories of people. There are five main categories of shoes for the average treadmill or road runner based on the person’s type of foot and his/her need for stability or control.

Shoe Types

Stability shoes offer a mix of midsole cushion and support with some control of over-pronation, a term we use to describe what happens when the foot’s arch drops toward the ground when weight is applied. Pronation is actually very normal, but too much or the inability to control this motion can lead to pain and eventually injury.
Motion control shoes provide support for runners who have very flat arches and demonstrate significant over-pronation. These shoes tend to be more rigid with wider soles to help control the excessive motion of the foot and ankle. They provide the durability and high levels of stability that heavier runners may be seeking as well.
Cushioned shoes give that extra bit of shock absorption but don’t have a lot of extra support or corrective features. These shoes are ideal for runners with little or no pronation, such as those with high arches or a rigid foot structure. For runners who are training for speed or running on rough trails, a couple other categories may be considered.
Lightweight shoes are built for speed work. Racing flats and spikes fall into this category and are best for sprints, intervals, and shorter distance competitions. These shoes do not have cushion or support, but they are light and allow the foot to accommodate to the ground for rapid response.
Trail shoes offer a blend of support, stability, and protection. Just imagine your running shoe merging with your hiking shoe. This shoe is designed for off road running adventures that need traction and support over the uneven terrain.

Shoe Selection

Many factors impact your shoe selection. Your foot structure and training goals are just the beginning. Your unique running mechanics is another major factor to consider. Running form issues tend to fall into two different categories: physical limitations and habit.

Do you have weakness or tightness that limits normal movement patterns?
Do you have running form habits that lead to movement inefficiencies?

If you answer yes to either of these or have never considered them, one of the Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy professionals could help point you in the right direction. When it comes to preventing a running injury or dealing with an existing injury, the importance of your running shoes is bound to be part of that conversation.

The right shoe can be such a victory. While that “perfect” shoe can help you run more comfortably and improve your efficiency, it may take some trial and error. A word of caution: Not all running shoe lookalikes are performance running shoes. Each brand makes “lifestyle” shoes that have similar appearance but not the same construction.

To reduce the guess work, shoe stores that specialize in running, have knowledgeable staff, and offer a place to try the shoe out on a treadmill or other surface are ideal. Kinetic Edge partners with several of these shoe experts who understand the features of each shoe as well as the year to year changes in the various performance running shoe brands like Fitness Sports, Fleet Feet, Brown’s Shoe Fit, and Running Wild. Above all, your running shoes should be comfortable straight out of the box and feel good on your very first run.

Runner’s World Tips

It’s best to go to a specialty running shop (not a big-box or department store) where a salesperson can watch you run and help you select a pair of shoes that offer your feet the support they need.
You may think you know your size, but it’s best to get your feet measured each time you buy new shoes. Your feet change over time, and one model’s fit can be drastically different from another’s.
When you go shopping, take along the shoes, socks, and any inserts that you’ve been using. That way you can make a realistic evaluation of how well the new shoe will fit your feet.
Shoes should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles. Keep track of the date that you bought them in your training log.

Running is a great way for many people to stay healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Choose your shoes wisely. Request an appointment with Kinetic Edge online or call us directly at 866-588-0230 if you would like a personalized assessment.

by Kaity Hall PT, DPT, ATC

According to the CDC, approximately 30% of individuals over the age of 65 will fall each year in the United States. Over 35% of those people who fall experience limitation in ability for at least a day, if not an injury requiring medical attention. Falls have a significant effect on the individual, their family, and the health care system as a whole.

The good news – there’s something you can do about it!

Strength and balance are some of the most important variables in decreasing fall risk. Both strength and balance need to be challenged regularly in order to function optimally in a variety of scenarios that we experience throughout life.

Strength exercises

Body weight exercises are great for improving your strength and do not require equipment. Research shows that lower body strength is especially important for decreasing fall risk. Try the following lower body exercises to get moving and build strength. A good place to start is 2-3 sets of 8-10 repetitions of the following exercises. Aim to do strengthening exercises 3 days per week.

Seated marching
Seated knee extension – straighten knee
Seated hip abduction – put hands on outer knees and push knees out wide against resistance of hands
Seated hip adduction – put fists side by side between knees and squeeze knees together against fists
Hamstring curls – lay on stomach and bend heel toward buttocks
Seated or standing heel raises – push up onto toes using feet and ankles while sitting/standing
Sit to stand from chair or air squats

Balance Exercises

Balance exercises are helpful for training joint receptors and your inner ear, or vestibular system, to help keep you upright and on your feet. A note about safety – make sure you are near something stable to grab onto such as a counter or a wall should you stumble. You can also perform these exercises while standing with your back in the corner of a room and a chair in front of you.

Static positions – start here! Try to work towards being able to hold these positions for 30 seconds.
- Two feet together
- One foot in front of the other (heel to toe)
- Single leg stance
Progressions – try these when static positions are getting easy
- Add arm swings front and back, side to side, and rotating
- Stand on a softer surface such as carpet or grass
Dynamic activities – in place or while moving down a hallway
- Marching
- Hamstring curls
- Side stepping
- Heel to toe walking

Other considerations for decreasing change of fall risk

Vision examination
Decluttering and improving household safety features such as stair rails.

Try these simple exercises on your own. If you feel as though you are in need of further assistance or have questions or concerns regarding your balance or decreasing fall risk, request a free screen today or call us at 866-588-0230! Now offering appointments via telehealth.

by Melissa Hansen, PT, DPT

Have you ever rolled over in bed and suddenly felt as though the room started spinning? Then you roll back to your starting position only to have the spinning feeling worsen? You may be experiencing vertigo. If you are experiencing mild to intense dizziness when moving or changing positions, know that you are not alone. While typically not serious, the symptoms can be unpleasant and interfere with your daily routine. The good news is that in most cases vertigo can easily be treated with the help of an experienced physical therapist.

What is Vertigo?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of dizziness or the sensation that the inside of your head is spinning, but what does that mouthful of a diagnosis mean? Benign means that thankfully the condition is NOT life threatening. Paroxysmal means that it comes on suddenly. It is referred to as positional because it is triggered by certain head positions or movements. Most people just call it vertigo, which simply means that the condition causes a false sense of rotational or spinning movement.

BPPV is a mechanical problem in your inner ear. Crystals within the semicircular canals of the inner ear become dislodged and migrate throughout the inner ear. When your head and body move, the loose crystals move around and mechanically stimulate fibers that send signals to the brain. The brain translates that input as false movement, and you perceive the feeling that the world is spinning.

BPPV doesn’t cause constant dizziness. Rather, dizziness with vertigo will fluctuate with changes in position like rolling over in bed, bending over, looking up, or turning your head quickly. In addition to feeling as though your surroundings are spinning, vertigo can also cause you to experience nausea, vomiting, and a loss of balance. While it’s common for vertigo symptoms to last less than one minute unless you continue to change positions, vertigo can vary person to person. For those with recurrent, severe, or prolonged symptoms, treating vertigo with physical therapy can provide a tremendous sense of relief.

What Can I Do About My Vertigo Problem?

While it can certainly be a scary and disconcerting problem, in most cases treating vertigo is simple. Correction through physical therapy is typically quick and easy. Many physical therapists are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of BPPV and treat it effectively.

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we understand that people who experience vertigo are highly motivated to relieve their symptoms. Our caring team strives to remind our clients that the problem is also benign. Serving clients throughout Des Moines, IA and the nearby communities, when you visit one of our physical therapy clinics for help treating your vertigo symptoms, the PT will do some movement testing to determine where the crystals are in your inner ear and which ear is affected. Then the PT will guide you through a corrective maneuver that utilizes gravity to move the crystals back to where they belong. When the crystals are cleared from the problematic area, the symptoms resolve! Most of our clients find that their BPPV issues resolve within one to three treatment sessions.

If you are experiencing dizziness with changes in position, don’t just live with it. Request a free injury screen today or call us at 866-588-0230!

Elise Spronk, MS, OTR/L

When my boys were younger, they decided it would be fun to share bedrooms. I think some of this was based on the feeling of comfort they would get being in the same room. My lifelong dream of having bunk beds was going to come true. I remember when Cooper climbed onto the top bunk and was becoming anxious because he was having trouble getting down. Many of us can picture times we’ve helped our child get safely down a ladder or out of a tree. It was much more effective to help from below than it would have been to climb up and help from above.

On Facebook I’ve recently seen the phrase “An escalated adult cannot help de-escalating a child”. I love this, and think it should stay in the forefront of our minds when helping our children find peace and calm. Shouting at them to calm down in very rarely effective.

As an occupational therapist who works with lots of kids. I often get asked how parents can help a child during a meltdown. Most OTs don’t have this unique knowledge or get this question asked of them unless they specialize in pediatrics. I often reference the Sensorimotor Planning Worksheet from “How Does Your Engine Run”, developed by Patricia Oetter. We know from science and studying the brain that providing something for our mouth is the very most calming thing that we can do because it is easy for our brains to process.

Think back to how we calmed our babies. Often nursing or a bottle, perhaps a pacifier, was very effective in getting them to calm down. The same is true as we age. Providing a water bottle or something to suck on can be a first line defense. Continue to think about how babies are calmed. We swaddle or provide them heavy touch through a hug. Sometimes we bounce, and we usually use a quiet, “shhhhhh” to lull them into a calmed state. Continuing to apply these basic principles is not only scientific, it is likely much more effective in de-escalating a child than matching them at their escalated level.

Obviously, it isn’t always this simple and sometimes kids and parents need extra support or help in these situations. I would encourage you to reach out to an occupational therapist trained in both reflex integration and sensory processing to assist you in discovering tools and strategies to use. And above all, stay grounded. Do what you need to do to remain calm. Take a deep breath. Hum your favorite calming song or hymn. Whisper. Stay down below and provide a hand of support to bring them back down.

Contact one of our occupational therapists with additional questions online or by calling 866-588-0230 today!

Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

There’s never a good time to deal with an epidemic as significant as the coronavirus, but for many who are experiencing musculoskeletal (MSK) pain it has been even more challenging. We know that this has been a reality for many because we’ve spoken to many of you on the phone over the past three weeks.

Determining how to best help people like you who are experiencing MSK pain and/or difficulty moving has been a difficult decision for us at Kinetic Edge. We know that MSK complaints – conditions that cause people to say, “It hurts when I…” – are the second most common reason people schedule a visit with their doctor.

Deepest Thanks to the Medical Establishment

During this crisis, we owe a debt of gratitude to our local medical providers, their support teams, and healthcare administrators. Truth be told, we owe them that every day, pandemic or not. Their training and knowledge are expansive, and the demands on their time are great. These medical professionals work exceptionally hard, and they have been risking their own personal health to keep you, your family, and your neighbors healthy and safe.

There’s no doubt that this pandemic has made life extremely difficult on our medical establishment. Urgent care for our sickest and most susceptible neighbors has been the highest priority. Caring for the sick while protecting the healthy from unnecessary risk is a major challenge, and our medical professionals have stood firm. We have seen them rise to the occasion using the extensive skills and expertise they have developed over years of training and experience.

The Importance of Collaboration between Medical Professionals and Physical Therapists

Standard training for medical providers, however, does little to prepare them to understand and manage MSK conditions. A study by Bernstein et al to assess the prevalence of instruction in MSK medicine found that the number of US medical schools with required MSK instruction had increased from only 30-40% in 2003 to 83% in 2011. Most (79%) of these MSK courses are taught in the first two years prior to clinical training.

While this study demonstrated an improvement in the prevalence of dedicated MSK curricula, there are still questions regarding the resultant depth of MSK knowledge as only 15% of medical schools’ curricula have clinical training in MSK conditions as a requirement beyond classroom instruction. It is extremely important that medical providers and MSK experts work together to support each other, each group using their greatest strengths to serve you best.

That’s why Kinetic Edge has remained committed to keeping our clinics open. Like your medical doctor, we understand that maintaining and enhancing your ability to move is exceptionally important. Any MSK issue that reduces your ability to move is bad for your general health as poor movement ability not only reduces your functional capabilities but also increases your risks for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

How You Can Improve Your MSK Health during the Coronavirus Pandemic

To feel better and function better, you need to move better. Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus pandemic, fewer people are able to access the services of their trusted movement experts, their local physical therapists.

At Kinetic Edge, we are seeing 40% fewer people than normal, and we consider ourselves blessed. Iowa has been protected from the worst of it. We have consulted with practices around the country who have told us that a 75% reduction in business is not abnormal. Many PT practices have been forced to shut down due to reduced volumes. Thank you to our faithful clients for continuing to seek us out for solutions to their MSK needs!

Our Kinetic Edge clinics remain open. We continue to follow CDC recommended virus protection strategies, and we encourage you to come in to our clinic for your PT or OT appointment if you are not sick and don’t have a comorbidity that puts you at risk.

For those of you are sick or are in an at-risk population group, we are excited to launch telehealth services as an option to care for your MSK needs. If you are experiencing pain or difficulty moving, telehealth is the next best thing to working with us in the clinic.

What is Telehealth and How Can I Participate?

Telehealth is a physical therapy or occupational therapy experience delivered over the internet. A telehealth session allows you to interact directly with your PT or OT. A typical session lasts 20-40 minutes and includes everything you’d receive in a clinic-based therapy session except for the hands-on manual therapy treatment.

With this new development, now you can improve and maintain your MSK health in our comfortable clinic or from the comfort and safety of your own home. All you need is a computer or smart phone with video and audio capabilities, Google Chrome or Firefox web browser, and a reliable internet connection.

Most, but not all, insurance companies are now covering telehealth services. If you are interested in learning whether your health insurance will cover telehealth, just give us a call. We have friendly and helpful team members ready to perform a complimentary benefits check on your behalf!

Once you’ve decided that telehealth is the right option, another helpful and friendly team member, a Kinetic Edge Care Coordinator, will contact you to go through some preliminary paperwork and help work through any technology questions you may have.

We’re happy to make caring for your musculoskeletal pain a little less painful with telehealth services at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy!

There is no higher priority to us at Kinetic Edge than the health and safety of our clients. We are actively and closely monitoring the coronavirus situation, and we are working hard to stay on top of this evolving situation.

As you are aware, the world health community continues to monitor closely the emergence of the virus named “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19). The health, safety and well-being of our community is always of utmost importance to us, and we know that many of you may have concerns with the recent outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus. We hope that this information will help address those concerns.

We encourage all who are feeling well to maintain their therapy plan of care and continue attending their appointments as scheduled so that you can continue to do the work to feel better and function better as quickly as possible. However, we encourage anyone who is sick or has a cough, fever, or other symptoms to stay home and not to attend their therapy appointments. Please contact us to work on rescheduling your appointments.

We recognize this is an emerging and rapidly evolving situation. Please be assured that Kinetic Edge is continuing to take proactive measures to support the health and welfare of our clients, our team members, and our communities (see below), including increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms, door handles, exercise equipment, balls and all surfaces.

If the CDC and/or the Iowa Department of Health provide updated guidance, we will take appropriate action and communicate those plans via our website and through any other relevant communication channels.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

The CDC recommends taking the following preventative actions to lessen the spread of viruses:

Stay home if you or a family member is sick. Call us to reschedule any appointments you must miss as a result.
Please wash your hands when you enter our clinic, while you are here, and when you leave. Fun fact: humming the happy birthday song twice (about 20-30 seconds) is a great way to make sure you’re washing long enough.
When using hand sanitizer, make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol. Be sure to get enough to fully wet your hands, and you’ll notice it takes about 20 seconds for it to fully dry.
If you are experiencing a fever and/or shortness of breath, give your medical office a call to determine if you need medical care.
Cover your mouth with your upper arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

WHAT KINETIC EDGE IS DOING

Kinetic Edge has ample spaces to wash hands and use hand sanitizer for when you enter and leave our facility.
We will continue to uphold our routine cleaning schedules performed by both our team members and professional cleaning services. Being a health clinic, we strive to keep our spaces clean for our team members and clients. We will forever continue this practice.

Please remember we have a 24-hour cancellation policy for all scheduled appointments, and we will do all that we can to help re-book your appointment for a different time to help you manage your evolving schedule. Our goal is transform your life and restore hope through movement!

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Like most of you, I reeled when I heard the tragic news about Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and the seven others who lost their lives in a helicopter crash last Sunday. His talent is what initially attracted most to Kobe, but his personality & mamba mentality made a lasting impression.

While there have been many world-class athletes over the years, it seems to me that none made as seamless a transition to life as a retired athlete than Bryant. Though he was not a perfect man – who is? – in the aftermath of his life, we are hearing again and learning more about his priorities, his convictions, and his focus, all things he had taken from his most competitive basketball experiences and applied to all facets of his life.

When I reflect on his life, I remember reading stories about his experiences, success, and commitment to the professionals that helped him recover from his injuries so that he could continue to compete at the highest level. He was no stranger to the training room, as evidenced by this infographic from @bill_oram:

A two-part series of articles was published on NBA.com in 2012, which featured an interview with Kobe Bryant’s physical therapist, Dr. Judy Seto (part one: https://www.nba.com/lakers/features/secretweapon, part two: https://www.nba.com/lakers/features/secretweaponpart2) who worked with the Lakers for over 20 years and was referred to as Kobe’s “secret weapon.” She and Gary Vitti, an athletic trainer, worked with Kobe Bryant to restore his health throughout his entire illustrious NBA career.

The Mamba Mentality

What Dr. Seto shared about Kobe’s mamba mentality could help you be successful in physical therapy just like Kobe. Borrowed from excerpts of that article series, here are my keys to rehab success according to Kobe:

Work on getting in great physical shape now, which will reduce the likelihood that you’ll need physical therapy and help you recover faster if you do in fact need physical therapy. Dr. Seto said that “because [Kobe is] in such good health and how much he works on his body, his recovery is indeed faster.” And he worked on his health “both physically and mentally.”

Be intelligent and seek understanding about how your body works, and find a physical therapist that works on restoring whole-body function, not just eliminating pain. Dr. Seto emphasized that Kobe “really wants to know the information about what’s going on with his body. Over the years he’s developed a keen understanding of his body, so when we discuss injuries he picks things up very quickly… He knows the relationships of how a certain injury impacts another body part… He gets the relationship between the core and one’s lower body strength. That entire area impacts the knee.”

Make your physical therapist work to earn your trust. Dr. Seto admitted that Kobe was particular. You should be too. “You only have one shot with [Kobe]… If there was a lack of trust not only with him and other players, the team doctors and so on, that would have been it.” And she added, “The best way to earn his trust is to know what you’re talking about. He’s seeing me for a reason: how can I help him be a better basketball player. If I couldn’t help him, he woudn’t [have] come back.”

Have a positive attitude about your physical therapy experience. “How you approach an injury really impacts the actual healing process and how well people come back from their injury. It can take a guy with a great attitude a shorter period of time to get better than it might someone with a negative attitude; those things really matter,” said Dr. Leto. “Focusing on the future can be really important, and takes so much less energy from someone that has a negative thought process.”

Commit to doing what you need to do to get better. Dr. Seto called Kobe “the consummate professional. He wants to do whatever it takes to get better… [and he] wants treatments that are rooted in science.”

Recognize that pain is often a part of the process. “He also has the highest pain tolerance of anybody I’ve ever met,” said Dr. Seto. “It’s not that he doesn’t feel pain, but that he does not let it take over his mind set. He can block out a lot of things to not allow the pain to interfere or limit him… He won’t put himself in jeopardy by ignoring pain and making unwise decisions. But because he understands his own body well, he can live with pain and still play at a very high level.”

Seek physical therapy early and often. One of the biggest benefits of being in the NBA is that Dr. Seto gets to “see the players every day, and they [get] to see me too, so if anything happened, we could address it right away. Dr. Seto added that she can “address things sooner and keep problems at a very minor level instead of having an early injury grow and impact other areas of the body.”

Communicate well with your physical therapist. In the Lakers’ organization, the players and health care team “[work] well together, and with lines of communication open we can often nip things in the bud before they become an issue.”

Apply the Mentality

While the world continues to mourn the loss of Kobe Bryant, I’m gratified that the unique “Mamba Mentality” he adopted will continue to live on and positively impact others for generations. If you want to apply the Mamba Mentality to your own physical health issues, contact Kinetic Edge to visit with one of our physical therapists. Request a free injury screen today or call us at 866-588-0230!

Call now to start a physical therapy program

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by Jordan Bell, OT

When you build a house you always start at the foundation. When working to help your child succeed it is important to do the same. In utilizing the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) Method in occupational therapy we do just that. MNRI is a treatment approach created by Dr. Svetlana Masgutova to address functional skills from the foundation up.

What are primitive reflexes? How do I know if my child has retained primitive reflexes and why would they have them? How do retained primitive reflexes impact my child? What does treatment look like? How long will it take? All of these are questions I get when I first start talking about MNRI and the life changing results I have seen from helping children integrate them. Let’s break it down!

Primitive reflexes are movement patterns that all babies are born with (they are part of our genetic makeup). The reflexes start to develop in utero as early as 6 weeks gestation and continue to develop throughout the first year of life. At that point they should fade into the background until they are needed again. Our reflexes are our “survival system”. Their purpose is to ensure the survival of our species so they are activated in times of stress. Stress can look different for different people. For one kiddo it could be a stressful birth (c-section, prolonged labor, lack of oxygen), for another it could be an accident/illness (hospitalized with RSV, fall off a bike, hurt in sport), and for others it could be a trauma (neglect, abuse, being in the foster care system, caregiver separation). There is no recipe for how much stress is enough to cause our primitive reflexes to get stuck and is different for every kid. Your child(ren) may have retained primitive reflexes if you notice difficulties with or a history of:

Attention
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma recovery, and other mental health concerns
Coordination (fine motor, gross motor, bilateral)
Education (reading, writing, math skills)
Feeding
Independence in daily activities
Medical trauma (NICU stay, surgeries, invasive procedures)
Neurological functioning
Regulation
Sensory Processing
Sleep
Toilet training (day and night time)
Vision (tracking, scanning, dyslexia)

This is not a comprehensive list but as you can see MNRI has benefits to most every kid (and adult) you know! Each child with retained primitive reflexes presents differently, our nervous systems while similar are all unique. It is common for kids to have multiple retained primitive reflexes (and adults too!). The key is finding out which ones are impairing function. MNRI starts at the foundation and works out. Treatment sessions are a combination of hands on manual techniques performed by the therapist and active movements performed by the child (obstacle course, movement tasks). We also work with families to create home exercise programs that work for them. In order to see success with MNRI, as in any treatment, it is important to be dedicated to the child’s home exercise program. My co-worker and I often say if you were trying to get in shape and went for one 30-minute workout per week and did no other work, would you expect to see noticeable changes in your strength? The same goes for therapy. If you rely on the one therapy treatment session per week to see improvements, they will be minimal. If you invest in your child and follow the program directed by your therapist you will see noticeable changes quickly and lasting changes in 8-12 months. The changes you see will vary by child and by what your goals are. Some of the awesome results I have personally gotten with my clients include:

Being able to write in complete sentences after previously working on handwriting/letter formation in OT for multiple years
Being able to tie shoes
Sleeping through the night consistently without medication
Learning to ride a bike
Loss of anxiety related to food/feeding (caused by history of neglect)
Child with high functioning Autism no longer requiring a 1:1 aid at school
Night and day time toilet training in kids of a variety of ages
Being able to decrease or stop taking medications for sleep, anxiety, and attention

More information on MNRI can be found at www.masgutovamethod.com. If you have any questions on MNRI or how it might help you child please feel free to contact me at jordanb@kineticedgept.com.

Call now for more info about MNRI therapy

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Do you suffer from painful knots in your muscles? Have massages provided you with temporary relief but not a solution? Or maybe you’re sick of getting costly injections and still suffering from pain. If this is true of you, you might be the perfect candidate for dry needling.

Dry needling is a newer treatment that’s gaining traction and attention with its successful outcomes for people suffering from pain. The technique uses a “dry” needle, meaning it’s one without medication or injection that’s inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle, known as trigger points.

A trigger point is a taut band of skeletal muscle located within a larger muscle group. Trigger points can be tender to the touch, and touching a trigger point may cause pain to other parts of the body. People often refer to these areas as “knots” in their muscles.

Top 5 Reasons To Try

So why should you give dry needling? We asked Ames physical therapist Tim Vander Wilt for the top 5 reasons to try dry needling, and this is what he had to say:

Decreased pain: Dry needling works to release painful trigger points in the muscle tissue. It also triggers a healing response in the body to promote improved blood flow and increased oxygen consumption in the muscle. Not everyone is a candidate for, but in the instances where I’ve recommended we try it as a part of their overall treatment, we’ve been seeing awesome results.
Increased mobility & performance: As a result of releasing tightness in your muscles, you’re going to be able to move more freely and without restriction. You’re also going to see an improvement in your muscular response time and contraction rates. This means those restrictions you’re experiencing now will no longer have to stop you from doing things you love, and you’ll probably see an increase in your overall performance with normal daily, sporting, and recreational activities.
Decreased side effects: The side effects with dry needling are minimal and short term. People usually experience general achiness and fatigue that will last less than 24 hours.
Reduced reliance on pills: One of my favorite parts about dry needling can reduce reliance on medication for pain control. Opioids and pain killers are a hot topic right now, and dry needling is a much more natural pain solution than a pill that may have unforeseen side effects.
Cost effective: I’m a good Dutch guy, so I’m all about cost effectiveness for my clients. Dry needling is less expensive than injections, medication, and surgery.

If you are suffering from pain and have tried everything to get rid of it, dry needling might be the perfect solution for you. Dry needling is offered at our Pella, Des Moines, Oskaloosa, Newton, Ames and Waukee clinics. For more information give us a call at 866-588-0230 or make an appointment.

Testimonials

“I had been dealing with lower back pain for about three months. I tried physical therapy, massage therapy, and going to the chiropractor. None of that worked. I started to think I was never going to get better until my mom saw a Facebook article about dry needling at Kinetic Edge. I was open to try anything so I gave it a shot. How much pain it would be had me nervous, but it turned out not really hurting at all. The thing I was most excited about was that it actually worked! After a few appointments, I was fully back to normal. I was able to participate in sports when before I could hardly walk without it hurting. It has truly been a life saver for me.”

– Real Kinetic Edge story from Reece

dry needling patient

“I had been working hard to try to relieve some shoulder and back pain. Tim tried the needling technique and the results were incredible. The pain was gone.”

– Real Kinetic Edge story from Sharon

What is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a five-day intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. The intervention uses prosodic vocal music that has been filtered to train the middle ear muscles to focus in on the frequency envelope of human speech. Once human speech is properly perceived, the portal to social engagement has been opened. You’ll find you are (or your child is) better able to interpret not only the meaning, but also the intent in conversations. And the sense of safety that is achieved by better understanding the fluctuations in human voice calms your (or your child’s) physiological state. Once your system has been primed and your state is calm, further therapy is enhanced and behavioral regulation is improved.

Who would benefit from the SSP?

Children and adults who have experienced traumatic events or spend much of their day in “fight or flight”
Auditory Hypersensitivity
ADHD/ASD
Children and adults who struggle with self-regulation

SSP Usage and Guidelines

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, the first session of the SSP is completed in office. This allows the therapist to educate the child and family on how to complete the SSP to obtain the maximum benefit. The next four sessions are to be completed at home for four consecutive days (for a total of 5 one-hour sessions). There is a one-time $50 rental fee for the SSP as it is not currently covered by insurance. Talk with your therapist if a day must be missed for some reason.

When completing the SSP it is advised to use the following guidelines:

Ensure the child feels safe and the environment is calm
Minimize any external noises, including talking
NO SCREENS may be used while listening
Complete preferred play activities that do not cause physiological arousal in the child
Minimize people coming in and out of treatment room, minimize extra people in the room
Encourage child to purposefully listen to the music but, discourage singing along/dancing
It is OK to eat non-crunchy foods or drink non-carbonated beverages while completing the SSP

If you have any questions while completing the SSP, please reach out to Jordan at jordanb@kineticedgept.com

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Do you experience shoulder pain when cleaning the house, playing catch, or doing yard work? Are activities that used to be easy and pain free now more difficult and uncomfortable? Is pain in your shoulder stopping you from doing something you love?

Don’t worry. Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints and is often caused by a treatable condition called shoulder impingement.

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff is pinched between your upper arm bone (humerus) and shoulder blade (scapula). There are four muscles in the shoulder that make up the rotator cuff. Their responsibility is to control and stabilize the upper arm bone during arm movement. If this system is not working appropriately, particularly when raising the arm, the upper arm bone can migrate upwards and the rotator cuff can be pinched under the top part of the shoulder blade (acromion). Localized pain can occur when the tendon or bursa becomes inflamed, called tendonitis/bursitis.

The number one risk factor for shoulder impingement is highly repetitive or sustained overhead activity. Your likelihood of experiencing shoulder pain increases with poor posture or a weak rotator cuff.

There are two scenarios where shoulder impingement frequently occurs:

Athletic activities: Tennis, baseball, and volleyball players are particularly vulnerable for shoulder impingement due to the number of times their shoulder is lifted above their head.
Workforce demands: Some jobs require workers to make repetitive movements with their hands above their heads. High exposure to this posture may cause a great deal of pain.

However, sometimes the cause of shoulder impingement is unknown. Over time, joint degeneration or rotator cuff weakness can contribute to these symptoms in any individual, regardless of the number of overhead activities you partake in.

Thankfully this condition is well understood and conservative care by a physical therapist can be quite effective. An evaluation at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy will help you determine the specific underlying cause of your shoulder pain, as well as offer you solutions for how to get rid of your pain.

Treatment plans often include:

Exercises to increase shoulder range of motion
Improving strength in your rotator cuff
Positioning your shoulder blade
Improving your posture

As symptoms subside, your therapist will focus on the functional needs of your shoulder and get you back to doing the things you love without pain.

Watch this simple video try the tests on your own if you are experiencing any symptoms above. If the shoulder pain you experience is reproduced or increased, call Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy and begin your road to a healthier, happier, and more functional shoulder!

Call now to get more help for your shoulder pain

1-866-588-0230

The early years and months of your child’s life are very important for their health and development. Developmental milestones have been established by professionals to give guidelines as to when a child will grow, change, and be able to achieve certain skills. Children meet these milestones in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed resources for parents to be informed of what developmental milestones most children reach at what age.

So why do pediatricians, therapists, and teachers make such a big deal about when your child stands by themselves or when they say their first word? It is because even the smallest of milestones play a role in a child’s future social, emotional, and educational growth and development. Core strength and tummy time can affect your child’s attention span and communication. Crawling before walking can affect your child’s future learning abilities in school. Infants and children develop at their own pace, but delayed achievement of a skill can influence later attitudes, behavior, academic performance, coordination, and health.

Our bodies are constantly processing information from our environment through our innate senses in everything we do without having to think about it. These senses include: hearing, taste, smell, sight, touch, movement, body positioning, and interoception. So how did all of this processing become so automatic? It is through all of the developmental stages from when we were infants and children exploring our environments and learning through experience. If something is missed or skipped, this can lead to a glitch in our processing systems as children and even adults.

What can you do?

So, what can you as a parent, guardian, teacher, or mentor do to ensure that the infants and children in your lives are achieving these foundational skills to set them up for success as they continue to grow and learn?

Be Knowledgeable – look into the resources provided by your pediatrician and listed above
Pay attention to your child’s skillset based on the knowledge you have gained
Ask your pediatrician or a pediatric therapist if you have questions or concerns – don’t wait!
- Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy offers free developmental screens by both physical and occupational therapists
Provide your children with opportunities to explore their environment (safety first!)
Establish routines and household rules
Limit screen time throughout the day
Additional positive parenting tips from the CDC

Please email us or call 866-588-0230 for a free screening if you are concerned with the progress of your child’s development.

Call now to get help for your child

1-866-588-0230

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

One of our previous blog posts discussed knee arthritis and gave seven practical tips you can use to reduce pain and improve movement. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend that you click on the link above and read it. It could change your life.

This month I wanted to expound upon one of the recommendations for those of you with knee arthritis: strengthening.

When we view osteoarthritis as a “wear and tear” process, it doesn’t make sense that knee strengthening should help. After all, shouldn’t the exercises I do to strengthen my knee further add wear and tear to the joint? That argument only holds true if osteoarthritis is a wear and tear process, and we now know that this is simply not the case.

If fact, researchers have proven that thigh weakness is associated with a higher incidence of knee pain for women. Physician Howard Luks, M.D. is a strong proponent of thigh strengthening as a way to combat and prevent knee pain. In his blog post, he describes the complex chemical processes at play when a person has osteoarthritis. In particular he says this about how exercise reduces inflammation in our joints:

“IL-10 is one of your body’s anti-inflammatories. IL-10 concentration will increase with exercise. So exercise can decrease the inflammatory IL-6 while promoting the production of IL-10. This is but one of the 100s of processes that take place in our joints, but it is a clear example of how exercise might improve the environment within the knee and diminish the risk of arthritic progression.”

In addition to the anti-inflammatory benefits of knee exercise, there are many other benefits for stability and balance. Strengthening is believed to improve joint stability, which reduces shear forces in the knee, the forces that put stress on the articular cartilage and contribute to pain. In other words, the stronger your legs are, the better you are at decreasing the rate of the progression of arthritis.

The claim that exercise reduces the rate of progression in arthritis is also supported by another study that looked at long term outcome after knee meniscus surgery. These researchers found that after 10 years, those who maintained strong thigh muscles after meniscus surgery had less arthritic changes in the knee compared to those with weaker thigh muscles.

So, take it from us and from Dr. Luks who recommends thigh strengthening to prevent and manage knee arthritis because:

Thigh strength correlates with longevity and fewer chronic diseases.
Thigh strength improves how an arthritic knee feels. That means that the stronger your legs are the less of a chance that you may require a knee replacement.

Thigh strength is associated with a decreased risk of developing worsening arthritis after meniscus surgery.
Thigh strength has been shown to correlate with less painful knee arthritis.

If you want to talk to a physical therapist about your arthritic knee pain, contact us at 866-588-0230 and ask for our complementary free injury screen. Make it your new year’s resolution to become active, and you may reap the benefits of increased thigh strength by feeling and functioning better.

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

What are they?

Figure 1 Tension Headaches — **Figure 1: Tension Headaches**

Pain that you experience in any part of the head is called a headache. However, there are many different types of headaches including migraine, cluster, and headaches originating from nerve irritation.

Tension headaches (also known as muscle-spasm headaches) are the most common type of headache. They are often the result of a neck or jaw problem, poor posture, fatigue or stress. Any problem that results in tension in the muscles at the back of the head can place pressure on the nerves to the face and head, triggering the headache (Figure 1).

Common symptoms

A tension headache usually begins at the back of the head and spreads to the top of the head. You may feel either pain and/or a pressure sensation. Some people feel pain and muscle tightness along the cheeks near the jaw bone. These symptoms often worsen with specific postures like sitting at a desk, using a handheld device, or playing video games. Often times they will ease with rest. If there’s no posterior head discomfort and the pain is only on the sides of the head or behind your eyes, it’s not likely to be a tension headache.

Take the tennis ball test

Headaches that originate from the base of your neck may be tension headaches. If these headaches vary in intensity based upon various postures and positions, likelihood is greater. To verify if your headache symptoms may be tension-related, take the tennis ball test.

Simply use athletic or duct tape to secure one tennis ball next to another.

Then lay on your back on a fairly solid surface and place the tennis balls at the base of your head where it meets your neck. tennis ball test

Perform a mild chin tuck, which should roll the tight muscles over the tennis balls. Tennis bal test

If this area is tight and sore, and mild self-massage relieves pressure and reduces the head pain, there is a good chance that you deal with tension headaches.

When should I call a physical therapist?

Because there are many causes for muscle tension headaches, it is important to see a physical therapist. Your PT will be able to ask appropriate questions and perform tests to determine the cause of your headaches. Once the origin of your problems is identified your PT will work with you to correct the problems. This may include:

Improving neck mobility – using manual therapy treatments
Increasing your strength – using specific exercises that target your neck and upper back
Correcting your posture – often times the person dealing with headaches is unaware of problematic postural tendencies
Modifying your workstation or home office

Email or call us at (866) 588-0230 if you think you’re experiencing tension headaches. Please understand that living with pain is not an option. There is a solution, often a pretty simple one. Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy movement specialists are equipped to improve comfort and performance to restore your health, happiness, and hope!

Information adapted from Move Forward and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Call now to get help with your tension headaches

1-866-588-0230

During the month of December, you may have seen a lot of big checks on our social media. This year marks the third year that each Kinetic Edge team member had the opportunity of giving $1,000 to a charitable organization of his/her choice.

This year, the Kinetic Edge team members were able to bless 42 different organizations that share a vision similar to Kinetic Edge; of uniquely living out a calling to transform lives and restore hope. Some team members chose to give to organizations that had a personal tie, while others sought out an organization that stood for a cause they believed in.

Among the chosen organizations, Wonder Spelen was selected by four Kinetic Edge team members. Wonder Spelen is an inclusive playground for children of all abilities that is being created in a partnership between the Pella Kiwanis Club and the City of Pella.

Wonder Spelen was created to enrich the lives of children and families by building a truly inclusive playground – one that goes well beyond wheelchair-accessibility. Wonder Spelen, which is Dutch for “Miracle Play”, recognizes the importance of play in the growth and development of children and those with special needs. The proposed plan for completion is schedule in two phases for Summer 2020 and 2021.

Elise Spronk, an Occupational Therapist at Kinetic Edge, had this to say about why she chose to donate to Wonder Spelen:

“As an occupational therapist who works with a wide variety of children with special needs from many different communities, Wonder Spelen is going to be such an amazing contribution to our community. One of my favorite parts is that it is going to be a fun and beautiful way for kids of all abilities to play together, side by side, exploring and engaging in meaningful play activity. This will surely bless the kids with special needs, but likely doubly bless the other children as they will be able to truly interact in a natural, fun way.”

Giving to worthwhile causes was rewarding to both the Kinetic Edge team members and the organizations receiving donations. The smiles in the photos say it all, the month of giving was meaningful for all those involved. To learn more about the organizations that benefitted from the Kinetic Edge Month of Giving see our social media channels and the list below.

818 Forward with Faith	Ashley Beekman
Animal Lifeline of Iowa	Kristin Bremner
Average Everyday Miracles	Kaity Hall
Boys and Girls Clubs of Story County	Casey Negrete
Capital Striders	Todd Schemper
Creation Station	John Lenderink
Crisis Intervention Services	Katie Gosewisch
Dorothy’s House	Tassi Cook
EveryStep Hospice	Marcy Jones
Families First	Renae Oppenhuizen
First Resources	Stacy Crouse
Freedom House	Laura Van Zee & Sara Westerkamp
Furever Friends Rescue of Appanoose	Jodeann Cooley
Gateway Care Closet	Whitney Vander Veen
Girls on the Run of Central Iowa	Allison Garmager
Healing Furgotten Canines	Jenny Jensen
Kids Chance/SFM Foundation	Jesse McCrady
Knoxville Youth Food Initiative	Kimmy Marsh
Launching Arrows for Team Keegs	Melissa Hansen
Love Inc of Mahaska County	Shawni Wills
Mahaska County Cert	Heather Pilcher
Mahaska County YMCA	Aimee Keller
Martha’s House of Hope	Tim Vander Wilt
Mission Uganda	Kelly Carlson
NAMI Southern Iowa	Ray Tresemer
New Sharon Fire & Rescue	Dustin Briggs
Newton Community Education Foundation	Matt Scotton
Newton Wellness Coalition	Jayden Kauk, Jordan Bell, Patrick Ford & Susan Metz
North Mahaska Elementary PE	Devin Bain
North Mahaska Kindergarten	Derrick Simms
On With Life	Emily Ciha
Operation Santa	Beth Shilling
Orchard Holiday Gift Drive	Samantha Ferry
Oskaloosa Kiwanis	Cory Horstmann
Oskaloosa Police K9 Unit	Carol Kelderman
Pay It Forward Oskaloosa Community Schools	Marjie Rinehart
Pella Christian High School Band/Music Dept	Lisa Vos
Wonder Spelen Park	Elise Spronk, Lindsey Klyn, Liz Vermeer & Troy Vander Molen
Sleeping Angels Foundation	Rachel Johnson
Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter	Laura Norberg
The Well	Erica Guinane
YESS	James Laughlin
YMCA of Newton	Jared Gerber

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Athletic taping for various conditions has become an extremely popular and somewhat controversial topic over the past few years. There is no doubt that new products have gained great popularity over the years. Do you remember the Olympics and all the colorful tape products adorning so many athletes? The use of flexible taping products has become a fashion statement almost more than an injury preventer or performance enhancer.

Many assume since Olympic athletes use tape, they should too. With the start of winter seasons, we’re frequently asked about taping ankles for basketball and wrestling. So let’s dispel myths you might have heard about taping to keep your student-athletes’ ankles safe and feeling good!

Ankle Injury Myths

Myth #1: Athletic taping is a new, trendy practice.

Though there are many new, trendy taping products available today, traditional athletic tape has been used for decades to enhance stability and control ankle mobility. For years it was a practice reserved for people experiencing an ankle sprain or chronic ankle instability. Even the “newer” flexible taping products were originally invented in the 1970s by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase.

Myth #2: I should lay off my ankle after injuring it.

How you treat your ankle injury depends upon the nature and the significance of the injury. However, the research is clear: early movement is critical to enhancing the healing process after tissue injury. Initially immobilization of the ankle may be required, but movement via active range of motion is beneficial. That movement must be controlled to prevent unnecessary stress on the healing tissue. With many ankle sprains, the stability provided by ankle taping reduces stress on those healing tissues. You should be able to function with less pain and move more safely.

Myth #3: Taping my ankles should mask my pain.

The use of athletic tape should never be done to mask pain, though it can certainly reduce it. If you are taped up and still experience pain with functional performance, you could still be damaging tissue and interrupting the healing process. You should also understand that athletic tape loses some degree of support when it experiences the stresses of movement. The tension of the tape wears down and the supportive effects are minimized somewhat. Therefore, a re-application of tape may be necessary.

Myth #4: Ankle braces are better than ankle taping.

Some people will choose to use an ankle brace instead of tape. I can understand why people consider this option. A brace can be more quickly applied without the help of someone skilled at ankle taping. Ankle taping can also cause skin irritation, and no one likes that. However, ankle bracing has its cons too. Braces are usually bulker and may be hard to fit inside an athletic shoe. Because of this, some people find braces to be less comfortable than athletic tape.

Myth #5: Taping my ankles makes me more susceptible to injury of other lower extremity joints.

There is no evidence that taping or bracing makes you more susceptible to injuries further up the leg. Additionally these taping interventions don’t weaken ankles or make you more susceptible to ankle sprains in the future. I do encourage people to eliminate the extra support when the body is ready to support itself. This helps stimulate the body’s proprioceptive system (see Myth #6) used to enhance balance.

Myth #6: Taping or bracing my ankles is a good proactive measure to prevent injury.

Over the years, I have seen many people – particularly volleyball players – use ankle braces preventatively. In other words, there’s no history of ankle problems but a brace is used to prevent an injury. Because the body uses proprioception, neurological feedback from tissue movement to engage muscles, I don’t recommend using either athletic tape or braces if you’ve never had an ankle problem. Even if you’re double-jointed, clumsy or feel weak, it would be best to develop the neuromuscular skills to prevent problems than to rely on external support.

Myth #7: Flexible taping (like Kinesio Tape, Rock Tape, and Spider Tape) are a good solution to ankle sprains.

These “magic tapes” are definitely all the hype right now. If you aren’t familiar with flexible taping products, these tapes have elastic properties that mimic the flexible properties of human skin. This means that they allow for some “recoil” or pull force on the skin and underlying tissues. The most current research indicates, though, this intervention can help in two ways: swelling reduction and pain relief. However, flexible tape does not enhance performance, and – this is important – it does not provide the stability that many ankles require, particularly when attempting to compete while tissues are still healing.

Conclusion

If you want to learn more about kinesiology taping take a look at a previous article on taping.

So, are you best off taping your ankle, bracing your ankle, or leaving it be? Like most things, it depends. If you are unsure about what is best for your individual circumstances, consult with your athletic trainer or physical therapist to find out which option is best for you.

Get the Help You Need

We love being your resource for musculoskeletal issues, so once again we are going to make it easy for you to get the help you need without cost or obligation. If you have a history of ankle problems – whether you’re a current or former athlete – simply call into our office at 866-588-0230 or email us and get scheduled for a brief, free screening. It will only take 20 minutes of your time, and you could find out something that saves you both money and pain.

Call now to get more help for your ankle injury

1-866-588-0230

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Low back pain is very common. It impacts 80% of the American adults at some point in their lifetime. Thirty-seven percent of these people do not seek professional help for relief according to a study by the American Physical Therapy Association.

Most people who do seek treatment start by calling their doctor. On many occasions, the doctor’s first response is to prescribe medication. If that doesn’t work, diagnostic tests are often ordered. Unfortunately, physical therapy treatment is often a last-ditch attempt at managing low back pain.

I understand why people call their doctors first when they experience back pain. When something’s wrong with your body it’s normal to default to your doctor, especially if you’ve never experienced physical therapy. Back pain is scary, and the degree of pain can make people concerned that something is really wrong. The good news is that most low back pain is not serious and can be treated conservatively.

The first steps you take in dealing with your pain can significantly impact the total cost of care. Spending more money doesn’t usually give you a better outcome.

In a study published in the Health Services Research, researchers found that people who were initially prescribed advanced imaging (MRIs and other diagnostic scans) instead of physical therapy ultimately paid more. Those who were referred for diagnostic testing spent an average of $6,664. While those who went to physical therapy spent an average of $1,871. That’s nearly a $5,000 difference.

In addition, those who have images taken of their back are much more likely to have surgery. Unfortunately, we now know the presence of findings in an MRI doesn’t predict a good outcome with surgery. Most people have funny findings in their spine, but only a small percentage of them have pain. Degenerative changes that show up on these scans are normal.

Save yourself some time and money. Consider calling your physical therapist when you experience back pain that hasn’t resolved within a couple of days. Imaging is necessary at times, but your physical therapist is equipped to help you understand when it is appropriate to pursue those increased costs. Otherwise, a course of conservative physical therapy focused on treating the root problem in addition to the pain is likely the right path for you.

If you’d like risk-free access to a physical therapist to assess your pain, sign up for a free screening or give us a call today at 866-588-0230.

by Dr. Matt Scotton, DPT, ATC, CSCS

How many times have you shoveled snow? How many times have you fallen down while shoveling show? Do you usually have pain or sore muscles in your back, neck, shoulders or legs after you clear the snow from your sidewalk or driveway?

Every winter more than 10,000 people in the United States go to the emergency room due to injury from shoveling snow. Many of these ER visit injuries were a result of falls with broken bones and some are heart attacks, but the vast majority of strains, sprains, and bruises from falls that contribute to back, neck, shoulder and hip pain are never examined in a hospital emergency room.

As a physical therapist for over 25 years I’ve evaluated and treated many people who have been injured while shoveling snow. Some have slipped and injured muscles, joints, tendons, or ligaments. A few have broken bones when they have fallen on the snow or ice. Most have strained muscles and experienced muscle spasm and limited mobility in lower back, neck or shoulder after using improper body mechanics while pushing or shoveling snow.

Most people don’t shovel snow 2 or 3 days per week so it’s not easy to condition your body for this physically challenging task. Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk of pain and injury while shoveling snow:

Wear shoes with good traction in snow to reduce your risk of slipping and falling.
Warm up your body by stretching your legs, back, neck and shoulders before you shovel.
Push snow rather than lifting and throwing it whenever possible.
Keep your back in a strong and straight position and use the strength in your legs when you push and lift the snow-filled shovel.
Use an ergonomic shovel when possible. The bent handle makes it easier to keep your back straight and use good body mechanics.
Switch your technique every minute by alternating the position of your hands on the shovel handle. This will change the workload on your body and reduce overuse, fatigue, and soreness from doing the whole job with the same technique.
Take a break to allow your body to recover when you feel fatigued or uncomfortable.

If you experience signs of a heart attack, stop shoveling and dial 911. The combination of cold weather and exertion of most of the muscles in the body while shoveling snow triggers heart attacks for hundreds of people every year. Rapid treatment is the key to minimizing permanent damage to the heart muscle so heed the warning signs. Every minute counts.

If you do have experience pain or a movement problem after shoveling snow, it will often calm down after a few days. If it doesn’t, contact us to pursue a course of physical therapy at any one of our clinic locations (Pella, Des Moines, Oskaloosa, Newton, Ames, Centerville, or Waukee) by calling 866-588-0230.

by Melissa Hansen, PT, DPT

Do you know your numbers? Do you know what numbers are considered high? Nearly half of all Americans have high blood pressure and many don’t even know it! Your blood pressure is considered high when the top number is between 130-139mmHg OR the bottom is between 80-89mmHg. It is called Stage 1 Hypertension if either the top OR the bottom number are in those ranges. Stage 2 Hypertension is 140(or higher)/90 (or higher). If either of your numbers are higher than 180/120 consult your physician immediately. A normal blood pressure is the top number being less than 120 and the bottom number less than 80.

Your risk for hypertension increases with age, but there is hope because exercise can make a big difference. Regular physical activity makes your heart stronger and a stronger heart can pump more blood with less effort. If your heart is a more efficient pump, your blood pressure will decrease.

Becoming more active can lower your systolic blood pressure – the top number in a reading – by an average of 5 to 9 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). This is the same amount as some medications. For some people, exercise can reduce the need for medication. As you age, exercise can keep your numbers from rising. Regular exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight which is another important way to control blood pressure.

It takes aerobic activity to control blood pressure, but you don’t need to spend hours every day to benefit. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Mowing the lawn, raking leaves or even scrubbing the floor is considered exercise if it takes effort! Other common forms of aerobic activity include climbing stairs, walking, jogging, bicycling and swimming. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity most days of the week. Remember it does not need to be all at once, short bouts of exercise throughout the day also count toward your 30 minutes, so park in a parking space farther away from the door to increase activity!

If you would like to try strength training exercises, make sure you have your doctor’s OK. Some of these exercises may increase your blood pressure, especially if you hold your breath while contracting your muscles. Strength training can have long term positive benefits to blood pressure, so it is a good thing to add to your exercise routine a couple of times per week.

Hypertension is very prominent in the US and is called the “silent killer” because there are no obvious symptoms. Remember, you can help control and prevent high blood pressure with regular exercise and activity.

If you have any questions or would like exercise recommendations feel free to contact us online or give us a call at 866-588-0230.

by Todd Schemper, PT, DPT, OCS

Running in the winter can be a wonderful experience. Breathing in the brisk air and seeing the beautiful snow are part of the sport. Maintaining your fitness throughout the cold months of the year is important for overall health. Whether you tackle running in the frigid outdoors, or prefer the indoor methods of treadmill, track, or pool running, winter running is a great way to keep up your fitness over the months to come.

Outdoors

Starting a running program or continuing your favorite sport during the winter does take some planning. Primarily, the clothing you wear will be a little different. But you may be surprised at how little you need to wear to stay warm. Using light layers is more suitable than wearing bulky clothes or lots of layers. The essentials include: running pants/tights, a moisture wicking long sleeve shirt, and a breathable/windproof jacket. Other items that help keep you warm are gloves or mittens and a headband or hat. Wearing traction cleats on your shoes also works well for safety in icy conditions. Taking along some ID and wearing reflective or bright clothing is also advisable. With this attire donned you should be ready for temperatures into the low 20-degree range.

The next step is to choose your route. It has been said that it is easier to run than walk on ice, simply because of where your center of gravity is in relationship to your base of support. Either way I recommend finding a road, sidewalk, or trail that has been cleared and is safe. Make sure to take shorter steps when you are on ice and slow down when turning corners to prevent falls. Take a few weeks to get used to the cooler weather, as it may be more difficult to breathe. Head out and enjoy.

Treadmills

Running on the treadmill is another common way to maintain running fitness during the winter. These machines come in many variations. Whether used at home or at the gym, working out on a treadmill can be an excellent way to get your heart pumping and your body moving. When starting out, make sure you are comfortable with your balance. On a treadmill you keep your body from being moved backwards, unlike on land where you are moving your body forwards. As you increase the amount of time you run, try running at a variety of paces and elevations to get a more balanced leg workout and to prevent repetitive overuse injuries.

Tracks

There are a number of health clubs in the area with indoor tracks that are conducive for running. Tracks can be used on those really cold days or when it is dark. When running on a track remember to alternate the direction that you are running and run the curves as wide and gradual as possible to avoid any increased ankle, knee, or hip strain from taking tight corners. Try to run an equal number of laps clockwise and counterclockwise. Also, to avoid injury, try to balance your track running during the week with another mode of running or other aerobic activities.

Pools

Pool running is not only an important form of exercise for fitness maintenance following a running injury, but a great alternative to indoor treadmill or cold outdoor winter running. The most common way to pool run is to use a jogging flotation device (they can be found at most health clubs or indoor public pools). Strap the device on, head for the deep end, and start running. This is an excellent non-impact simulation of the running motion. Your body will not move very fast or far, but you can vary the speed of your running to change the workout intensity. Start with 15-20 minutes of exercise and see how it feels. To make the activity more of a challenge, pool run without using a flotation device.

Races

If you are the racing type, having a winter race goal is a way to keep your workouts focused. Either pick out a local winter race or even better, plan a destination run vacation around an event located in a warm weather location. This just might be your motivator or reward for getting back into shape after the holidays.

Whatever type of winter running you choose, pick what you will enjoy and be consistent with it. Have a great winter and watch out for ice!

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Tell me if this story sounds familiar.

For years you’ve been healthy and active. You prided yourself on your strong work ethic and ability to get things done. You have loved going on adventures and seeing the world. Nothing could stop you from doing what you set your mind to. For years, you’ve enjoyed a dynamic, energized lifestyle.

Then you began to experience knee pain. At first, you could ignore it. It would come and go. Sometimes you limped a bit, but most of the time you could hide it.

Eventually, it became too common, too significant. So, you broke down and scheduled an appointment with your doctor. X-rays confirmed what you feared: You have degenerative knee osteoarthritis.

Your medical provider probably told you that this is a “wear and tear” phenomenon, that your cartilage has worn away. For too many years, the pressure you’ve exerted on your knees with every step resulted in cumulative trauma that has left you with less cushion in your knee joint, and now each step is painful. You may have to change your lifestyle.

I have a confession to make. I used to counsel people in this way too. I used to tell people that knee osteoarthritis is a mechanical wear and tear process. Then, I’d tell them that there’s good news. If you exercise, it can get better.

Sometimes people responded to my message with a look of relief. All too often, though, they would give me a skeptical look.

Looking back, I can appreciate why someone would be skeptical with my mixed message. If knee osteoarthritis is a wear and tear process, why in the world would you want me to exercise more? Won’t that do more harm?

As time has gone by, I’m happy to report that we know more about knee osteoarthritis, and the newest research is a great cause for hope. The good news is that our old theories about knee osteoarthritis were wrong. If osteoarthritis is a wear and tear phenomenon, why is osteoarthritis of the knee and hip found to be less common in runners?

Osteoarthritis does involve thinning or loss of cartilage on the ends of your bones at the articular cartilage. But it turns out that in people that develop knee arthritis without prior injuries, knee osteoarthritis is actually a biological inflammatory process, not a mechanical process.

You see, in our joints we have hundreds of biological markers that are made by the lining of the knee joint. In a healthy state, the chemicals that are created actually support cartilage health and nutrition.

But, in an unhealthy state – whether it’s due to injury, metabolism, weight, or diet – the knee joint changes in ways that are similar to what we see in other chronic disease states. The unfriendly chemicals produced in the diseased state are hostile to the health of our cartilage, and over time the presence of those unhealth chemicals eventually cause injury to the articular cartilage cells. And then the cartilage is not equipped to handle physical stress.

Osteoarthritis is actually a low-grade chronic inflammation, the same type of inflammation that causes Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, and other metabolic diseases.

So, what are we to do about it? Here are seven things we can do to combat knee osteoarthritis:

Stay active. Walking, playing tennis, and most weightbearing activities are extremely healthy, and you should continue them as long as the pain is mild. Engaging in these activities with mild pain will not shorten the lifespan of your knee. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. If you maintain or gain strength, flexibility, and endurance, you will delay or eliminate the need for more aggressive medical interventions.

Forget about what your x-ray looked like and the awful words often contained in the x-ray report. Isn’t it funny how we refer to changes to the joint using the scary term degenerative joint disease, but we never refer to wrinkles as degenerative skin disease! Changes to our joints over time are as normal as developing wrinkles on our skins. Most people that do not experience knee pain would have evidence of arthritic changes if their knees were scanned. The presence of arthritis is not closely correlated with knee pain, which means that you can feel and function exceptionally well even if you have been told you have knee arthritis.

Perform strengthening activities. Research shows that weakness of thigh muscles is associated with a higher incidence of knee pain. Strengthening exercises (as well as other forms of exercise) have been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, exercise will have a positive impact on your entire body, not just your knees. And, strengthening improves your stability, balance, and proprioception, which will decrease your injury rate.

Commit to doing aerobic exercise. Doing activities that increase your heart rate will stimulate the production of your natural anti-inflammatory chemicals, which reduces joint pain.

Work on your balance. The trauma caused by a fall from catching your toes on the carpet can create a painful arthritic joint experience. Usually these balance issues are the result of a combination of things: loss of muscle mass, delayed neurological input from our limbs, and potentially inner ear changes. All of these things can be strengthened with appropriate balance training, just like an arm curl makes our biceps muscle stronger.

Learn more about the impact of diet and metabolism. Did you know that only 12% of Americans are considered metabolically healthy? You can’t out-exercise a bad diet. In addition to a large variety of metabolic disorders – heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and dementia to name a few – your metabolic health affects your risk of developing osteoarthritis. Processed foods and sugar are not our friends, and processed foods are way too common in America. Consider consulting with a licensed dietician to learn more about joint healthy food choices to reduce your knee pain.

Be positive. A positive attitude will help you get through challenging experiences. Remember, you are in control of your knee pain. There are many things that you can do to feel better and function better. Find people with whom you can surround yourself to stay positive and commit to an active approach to eliminating the pain of knee osteoarthritis.

Don’t get me wrong. The pain you experience in your knee due to osteoarthritis is real. The cartilage in the knee itself does not have nerve endings, so it will not hurt in and of itself. But the issues we’ve discussed above can create changes to the thin tissue that wraps around your bone (periosteum), the lining of the joint (synovium), or the bone itself, and all of those structures have lots of nerve endings that can cause pain.

If you do have pain because of these issues, it will often calm down after a few weeks or months, especially if you take a positive, active approach using the strategies outlined above. If you are looking for guidance on how to reduce knee pain as quickly as possible, contact us to pursue a course of physical therapy at any one of our clinic locations (Pella, Des Moines, Oskaloosa, Newton, Ames, Centerville, or Waukee) by calling 866-588-0230.

by Elise Spronk, Occupational Therapist

Does gift giving at Christmas bring you joy or stress you out? As more options have been added to toys and gadgets, the task of finding a great gift that is both fun and beneficial can be daunting. The desire to give the perfect gift can sometimes be stressful & take away from the joy. Thus, I compiled a list of Sensory Development gift ideas 2 years ago for all of you who want to not only bring joy to the kids on your list this Christmas season, but also desire to give something that will be beneficial to their developing brains and sensory systems.

These are organized by sensory system categories and are not meant to be an endorsement for any particular brand. So, in other words, I’m not getting a kick back from a company to promote their items. I’m just a mom and aunt who also happens to be an occupational therapist who gets to play with toys every day.

Movement

The movement (vestibular) sense gives us a physical reference that helps us make sense of visual information, particularly where we are in relation to other things. It builds the foundations for handwriting, bilateral coordination, and most physical activities. We even move to listen better as movement stimulates the listening centers of the brain. Kids with vestibular processing problems may need to move more. Children who cannot process movement must use their vision to compensate. They might be clumsy, fall out of chairs, be slow to complete work, or appear disorganized.

Trampoline: There are a variety of indoor and outdoor models that are great. One client’s mom recommended the Skywalker Trampoline for indoor play. It has a safety net that can be removed as the child grows and no longer needs this feature.
Outdoor play set: Gross motor and pretend play are both developed during play with a backyard play set. I especially love the ones that also include a fort, probably from fond memories of making mud pies as a child.
Dizzy Disc: This helps develop balance, coordination, spatial awareness and sensory stimulation for children 3+ years of age. The Dizzy Disc is very durable and can be used for kids up to 200 pounds. A Bosu Ball flipped upside down can be a great option as well.
Lycra tunnel: I prefer the homemade versions of these tunnels because they are way more economical… if you know someone who sews. I purchased a 10-foot-long piece of lycra/cotton blend fabric and double stitched the ends together to make a tunnel. Kids love to crawl, do animal walks, push balls, and even just hideout and relax inside these tunnels.
Swings: Indoor and outdoor swings are a great way to provide calming sensory input. I especially love pod swings for calming, and platform swings for sitting on while doing other fine motor activities.
Foam building sets: Building obstacle courses is great for boosting creativity while promoting gross motor skill development. A set such as this one can provide hours of fun as the possibilities are endless.
Experiences including memberships and tickets to places such as the zoo, science center, trampoline park, local recreation centers make a great gift that keeps on giving all year long. If you’re local to the Des Moines area, you can get a family year long pass to the Blank Park Zoo and Science Center of Iowa for $234.

Tactile

The tactile sense comes from how we interpret information from the receptors on our skin. When you feel something, your nervous system helps you sense the object’s pressure, texture, traction, and other tactile qualities. Some kids experience difficulty processing tactile information. You might notice your child is over-reactive if he avoids certain textures, doesn’t like getting messy, avoids certain foods, or doesn’t like certain clothing items. On the other hand, some kids are under-reactive which is evident in behaviors like loving to touch and be touched, fiddling with objects in their hands, or fearlessly touching everything they see, even if the object might be dangerous. These gifts help promote a healthy tactile system.

Kinetic sand: This can be purchased or make your own following our recipe! Even older kids like to play with kinetic sand as it is very calming. It’s not that messy so kids with tactile sensitivities can explore without aversion.
Water beads: This pack is a great bargain as a medium-sized container can be made with only a few tablespoons of the small beads. A trick I’ve learned is to add salt and keep the lid off to preserve freshness. I also hide small beads in the water beads for kids to search and then string.
Sensory socks: Similar to a lycra tunnel, these also provide movement, as well as deep pressure input and can be so calming for kids.
Squigz: These small rubber toys have become a new favorite among kids of all ages. Younger kids love placing them on and pulling them off objects and older kids create patterns and arrange them in countless ways. And the sound they make when pulling them apart is so fun!
Kits to make homemade slime: I prefer using homemade recipes from Pinterest but you can also purchase a slime kit like this one.
Soft fleece homemade blankets and weighted blankets: DIY weighted blankets should be 7-10% of the child’s weight. Fleece tie blankets are easy to make for the non-sewers and add a personal touch since you make them yourself!

Vision

Vision helps us process, understand, and take action in our environment. Most kids develop a strong visual system simply by participating in activities that encourage visual exploration in their everyday environment. These gifts will help promote a healthy visual system!

Spin Again Toy: This is great for toddlers as it is similar to a stacking game but has the added visual stimulation aspect of the pieces spinning down to the bottom.
I Spy Dig In: This game could fall under the tactile and visual category as it has tiny objects (for fine motor/tactile development) to match to pictures on a card (visual perception).
Liquid motion bubbler: These liquid motion bubblers are small, fascinating toys that can provide visual stimulation for a child and are a good alternative to technology.
Light-Brite: This is an oldie but a goodie. I prefer the slanted Light Brites that may be considered “vintage”. The angled board adds the benefit of improving fine motor coordination training with encouraging wrist extension. This is a fun, entertaining way to work on eye-hand coordination skills.
Spot It, Kanoodle, Q-Bitz Extreme: These three games are some of our favorite visual perception games to use in the clinic, especially with older kids.

Auditory

A healthy auditory system allows for children to respond appropriately and naturally to sounds. Your child might be struggling with auditory processing if they are distracted by unimportant noises or if they miss out on important noises, such as directions from a teacher. If your child has outbursts as a result of noisy environments or tries to avoid noisy environments, he is likely hypersensitive to noise. If your child seems like she doesn’t hear things around her or doesn’t respond appropriately to auditory input (like her name being called), she may be hyposensitive to noise. These gifts help with a child’s auditory system.

Bop-It: This is a fun game that allows kids to follow auditory cues to complete a specific action. It promotes listening, using 2 sides of the body together and cooperation with others.
Rain stick: Encourage imagination, motor skills, and auditory stimulation with a rain stick!
Simon: Another toy that’s made a comeback that has both auditory and visual sensory benefits is Simon. Simon works on reaction time, auditory-visual-and hand coordination. Kids can play alone or with a friend.

I hope that this list offers you some additional options to make your Christmas gift giving a joy-filled experience. Nothing beats the look of a child’s face on Christmas morning, whether it’s the gift inside or the box it came in. 😉 Hopefully these gifts will provide fun and growth all year long.

*These are organized by sensory system categories and are not meant to be an endorsement for any particular brand. Some links we earn a small commission from.

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Though there are many types of musculoskeletal problems, people seek health care for one of only three types of complaints:

“I hurt…”,
“I can’t do…”, and
“I’m afraid to…”

These three realities – pain, function, and fear – are the only reasons that Kinetic Edge exists. In fact, these complaints are the only reasons the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, and any field that helps injured people exist.

While I wish it was not true, there are people who receive care for their musculoskeletal injuries that do not achieve the results they desire. Despite their rehab efforts, they don’t experience improvements in comfort, performance, or confidence. There are a variety of reasons why that is the case, but at least some of the poor rehabilitation outcomes are due to the paradigms utilized by traditional rehab professionals.

The truth is that traditional rehabilitation has not always been relevant and authentic, and thus it has not addressed quality of life issues and what a person truly needs for enhanced comfort and performance to better work, play, and rest. But, Kinetic Edge is not a traditional rehab group, and the Functional Medicine paradigm endorsed by Kinetic Edge is different than what you experience at most physical therapy clinics.

The concept of function is easy to understand. Function refers to all of the things the body needs and wants to do to interact successfully with the environment within which we live. The concepts of Functional Medicine, however, are unique. Functional Medicine is a holistic and dynamic approach to treating functional impairments of the body that originate from nerves, muscles, and bones due to disease or injury.

The word holistic conjures up many images, some of which are questionable at best. So, what do we mean when we say that our approach, Functional Medicine, is holistic? According to Meriam-Webster’s Dictionary, holistic is “relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts.”

That is exactly the focus of Functional Medicine! It is a three-dimensional approach engaging the mind, body, and spirit. But its focus and methods are three-dimensional in many other ways in that Functional Medicine incorporates:

Three planes of motion – sagittal, frontal, and transverse;
Three bodily systems – neuro-musculo-skeletal AND cardio-vascular-respiratory;
Three experiences – pain, performance, and pleasure; and
Three models of care – prevention, rehabilitation, and enhancement

Functional Medicine doesn’t stay on the treatment table. It moves from the horizontal to the vertical. It requires a person to get off the table and onto his or her feet. Functional Medicine recognizes that the body accomplishes meaningful functional activities for work, play, and rest through the production and absorption of energy that helps us fight against gravity.

These weightbearing activities occur in definable patterns called Chain Reactions^TM. A successful chain reaction means that each part in the chain of movement contributes a unique role that helps us move efficiently in our environments. But, when Chain Reactions^TM are impaired or compromised, movement is less efficient and can result in injuries that produce signs and symptoms associated with pain, loss of function, and biomechanical compensation.

Neuro-musculo-skeletal complaints, those arising from the neurological, muscular and/or skeletal systems, are second only to upper respiratory complaints as the cause for people seeking physician care. Physicians are well-trained to manage medical conditions but are ill-prepared to evaluate and treat dynamic biomechanical conditions that manifest themselves in Chain Reactions^TM. That is the domain of competent physical therapists, and those trained in Functional Medicine are best prepared to develop relevant and authentic treatment plans for to rehabilitate these conditions.

Unfortunately, many physical therapists, occupational therapists, and chiropractors are trained in biomechanical principles rather than functional application. Functional Medicine is a stark contrast to traditional rehabilitation principles (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Traditional Rehabilitation vs. Functional Medicine

Traditional Rehabilitation	*Functional Medicine*
Complaints and symptoms	Causes and compensations
Problem moderating	Problem solving
Challenges what a person cannot do	Leverages what a person can do
A static, unloaded client	A dynamic, loaded client
Isolated motion	Three planes of movement
Non-functional activity	Functional activity
Focus on treatment process	Focus on treatment outcomes
Consciously driven by mindful intent	Subconsciously driven by sensory stimulation
Dependency	Empowering and encouraging
Contrived	Spontaneous
Simulated	Authentic

The Functional Medicine approach offers functional solutions and ensures success by providing knowledge, tools, and controls to live in power, not in pain. Functional Medicine offers a unique, direct, and meaningful solution for all of the “I hurt…”, “I can’t do…”, and “I’m afraid to…” complaints.

To see how this approach works in real life, consider seeking out the services of a health care professional that understands function, like those at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. If you or someone you know experiences chronic pain, loss of function, and/or biomechanical compensations, Functional Medicine may provide the solutions you have been seeking.

October is National Physical Therapy month, and I welcome you to take us up on our offer of a free injury screen. To celebrate, we are reserving Thursday, October 24, 2019, as a day for free injury screens. Call now at 866-588-0230 to claim one of only 33 screens available at each of our seven clinic locations, and find out how Functional Medicine can change your life.

FORMER KINETIC EDGE TEAM MEMBERS SPREAD HOPE GLOBALLY

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we’re passionate about making a difference in the world. That’s why it’s our mission to transform lives and restore hope through movement. We strive to do this every day in each one of our seven clinics, and we search for people who resonate with this mission before adding anyone to our team.

One sign we believe indicates our success and intention in this area is that two of our former team members left Kinetic Edge and are now working full time in missions. We thought it’d be fun this month to check in with each of them and provide you with an update of where they’re at in the world and how they’re spreading hope on a global scale.

From Joel Watters, former Physical Therapist at Kinetic Edge now serving in Costa Rica

Two years ago in August, I said a bittersweet goodbye to the Kinetic Edge team to serve with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, a ministry that serves on University campuses. My wife Rachel and I felt called to partner with a sister ministry overseas and were invited to serve in Costa Rica.

We spent our first year here working on our Spanish and serving alongside established student groups on the universities in the capital city of San Jose. This year in January we moved three hours over the mountain to the southern zone of Costa Rica where our ministry never had a presence before. When we began, we didn’t know anyone, but then we met one student named Mariela. In July, we led Mariela through a five-week discipleship training on how to lead an inductive bible study. She has caught the vision of the university being a strategic and unreached corner for the gospel. Two weeks ago, she led her first bible study and did fantastic! We have seen tremendous growth in her throughout the year as she studies the Bible with us, takes risks in sharing her faith, and begins to invest in other younger Christians. Just this week, we had two different bible studies each with eight people participating! God has been so faithful opening doors onto campus as well moving within the hearts of our students. Our dream is plant ministry and see lives transformed on each college campus in the southern zone of Costa Rica!

God has been so good to our family. There have been wonderful joy-filled moments and also very difficult ones, each reminding us of God’s love and faithfulness. Our children are thriving, and it is a joy to serve the Lord as a family. We can also see God preparing the way on the University. We are praying for more people like Mariela to join us in reaching the Universities in Costa Rica for the Kingdom of God. We feel blessed to have been sent and to have the opportunity to do such meaningful work with our lives. Although, I do certainly miss caring for people as a physical therapist with the Kinetic Edge team. We send our blessings to you all from Costa Rica praying that God’s presence and peace would grow in your hearts.

If you feel led to support Joel’s work with a financial gift, please head to https://donate.intervarsity.org/donate#d9792.

From Shelly De Ruiter, former Physical Therapist at Kinetic Edge now serving in Haiti

My husband and I moved to Sylvan, Haiti in October 2018 with Many Hands 4 Haiti. When asked what we do here, we both smile, because that question doesn’t have a nice neat answer! The reason we smile when asked is because much of our time is spent learning how to live here and communicate with our Haitian staff, program participants, neighbors, and market vendors! Generally speaking, my husband serves as the Organization Development Manger which means he is here to put systems organization into place in areas like education, agronomy, and leadership.

I serve as the Spiritual Direction Manager which means that I am no longer working as a physical therapist while here. I am pursuing a passion I’ve always had and incorporated in my physical therapy work – soul care and relative rest. I get to invite people into new ways of understanding how God sees them and how we understand God.

So far, my work has been directed toward the American mission trip participants by creating a Path of Life Guide that gives tools of prayer along our path that encircles our campus. I hope to offer mini retreats to fellow non-natives here in our area as well.

Just this last week, we had a guest on our campus who was here to do consulting work with another organization in Pignon. But I think God had him do some consulting work right here at MH4H! He is a pastor, a lifelong missionary, and trained in “Strengths Finders”. He spent hours with Darryl and me helping us understand beyond our titles and duties how we each are specifically talented for this time in Haiti. The timing was beautiful for both of us due to some loss of focus and longing for the “good old days” when we both knew what our jobs were and what we were supposed to be doing. We are thanking God that Phillip needed a place to stay and that MH4H could provide it!

If you feel led to support Shelly’s work with a financial gift, please head to https://secure.etransfer.com/EFT/BlockCode/donation1.cfm?d2org=MH4H&d2tool=DarrylShellyDeRuiter.

By Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Most people think of heart rate or blood pressure when they think of vital signs. It is common to use numbers to quantify health and risk of disease. The American Heart Association encourages people to “know their numbers” referring to blood pressure, blood cholesterol, blood glucose, and weight. However, research is now showing the importance of moving properly for health. Let’s take a look at some of the numbers you can use to quantify your movement health.

Walking Speed

Walking speed has been called the “sixth vital sign” in medical literature recently. It is easy to measure and takes into account strength, balance, coordination, confidence, cardiovascular fitness, tolerance to activity, and a whole host of other factors. It has also been shown to be predictive of future hospitalizations, functional decline, and overall mortality. Normal walking speed is considered to be 1.2 to 1.4 meters per second, which means that you should be able to walk the distance of a football field from goal line to goal line in a little over one minute.

Pushups

Pushups are popular to build strength, but a recent study found that they can show us a lot about your heart too. Researchers found that men who could do 40 or more consecutive pushups were at a 96% lower risk for cardiovascular disease than were men who could do less than 10. The pushup test was also more useful in predicting future cardiovascular disease than aerobic capacity measured on a treadmill.

Grip Strength

Hand grip strength has been shown to be strongly correlated with health. The stronger your hand grip is, the less likely you are to suffer from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, COPD, and all types of cancer. In the study, muscle weakness was defined as grip strength < 57 pounds for men and < 35 pounds for women. Grip strength below these numbers was highly correlated with an increase in disease.

Standing from the Floor

If you can’t easily get down on the floor and back up your health might be in trouble, according to a study that looked at more than 2,000 people. The study asked people to go from standing to sitting on the floor and back up with as little support as needed. They found that if you need to use more than one hand to get up and down from the floor that you were 2 to 5 times more likely to die in the next 7 years than someone who can do it with just one hand, or even better, no hands at all.

Moving well is obviously important to overall health and longer life. These tests can give a snapshot of how you’re doing. If you’re having trouble with any of them, considering seeing a movement specialist – your physical therapist. Call Kinetic Edge today at 866-588-0230 if you’d like to have a free 20-minute screen with one of our movement experts to test these important capabilities or talk about a pain you’ve been experiencing.

Think about the last time you made a big purchase, say $1,000 or more. Did you go out and buy the first thing you saw? Take one recommendation from somebody? Or did you research it, learn some things, compare it to other options, and select something that was right for you? Most people tend to be educated and research large purchases like cars, televisions, or the newest iphone. So why do we so often fail to do this with healthcare? By becoming more educated healthcare consumers we can go from passive patients who take the first recommendation that comes from a practitioner to an active consumer who weighs options and makes choices. Here are some questions to talk through with your practitioner the next time a healthcare decision comes up.

What are the benefits or expected results?

When a treatment or procedure is recommended, the patient often assumes that it will make them “better.” But what the patient expects and what the healthcare provider expects are often two different things. For example, a patient having back surgery expects to be pain free after surgery. The surgeon probably doesn’t expect that to happen. Outcomes from back surgeries are terrible. A large study of 1450 patients in the Ohio worker’s comp system showed that after 2 years 26% of patients who had surgery returned to work. Compare that to 67% of patients who didn’t have surgery. There was also a 41% increase in the use of painkillers in the surgical group.

What are the risks and downsides?

Patients want to hear about the benefits of a treatment, but they often don’t ask or care about the risks. To be an educated consumer, you need to. If one treatment has a 3% edge over another, but has a high risk of making you itchy or causing frequent headaches, do you want it? Going back to the back surgery study from before, the researchers found a 1 in 4 chance of a repeat surgery and a 1 in 3 chance of a major complication. With surgery you risk infection, blood clots, complications with anesthesia, and a whole host of other things. These risks need compared with other treatments. In the case of back pain, physical therapy is a valid alternative with a much lower risk profile. You might have some soreness with physical therapy, you might sweat some and be challenged with exercise, but the risks of PT compared to surgery are minimal.

What are the alternatives?

Don’t feel bad asking about alternative treatments. If you were looking at a certain car you wouldn’t go out and just buy it. You’d at least consider the competitors and probably even test drive them. You should at least look at the other options in healthcare too. Maybe the first recommendation that your practitioner makes is the right one for you, but if you don’t consider the alternatives you’ll never really know.

Why this treatment over the other ones?

This is the question where the rubber meets the road. You’ve learned about all the options, now you can see if your practitioner is balancing the risks and benefits to make the right choice for you. Staying with the back pain example, research shows that more than 40% of people who seek care for back pain will not receive a treatment of known effectiveness. Back pain is also the #1 reason for opioid prescriptions, despite a 2016 recommendation from the CDC to avoid prescribing opioids for back pain, and opt for non-drug treatments like physical therapy. By asking for the rationale and carefully weighing options, you can avoid being one of the people who gets an ineffective treatment.

What’s it cost?

This last question is becoming more important as patients bear an increasing share of the cost of healthcare. Even if you don’t have a high deductible plan or hefty co-pays, by being financially responsible today, you’ll probably see smaller price increases in your premiums down the road. That back surgery that we’ve been talking about? It’ll likely cost between $60,000 and $80,000. So if we put the whole picture together, a patient who takes the first recommendation for surgery will have a $60,000 procedure that leads to a higher risk of disability, and a higher risk of long term painkiller use, while risking infection, and blood clots. Don’t forget the 25% chance that you’ll get to do it all again in a repeat surgery. Seems like a bad deal. An educated consumer would learn that physical therapy is a viable alternative to surgery with comparable outcomes, much less risk and lower cost. In fact, a large study of 122,723 subjects showed that people with back pain who got physical therapy in the first 14 days lowered their healthcare costs by 60%. It’s easy to see why bargain shoppers love PT!

What is the Key to Growth?

August 2019

By Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

As I sit in a beautiful condominium just a few minutes’ walk from the Atlantic Ocean in Hilton Head Island, SC, I can’t help but feel conflicted. I am grateful for this time away with my family. These moments come infrequently, and our three kids – all teenagers – will be out of the house before my wife and I know it. We are blessed beyond measure!

However, there is still a small part of me that feels guilty for not being back home contributing to the Kinetic Edge team’s mission of transforming lives and restoring hope through movement. It is my life’s mission to help people grow in their ability to move and function using my unique, God-given gifts, talents, and passions, and for a few moments this week I’m stepping away from that mission.

As I sit here and contemplate the meaning of this inner conflict, I am reminded of a book that I read last year: Peak Performance: Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success. Written by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness, the authors highlighted how the world’s best performers – in sport, art, and business – follow a common pathway to growth by taking on challenges that make themselves uncomfortable (stress) and then follow up with recovery and reflection (rest).

Stress + Rest = Growth

The best performers in the world will crash and burn if they get out of balance. Too much stress and not enough rest leads to injury, illness, or burnout, but too much rest and not enough stress leads to complacency.

In order to grow, we need to step out of our comfort zones. We need to seek out stress. We need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. This path to personal development is active and counter to complacency.

In today’s culture of accomplishment, it seems counter-intuitive to rest. But rest is also essential.

Brad Stulberg states it well:

There is real magic in stepping away. Though it may seem paradoxical, after a certain point, it’s not hard work that is the key to improvement. It’s rest. It’s only when we step away – nothing more power than when we sleep – that both our bodies and brains rebuild and strengthen.

When we rest, hormones like testosterone and HGH are released, and these chemicals make us more resilient to future challenges. But the benefits of rest are beneficial for more than just our bodies. When we daydream, let our minds wander, and relax, our subconscious minds go to work, and when we sleep – really sleep – our brains process, consolidate, connect, and store all the information we were exposed to during the day. Cut that process short, and you will limit your growth and development.

This sounds like physical rehabilitation

I often explain my career as a physical therapist in the following simplistic way: I stress the body. If someone comes to me with a pain or dysfunction, I have a variety of treatments at my disposal that can reduce the pain. These are important, but the physical issue isn’t truly resolved until we get to the root of the problem, and that requires me to find the right stress to the right tissue at the right time to generate the right response.

Our bodies are made to adapt. Apply a stress – the right stress at the right time to the right tissue – and the body will accommodate and get better at handling new and greater stresses.

But, here’s the tricky part. Most of the body parts that are hurting are likely experiencing an overload. For some reason or another, that part is getting too much stress and not enough rest, so the growth equation is out of balance. To take the load off the over-stressed body part, we need to find the root problem and make sure that this area is taking care of business in the way it was designed.

That’s physical rehabilitation. It’s about finding the right balance between stress and rest.

Maybe that’s the problem…

If you’ve been dealing with a physical problem for some time, think about it through the lens of the stress/rest equation.

If you’ve had treatments that simply attempt to eliminate the pain, you probably haven’t gotten to the root of the problem. Medications, injections, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound treat the site of the pain but not the root cause of the pain. Though they can be an important part of the rehab process, they don’t provide stress or rest. They simply mask the pain and the root problem.

If you have pursued treatment that simply looked at the site of the pain but not the entire movement environment, you’ve probably had incomplete care. Incomplete care leads to temporary results. Like growth in any area, your body needs a balance of stress and rest, and a physical therapist or occupational therapist with knowledge of how to stress the right tissues in order to eliminate stress (or provide rest) to the sore tissue is a great resource that can lead to a physical transformation.

So, if you want to find out how get to the root of the problem and grow out of your physical problem by finding the right balance to the stress/rest equation, just give us a call at 866-588-0230 and schedule a free screen. Our friendly movement experts will spend 20 minutes with you and let you know how you can solve your problem for good by applying the right stress to the right tissue at the right time.

Is that out of your comfort zone? Well, that may be necessary for you to find success. And one lucky client who takes us up on our offer in the month of August will win a free copy of the Peak Performance book by Stulberg and Magness. Call today!

Now, back to the beach!

Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

In our May newsletter and blog post, I asked the question, “Is the kink in my neck a July Newsletter 1 pinched nerve?” If you were paying attention, you will remember that the answer essentially was, “Probably not.” While a kink in the neck is always accompanied by localized stiffness, soreness, and difficulty moving the neck, a pinched nerve typically involves symptoms – numbness, tingling, and/or pain – that travel down the arm.

The natural follow-up questions, then, are these:

If I have numbness, tingling, and/or pain down the arm, does that mean that I have a pinched nerve? Or is it carpal tunnel syndrome?

Good questions!

Technically, the answer to the first question is “yes.” Because nerves carry motor information from the brain to the body and sensory information from the body to the brain, symptoms of numbness and tingling in the arm are likely due to compression of nerve somewhere.

So, the ultimate questions are: What things can compress a nerve? And where does that compression occur?

Back in May, I included this statement in my blog post:

Nerves can potentially be compressed either centrally as they exit from the spine or peripherally by structures like tight muscles that exist external to the spine. Spine-related issues that can put pressure on a nerve as it exits the spine (i.e. central causes) include herniated disks and other arthritis-related changes like narrowing of the disk space, disk degeneration, and bone spurring.

Numbness and tingling in the arm can be caused by compression on a nerve in multitude of areas and from a multitude of sources. The compressive force is not necessarily coming from the neck and may, in fact, be coming from multiple areas.

What structures external to the spine can compress a nerve and cause numbness and tingling?

There are many structures that can compress a nerve as it travels from the brain to the terminal body part. Compression from one or more of the structures along the pathway of the nerve can contribute to a variety of arm symptoms.

There is a condition called double crush syndrome. With this condition, there is increased nerve symptom intensity due to distinct compressive forces along the pathway of the nerve at two or more locations. Double crush syndrome can lead to diagnoses like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), which don’t fully explain the root cause of the problem and can lead to expensive and often ineffective treatments.

Because of double crush syndrome, treatment of arm numbness and tingling must be comprehensive. If you have been told that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may have been led to believe that you have pressure on your nerve at the carpal tunnel of the wrist. You may even have gone through a diagnostic test of nerve conduction velocity (i.e. NCV or EMG) that “proved” that you have pressure on the nerve at the wrist.

But, in the words of ESPN football analyst Lee Corso, “Not so fast, my friend!”

The key to successfully treating any condition that is causing numbness and tingling in the arm is to assess and correct any of the structures that can place a compressive force on the nerve throughout its entire pathway.

Here are the primary culprits that must be cleared to ensure that you eliminate peripheral nerve compression and numbness/tingling in the arm.

SCALENE MUSCLES

As the nerves pass from the neck to the fingers, they pass through many structures. At the origin of the nerves, this bundle of nerves (known as the brachial plexus) passes through the scalene, which are muscles that run from the upper part of your neck to the first rib. Tightness of this muscle group will compress the nerve bundle, which can manifest as numbness and tingling down the arm.

COLLAR BONE

When the scalene muscles are tight, the first rib may elevate, which further compresses the nerve bundle. Furthermore, a forward head/rounded shoulders posture (see pec muscle information below) and weight gain can further increase the mechanical compressive forces in this area.

PECTORAL MUSCLES

Our chest muscles are comprised of the more superficial (and visible) pec major and the underlying pec minor. These muscles travel from the sternum and the front of your rib cage and connect on a bone that projects forward from your shoulder blade (the coracoid process).

As the nerve bundle and accompanied blood vessels travel distally down the shoulder into the arm, branches of these nerves are positioned beneath the pec minor. You will typically know that the pec minor is tight because you will see that the shoulder is rounded, or hunched. This problem, by the way, can also cause shoulder problems because of increased compressive forces on the rotator cuff tendons and a bursa in that region

For a great summary of how to manage this issue, check out this article by Daniel Stern and Shannon McKenna of Cirque Physio.

If you are concerned about numbness and tingling in the arm and have wondered whether you have carpal tunnel syndrome or thoracic outlet syndrome, I encourage you to take advantage of our free injury screens. Take a test drive for FREE by scheduling a brief and complimentary 20-minute consultation with one of Kinetic Edge’s movement experts, and you can get simple answers to your musculoskeletal problems. Call 866-588-0230 today to claim one of our few open slots.

Call for help with pain, tingling, or numbness in your arm

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by Marketing Specialist Lindsey Klyn

On July 6, 2015, Jack and Megan Turner welcomed their fourth child, a little girl named Vivian, into the world. For the first year of her life, Vivian seemed to be hitting all her milestones and growing right along. But once her first birthday came and went, her parents began to notice that she wasn’t behaving like other one-year-old kids.

The differences were small. Vivian wasn’t saying words or babbling. She didn’t make eye contact and didn’t seem to be playing with toys like she should. After they continued to notice these small differences, the Turners sought out their family doctor. Their doctor recommended bringing Vivian to be evaluated at the University of Iowa’s developmental department, so the Turners did.

The evaluation lasted for most of the day, ending with a sit down with a specialist. That was the moment the Turners learned that Vivian was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, along with a speech and developmental delay.

“Truthfully, I don’t think I heard much after that,” shared Vivian’s mom Megan. “We left and when I got in the car, I sat and cried thinking, ‘What in the world do I do for autism?’ Knowing there isn’t a ‘cure’ for autism was the scariest thing to me.”

The Turners faced a lot of fear and unknown after this diagnosis. They wondered if Vivian might grow out of this or if there would be medicine that could help. Their world looked bleak, and they feared how this diagnosis would impact their sweet little girl.

Despite how they felt, the Turners were committed to doing all they could to help Vivian. The doctors suggested starting speech therapy and occupational therapy. After hearing about the occupational therapy team at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy from a few people, the Turners called to set up an evaluation for Vivian.

Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk performed Vivian’s initial evaluation. She discovered that Vivian was struggling with her fine motor skills, as well as not really playing with toys. Vivian preferred to line toys up rather than play with them. In addition, Spronk noticed Vivian’s social interaction, her ability to dress herself, and her ability to eat with utensils could all use work.

“At the start of therapy, our goal was to just have Vivian attend long enough to an activity to participate in play without quickly going from one activity to the next,” shared Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk. “As this improved, we were able to focus more directly on her skills so that she’d be able to participate in other play and self-care skills.”

After a year of weekly occupational therapy, the Turners notice a drastic change in their almost four-year-old daughter. Vivian used to hate the feeling of any wet texture and now plays with items like wet sand and shaving cream, an indication of improved sensitivity to stimuli.

“This little girl who couldn’t even put a finger in something like that is now putting whole hands and arms in,” Megan exclaimed. “After seeing these changes happen week after week, I started telling myself this is happening and is real. It has been a huge life changer! Kinetic Edge has been nothing short of a God-send really.”

Life now looks a lot different for the Turners than it did three years ago when they got Vivian’s diagnosis. Thanks to help from therapies, school, and home life, Vivian now says words and babbles all the time. She even enjoys getting into messy things. While Vivian still show signs of delay, the Turners outlook on this diagnosis completely changed as they’ve been filled with hope.

“I believe Vivian will live a full, self-functioning life when she gets older,” said Megan. “We have a cheerful and happy-go-lucky daughter who shines light on our lives every day! I wouldn’t change anything for the world.”

—

Kinetic Edge’s mission is to transform lives and restore hope through movement. Vivian is another one of the stories that attribute how they’re bringing hope to individuals of all ages in Iowa. A child with delays in developmental milestones, abnormal sensory preferences, trouble with reflex integration, or difficulty with visual perception can benefit from pediatric occupational therapy. These symptoms sometimes occur for no apparent reason and other times can be the result of a specific diagnosis. To find out more about occupational therapy at Kinetic Edge, call 866-588-0230.

Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is opening their seventh clinic across Iowa in Waukee on June 3. This opportunity came about after Sportplex West, an indoor sports and recreation complex, promoted their interest in a Waukee physical therapy partner on Facebook back in January.

CEO and Doctor of Physical Therapy Troy Vander Molen reached out to Jake Shandri, one of the partners at Sportsplex West, to find out more about their vision after seeing the post on Facebook. He quickly discovered their vision was very compatible with that of Kinetic Edge.

“The Sportsplex West and D1 Training teams that operate out of this facility in Waukee are leaders in the field of sports and athletic development,” shared Vander Molen. “Kinetic Edge focuses on enhancing comfort and performance through movement which blends well with the performance enhancement and athletic fundamentals training performed by Sportsplex West and D1 Training.”

Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, formerly Work Systems Rehab & Fitness, opened in 1998 in Pella, Iowa. Their corporate office is still based out of Pella, with five additional clinic locations throughout central Iowa. In March of 2015, the company rebranded to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. Since then, they’ve experienced unapparelled growth as a company.

Their recent success increased their interest in finding new markets to serve. This interest in growth, however, is not simply to add pins to the map. They desire to influence people and communities with their mission to transform lives and restore hope through movement.

“After interviewing and meeting with several physical therapy groups from the Des Moines area, D1 Training Team decided Kinetic Edge was the right physical therapy group to bring the expertise that would best serve our clients and facility needs,” said Managing Partner of Sportsplex West Jake Shandri.

Both companies quickly realized that a partnership would provide a winning solution for everyone involved – Sportsplex West, D1 Training, the Waukee community and surrounding areas, and Kinetic Edge. Initially, Kinetic Edge of Waukee will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with plans to extend hours as demand increases. Physical Therapists Patrick Ford and Kaity Hall will operate this location.

Physical Therapists Kaity Hall & Patrick Ford

“Patrick is a young therapist with an athletic background,” commented Vander Molen. “He will relate exceptionally well to the clients we will serve there. Kaity Hall’s background as an athletic trainer, in addition to her physical therapy skills, make her an extremely versatile option for the athletes there as well.”

Kinetic Edge has a 20-year history of restoring health to people with musculoskeletal problems quickly. They provide the care people need when they need it using evidence-informed techniques, which has proven to be very effective. Plus, as an independent provider of physical therapy, their lower costs generally result in lower costs to any client that has to pay a co-pay or co-insurance for each date of service. They look forward to opening and serving the community of Waukee and surrounding areas soon!

by Tim Vander Wilt, PT

By far the most common type of neck pain that people experience, especially among those of you who are younger, is described as a “kink” or “crick” in the neck. Often times, that localized area of pain makes it difficult to turn your neck one way or the other. It is, quite literally, a pain in the neck!

Over the years, I’ve had many people consult with me reporting that they have a pinched nerve in the neck, and then they proceed to describe the typical kink in the neck that makes neck movement difficult and painful. While those symptoms are not pleasant, this common type of neck pain is not a pinched nerve.

To be sure, there are nerves that travel through small openings that exist between each vertebral body in the cervical spine (and each set of spine segments traveling down the back). However, if you have a condition that compresses one of those nerve roots, you will likely have distinct symptoms that are different from a kink in the neck.

What causes a kink in the neck?

Most medical providers suggest that a painful kink in the neck is the result of muscle spasms. A leading expert in this type of pain, Dr. Robert Maigne, a French medical doctor, described common neck pain as “painful intervertebral dysfunction.” The intervertebral joint consists of several structures: the disk, the vertebral bones above and below the disk, ligaments that provide structural stability, and the facet joints, which are located both on the left and the right where one vertebral bone connects to the neighboring vertebral bone. Irritation of any of these structures can cause a painful kink and possibly headache pain.

In my many years of experience as a physical therapist, I’ve found that the facet joint is often the primary culprit. When a facet joint gets irritated, which can happen from time to time if you move wrong, posture yourself awkwardly, or have some arthritic changes in the neck, a signal is sent to the brain, and the brain will unconsciously respond by telling the muscles around the joint to spasm. This unconscious response is a natural protective mechanism for the irritated joint.

It is important to know that a kink in the neck, though painful, is not dangerous. Most people can relieve the discomfort by modifying the aggravating postures, movement, or activities and applying ice and/or heat. If the pain lasts for more than a few days, consider seeing a physical therapist trained in evaluating and treating neck dysfunction. Early intervention usually results in a short course of care, and you will feel better very quickly in most cases.

What kind of distinct symptoms are present with a pinched nerve?

Our nerves carry critical information between the brain and the body. Some of this information is sensory, which travels from the body to the brain and includes our senses of pain, numbness, tingling, burning, temperature discernment, and pressure sensitivity, among others.

Some of the information carried via the nervous system is motor, which travels from the brain to the body and helps us create voluntary and involuntary muscle actions.

Nerves can potentially be compressed both centrally as they exit from the spine and peripherally by structures like tight muscles that exist external to the spine. Spine-related issues that can put pressure on a nerve as it exits the spine (i.e. central causes) include herniated disks and other arthritis-related changes like narrowing of the disk space, disk degeneration, and bone spurring.

Interestingly, if you are experiencing a pinched nerve, you may not even experience neck pain at all. Some do; others don’t. What you most definitely will be feeling, however, is pain, numbness, and/or tingling that extends into your arms and even your hands. Sensory changes in the arm are typically the earliest symptoms you will notice with a pinched nerve in the neck.

Like a kink in the neck, a pinched nerve is not necessarily serious. Most pinched nerves result in sensory changes only and can be easily managed conservatively. I would recommend you seek professional consultation if you experience these types of symptoms. A well-trained physical therapist can help determine the source of the nerve compression and determine a plan of care that will help you eliminate the symptom and restore your function.

If you experience changes in muscle function in your arm and/or hand, like a loss of pinch or grip force or other signs of muscle weakness, the compressive forces on the nerve(s) are more substantial and potentially need more advanced care. Our physical therapists typically refer people with these advanced symptoms to a physician or spine specialist for diagnostic testing to determine the extent of the problem.

If you are experiencing any arm symptoms or simply have a kink in the neck, I encourage you to take advantage of one of our free screens. A brief and complimentary 20-minute consultation with one of Kinetic Edge’s movement experts can yield a bounty of solid advice that will put your problem to rest. Please email us or call 866-588-0230 today to claim one a free screening.

Call now to get more help for your neck pain

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by Lindsey Klyn, Marketing Specialist at Kinetic Edge

For years, Carol Kelderman looked for an opportunity to use her skills as a physical therapist on a mission trip in a foreign country. She always felt a pull towards Africa, and she even researched organizations to volunteer with there over the last couple of years. For some reason, none of the opportunities she came across ever felt quite right. So, when the pastor at their church mentioned a trip to Tanzania, she inquired more to see if her skills as a physical therapist might be useful.

“I was met with a positive response so I started to prepare for this possibility with an open heart,” shared Kinetic Edge Physical Therapist Carol Kelderman. “I want more than the ‘Christian version of the American dream’, so if I have an opportunity to serve, I want to be ready and willing.”

So with an open heart, Carol boarded a plane for Tanzania on March 15 with plans to spend two weeks serving the people of Africa. After 48 hours spent traveling (22 of those hours on planes), the team of five arrived at Hope of the Nations in Kigoma, Tanzania.

Carol spent most of her time working alongside a Tanzanian nurse and Linda Verhoef, a nurse on her team. The three of them assessed and treated a wide variety of people with all sorts of conditions. Donations from Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy and Mahaska Drug allowed them to make medical kits for Hope of the Nations’ boat ministry, college, primary school, staff members, and the general community. Carol and Linda also spent time training staff at the primary school and teaching schoolkids about germs and hand sanitation.

Abu with some of his family — Abu (on lap) with some of his family

A highlight of Carol’s trip came when she met seven-year-old Abubakari, “Abu”, only a few days in to the trip. Abu contracted yellow fever when he was just days old. The yellow fever caused severe seizures and difficulty breathing, and due to limited treatment options, Abu became essentially paralyzed, unable to control his muscles or body position or communicate. This reality puts quite a strain on his family, including his mother who is pregnant with her fifth child when she and Carol met.

The team quickly realized that the right kind of chair would enable Abu to sit up and greatly help him and his mom. If Abu lived in the United States, he’d likely have a properly fit wheelchair along with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. But in Africa, limited resources and the scarcity of medical care meant the team had to get inventive.

Abu sits on his own in his newly created chair

“We were able to construct a chair using parts of our suitcases and help from the ladies in the sewing training center,” said Carol. “The chair provided adequate support and safety for Abu so he could remain in the main family living area where interaction with family and neighbors could happen more naturally. This also freed up mom’s hands as she is preparing for a new baby in the home.”

Carol noted that it was difficult to not be able to help to the extent she would have liked with Abu and others she met while on her trip. However, she was thankful to be reminded that much like in her hometown, education empowers and provides hope, something she and her team at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy are quite passionate about.

“God is teaching me to be ready to serve, even outside of my comfort zone,” concluded Carol. “You never know what impact you can have on the people you encounter.”

by Occupational Therapist, Elise Spronk

As an occupational therapist, I hear this all the time. There are many myths surrounding hand and wrist pain, and I’m here to debunk one of them! The most common one I hear is that if your hand hurts or if you experience numbness or tingling in your hand, you must have carpal tunnel. While carpal tunnel does affect 4-10 million people in the U.S., pain or tingling in your hand doesn’t necessarily mean you have carpal tunnel.

In order to understand if you’re suffering from carpal tunnel or not, let’s first take a look at the symptoms of carpal tunnel.

What symptoms are associated with carpal tunnel?

Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index finger, long or middle finger, and ½ of the ring finger.
Pain that doesn’t improve at night or with rest. This is a common tell-tale sign of nerve pain. Tendonitis will improve when you rest the muscle but nerve issues aren’t likely to improve with rest. In fact, nerve pain may cause you to awaken with increased pain and cause sleep issues.
Weakness in your hand, especially pinch strength. This is due to the fact that the muscles of the thumb aren’t getting adequate innervation. When looking at your hand the thenar muscles (muscle tissue at the base of the thumb) may actually be smaller or atrophied if you’ve experienced this issue for a prolonged time.

What causes carpal tunnel?

While carpal tunnel can stem from a variety of reasons, here are three of the most common causes of it:

Repetitive work, especially when working with fine motor tasks or in a position that places your wrist in a bent or flexed position. This position causes compression at the carpal tunnel and takes up any extra space that may have been in the tunnel, thus cause compression on the nerve, resulting in increased numbness and tingling.
Working in a cold environment.
Working with tools that vibrate

How do I know if my wrist or hand pain isn’t carpal tunnel?

The best way to determine whether or not you have carpal tunnel is by having an examination with your therapist or physician. At Kinetic Edge, we’ll do a variety of tests to determine the root cause of your pain. If further testing is necessary, we may recommend a nerve conduction test.

However, if your small finger is the number finger, you can take a breath because that indicates you don’t have carpal tunnel! The ulnar nerve innervates the small finger and that side of the ring finger. Your pinky finger pain is more likely related to an elbow issue or inflammation at your wrist, just not at the carpal tunnel.

Another common issue often mistaken for carpal tunnel is arthritis, especially of the thumb. A therapist at Kinetic Edge can help determine if that is the issue by running you through a series of tests and then help you determine the best course of care.

What can I do to find relief?

Splinting can be used to help alleviate pain and improve your function. However, correct diagnosis is important to determine the best splint. Night time splinting will often decrease carpal tunnel symptoms. However, I would recommend a splint that keeps the fingers somewhat straight. In doing so, the tendon that attaches to the tips of the fingers is essentially pulled out of the carpal tunnel, creating increased space and taking pressure off of the median nerve.

If you wake up in pain and your hand is fisted, you may benefit from a specialized wrist brace to keep your hand open as this will not be accomplished by a standard canvas wrist brace. The other downside of a wrist brace with a metal insert is that it can add compression at the base of the hand, when in reality you should be trying to eliminate extra pressure at the base of the hand and wrist.

If arthritis is your issue, there are several splints that provide support to the base of your thumb to specifically relieve pain and improve stability. This helps improve your function when writing or using utensils and other tools.

How can Kinetic Edge help?

Most importantly, a therapist at Kinetic Edge will determine the actual cause of your problem. This is crucial to determining the appropriate next steps and care. Based on the diagnosis, your therapist will prescribe exercises to work on either improving your mobility/range of motion or improving your stability. Not all exercises work for everyone so determining your specific needs is crucial to your success.

The therapists at Kinetic Edge also incorporate strengthening exercises progressively as necessary to improve your strength and get you back to the activities you love and need to do. We’ll also explore safer and more effective ways to do your activities to avoid re-injury and improve the lasting benefits of the skills achieved in therapy. For example, simply changing how you open containers, stir a hot pot of soup, or turn on a faucet can improve joint health in your hands over a prolonged time. Bad habits can be hard to break, but we’ll help you develop better ones for a lifetime of doing what you love without excruciating pain.

Want to find out if your hand pain is actually resulting from carpal tunnel? Contact us at 866-588-0230 to schedule a free 20-minute carpal tunnel screen. We have 10 slots available at each of our clinics this month, so call today to reserve your spot.

Tight Hip Flexors: How to Diagnose Yourself

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Has modern technology impacted the way you spend your time each day either at home or work? No one questions the positive impacts the advancement of technology has on our world, but with these advancements also comes some consequences. For those of you who find yourselves sitting more behind a desk or while driving a vehicle or machine, you may also find yourself suffering the results of tight hip flexor muscles.

What are your hip flexor muscles?

The primary hip flexor muscle is called the iliapsoas, a muscle that is made up of two parts. The iliacus portion originates from the pelvis, and the psoas originates from the lower lumbar spine. They both connect onto the front of the upper femur.

Another muscle that is part of the hip flexor group is the rectus femoris, which is one of the four quadriceps muscles, the only part of the quadriceps that crosses the hip joint.

Why are tight hip flexors a problem?

If you’ve read my articles over the past few years, you know that issues at one area tend to have consequences at neighboring areas. In this case, tightness of the hip flexor group can be a root problem that contributes to lower back pain because of the impact that tightness has on the position of the pelvis and spine. If these muscles are tight, the pelvis tends to lean forward and the lumbar spine may increase its inward curve when you move from sitting to a standing position. In other words, your back pain may really be a tight hip flexor issue.

How do I know if I have tight hip flexors?

It is important to note that though many people may feel like they have tight hip flexors, there may be other reasons for that sensation. It is important to determine if you have tight hip flexors before you start to work on hip flexor mobility. You can do this with a simple screen called the Thomas Test.

To test yourself, sit on the edge of a firm table or your bed and lie back. Pull one knee firmly to your chest, and let the other leg lower. The goal is to get the upper leg to fall parallel to the ground while bending that knee to 90 degrees. If you can accomplish this on both sides, you do not have tight hip flexors.

If your knee bends 90 degrees but the upper leg is unable to lay parallel to the ground, you likely have tightness in the iliapsoas muscle group. If your leg lays parallel to the ground but your knee cannot bend 90 degrees, you likely have tightness in the rectus femoris muscle. One other important note: if you can do both but your upper leg moves laterally, you may have tightness in another small but important muscle on the lateral hip, the TFL.

My Thomas Test is normal. So, why does my hip flexor feel tight?

Because the iliapsoas muscle originates from the lumbar spine and pelvis, they are involved in stabilizing the lower back. If you are lacking in core stability, these muscles may demonstrate some increased muscle tone. If that’s the case, it will do no good to stretch the hip flexors. Instead, you need a core stabilization program that will eventually help reduce hip flexor muscle tone.

What do I do about my tight hip flexors?

There are a variety of beneficial stretches that can work wonders for tight hip flexors. And this is important because it just might be the key to unlocking the solution to your lower back pain problem. The key is doing the correct exercise for your specific need.

If you would like to understand which exercises will be most effective for your specific issue, contact us at 866-588-0230 to schedule a free 20-minute hip flexor screen. We have 10 slots available at each of our clinics this month, so call today to reserve your spot.

Courtesy of Lindsey Klyn Photography & Design — Photo courtesy of Lindsey Klyn Photography & Design

After college sweethearts Tyler and Colette Schippers were married in 2016, they found out several months later they’d be adding a third member to their family. Kinsley Marie Schippers joyfully joined their family on August 17, 2017. Kinsley was a relaxed and mellow baby, so when these new parents started to notice a change in her behavior come April, they began to wonder if something more was wrong.

The first signs came when their daughter no longer wanted to stand up and would lift her right leg up when they tried to help. She also started to fuss when Colette would put her right leg into her sleeper at night. At first, Colette chalked Kinsley’s behavior up to being tired and a little fussy, but over time, the fussiness turned into a cry anytime they’d bend Kinsley’s right knee. They knew something was wrong.

The Schippers took their 8-month-old to the doctor where an X-ray revealed fluid on Kinsley’s right knee. Originally, their doctor wondered if a virus has settled in her joint, which he anticipated would work its way out in a week.

Kinsley’s pain persisted after that week, so the Schippers were sent to an orthopedic doctor. More X-rays and an MRI were ordered to rule out a bone or joint infection. The results revealed something different. This doctor feared Kinsley had a form of arthritis he had never seen in someone so young. An appointment with Dr. Sandy Hong, a rheumatology doctor at the University of Iowa, confirmed it. Kinsley was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile arthritis in her right knee, elbow, and wrist at just nine months old.

“For me, this diagnosis meant fear,” shared Colette. “It meant fear of not knowing when Kinsley would be able to stand, fear that she would live with restrictions, and fear that she would be in pain forever. Tyler and I would have given anything to switch places with her.”

At this point, Kinsley’s elbow and knee were so contracted they wouldn’t straighten. She couldn’t bear weight, let alone stand on her own. Doctors prescribed two immunosuppressant injections a week to help her body not attack her joints. After some movement was restored, physical therapy marked the next step. A friend recommended Whitney Vander Veen at Kinetic Edge who specializes in pediatric physical therapy, and so their first visit was scheduled.

Whitney’s initial goals started small: get Kinsley to stand with two hands supporting her for one minute. Goals progressed from there to standing on her own and walking with support. Whitney used toys or games to motivate Kinsley and help her achieve these goals.

“I could tell right away when I met Kinsley that she was smart and that she would stand and move and walk when she wanted to,” shared Physical Therapist Whitney Vander Veen. “We just needed to provide the right motivation for her to make that choice and succeed.”

The ultimate goal was to get this 17-month-old girl to walk, a feat which is normally accomplished between months 9-14. Fittingly, Kinsley’s first steps occurred during a physical therapy appointment with Whitney.

Kinsley's first steps

“Everyone, including the office gals, came to see Kinsley walk,” reminisced Colette. “The entire team at Kinetic Edge were her cheerleaders as she took more and more steps that day. Those steps meant so much to me… They meant a future full of hope and potential for Kinsley to do anything she sets her mind to.”

Kinetic Edge’s mission is to transform lives and restore hope through movement. Kinsley is another one of the stories that attribute how they’re using movement to bring about hope. The Schippers say Whitney has become like family to them. She gave their daughter “normal” in being able to walk and play with her friends at daycare and also gave them peace of mind as parents.

Kinsley loves her appointments with Whitney!

“It’s a sweet sight now when Kinsley walks into her appointment with her arms out to hug me at each therapy session now,” shared Whitney. “I love working with kids of all ages during my day. Kids can take a longer amount of time to reach their goals, so it makes it extra rewarding when they do and also forces me to think outside the box to motivate them to complete their activities during a session.”

At Kinsley’s last rheumatology appointment, doctors declared Kinsley in medical remission! This means the Schippers will continue to go for checkups every three months and continue with Kinsley’s injections for two years before tapering off and spacing appointments out further. Both the Schippers and their team of doctors will continue to monitor for flares, but all are confident Kinsley should now live a fairly normal life.

—

Any child with delays in their milestones, pain, an injury, or coordination problems can benefit from pediatric physical therapy. These symptoms sometimes occur for no apparent reason and other times can be the result of a specific diagnosis like polyarticular juvenile arthritis, cerebral palsy, or toe walking. To find out more about pediatric physical therapy at Kinetic Edge, call 641-676-3535.

Kinetic Edge celebrated their 20^th year in business and another year of growth over the course of 2018. They ended 2018 on a high note by letting each of their team members donate $1,000 to a local non-profit of their choice for a total of $46,000 in donations. Plus, they’re gearing up to help their communities have their healthiest year yet by kicking off 2019 with a free screen day at each of their six clinic locations on January 24.

“Giving back and investing in our local communities is integral to who we are as a company,” shared CEO and Physical Therapist Troy Vander Molen. “As an owner in this company, I was so excited to deliver the news to our team members that they could choose where to donate $1,000.”

This atypical holiday bonus started in 2017 when the owners of Kinetic Edge decided to let each of their 37 team members donate $1,000 to a local non-profit as part of their holiday bonus. Over the course of 2018, their team grew to 46 people with the acquisition of a clinic in Centerville, Iowa and additional staff added to some of their other locations.

“We were thrilled to once again gift our team members and local communities with this unique opportunity to live out our mission to transform lives and restore hope in a different way than we do on a daily basis,” said Practice Manager and Assistant Financial Officer Renae Oppenhuizen.

Forty-six team members work out Kinetic Edge’s six offices and got to select local non-profits to bless with a $1,000 donation.

Those in Pella selected The Well, Lake View Camp, Families First of Pella, New Sharon Fire & Rescue Association, Freedom House, Pella Christian High School, Pella Christian Grade School, Union Street Players, Pella Dog Park Association, Marion County Humane Society, Crossroads, Pella Christian Grade School’s Music Department, Mobility Worldwide, Fields of our Future, Bethany Christian Services, and Christian Opportunity Center.

The team in Des Moines donated to Animal Rescue League, Train to Inspire, Central Iowa Shelter & Services, Disabled American Veterans, and Capital Striders.

Those in Oskaloosa selected Mahaska County Humane Society, South Central Iowa Youth for Christ, Oskaloosa Peer Helpers, Sonshine Preschool, Iowa 4H Foundation, Oskaloosa Lions Club, Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, Oskaloosa Community Schools, Oskaloosa Middle School, and Central Reformed Church.

The team in Newton gave to Progress Industries, United Way of Jasper County, Care Bags Foundation, Jasper County Animal Rescue League, 517 Discover Hope, Friends of Newton Parks, Jasper County Take Away Hunger, and Camp Fire Heart of Iowa.

Ames’ team of three selected Warrior Wagons, Ames Christian School, and Youth & Shelter Services.

And our newest crew, the team in Centerville, selected Operation Santa, Furever Friends Rescue of Appanoose County, Everystep Hospice, and NAMI South Central Iowa Chapter.

While that’s a lot of giving for a small business, Kinetic Edge isn’t done. They’ve committed to giving away their time for free on January 24 to provide their communities and the surrounding areas with free 20-minute screens with a movement expert on their team.

“We know that many people are living with pain and that they aren’t sure what to do about it,” shared Clinic Manager and Physical Therapist Matt Scotton. “We are offering our knowledge and experience free of cost on January 24 so we can help each person we see find solutions to the pain or problem they’re experiencing.”

This free screen event is perfect for people who are having pain or problems with day to day activities such as walking, standing, sitting for long periods, going up or down steps, getting in and out of a car, sleeping, or driving. Kinetic Edge hopes many will take advantage of this opportunity to see one of their experts to find out the cause of their problem. A free screen on January 24 can be scheduled by calling 866-588-0230. These screens are free, but each clinic has limited spots available.

Kinetic Edge is excited for what’s in store for 2019 and hopes to help even more people so that they can continue to transform more lives and restore more hope throughout their communities.

How to Eliminate Back Pain (Part 5):

Dealing with Arthritis

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

This month we complete our five-part series 5 Reasons Why Your Back Hurts When You Walk by tackling a scary subject: ARTHRITIS.

Many people with lower back pain who I’ve treated over the years describe a pain that increases with standing and/or walking. Research indicates that if you are over 55 years old, have pain in your lower back with walking or standing, and it goes away when you sit, there is a 97% chance you have arthritis in your spine. With odds like that, you don’t need an expensive diagnostic test to confirm this finding.

Arthritis predisposes you to spine pain while walking, but it doesn’t have to be a problem for you. Don’t believe me? That’s okay. I know it sounds unbelievable, but it’s true. The research supports the fact that degenerative changes of the spine are absolutely normal.

A 2014 article in the American Journal of Neuroradiology reviewed all of the scientific literature of diagnostic testing that was done on people that had no complaints of pain. This study found that arthritic changes were common in people that had lower back pain complaints (Figure 1), and the prevalence of these findings increased with age. In fact, the authors concluded that “many imaging-based degenerative features are likely part of normal aging.”

**Figure 1. Age-specific prevalence estimates of degenerative spine imaging findings in asymptomatic patients**

Imagine that. If you are 30 years old and do no have disk degeneration, you are in the minority. And if you are 60 years old, you are 88% likely to have disk degeneration. And this is also true for people with no back pain issues!

As a result of this information, many doctors are now indicating that arthritic changes are as normal as wrinkles on your face. If there are so many people walking around with no back pain but still with arthritic changes in their spine, it can only be concluded that those issues are not necessarily changes that contribute to the experience of pain.

The key is making sure that your spine – and the surrounding joints – have the appropriate balance between mobility and stability. If each link in the kinetic chain is capable of doing what it was designed to do, then you will be able to walk without pain despite the diagnosis of arthritis.

Don’t let the diagnosis of arthritis be an excuse to do nothing. You are not destined for a life of lower back pain because you have this condition. A mobile spine surrounded by strong muscles will reduce pain in an arthritic spine.

Commit to making 2019 your healthiest year ever. If you have been told that you have arthritis and would like to learn how you can become like the people mentioned in the study – asymptomatic, or pain-free – call us today to schedule a free injury screen. To start the year out right, we are holding another day of free screens at our six clinic locations on Thursday, January 24, 2019. Don’t wait too long to call and schedule your free screen though because we only have a limited number of slots available at each location.

Want to learn more about eliminating back pain? Check out the other articles from this series:

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

2018 was another fast and amazing year at Kinetic Edge. It culminated with a celebration of our 20^th year as an organization, but that’s not the only memory of the past year. Enjoy our 2018 year in review.

A New Clinic

For the first time since 2012, Kinetic Edge added a clinic location. This one in Centerville is the first one we’ve added via acquisition. In July, we purchased an 11-year-old practice from Ray Tresemer, PT, who has faithfully served the Centerville community and surrounding regions for 30 years. He and his team continue to serve with Kinetic Edge as Ray transitions into retirement after a life of successful service to his neighbors.

New Team Members

The most important asset in our organization is our people. Without our team, we don’t have a mission and can’t pursue our purpose. So, we are especially thankful that additional business growth has required us to bring on new people to join in the mission with us:

Alyssa Little – Care Coordinator in Des Moines
Kristin Bremner – Collections Specialist in Pella
Jayden Kauk – Physical Therapist Assistant in Newton
Liz Vermeer – Physical Therapist in Pella
Aimee Dahlhauser – Physical Therapist in Oskaloosa
Patrick Ford – Physical Therapist in Newton
Ray Tresemer – Physical Therapist in Centerville
Beth Shilling – Care Coordinator in Centerville
Jodeann Cooley – Physical Therapist Assistant in Centerville
Marcy Jones – Physical Therapist Assistant in Centerville
Devin Bain – Physical Therapist Assistant and Athletic Trainer in Oskaloosa
Bailey Terpstra – Athletic Trainer and Care Coordinator in Newton
Katie Williams – Occupational Therapy Assistant in Pella and Newton
Laura Van Zee – Care Coordinator in Pella

Growth in the Mission

All of these additions to the Kinetic Edge team are necessary because we’ve realized another 20%+ growth in business. Unbelievably, since we changed our name to Kinetic Edge in 2015, we have nearly doubled the number of clients we serve each year, and we’ve been able to do that while maintaining our focus on the most important thing, our mission – transforming lives and restoring hope through movement. Thank you for helping us live out our purpose!

Back Office Support Additions

With continued business development, we’ve needed additional back office help at our company headquarters. In 2018, we added two new positions to improve our financial and operational efficiencies. Kristin Bremner is providing financial support as a Collections Specialist, and Lisa Vos moved from the front desk in Pella to the back office supporting multiple clinics as our Insurance Specialist. The creation of the Insurance Specialist position was particularly important because it enables our Care Coordinators at the front desk to focus even more fully on creating a warm and welcoming environment for our faithful clients.

More Continuing Education

Lifelong learning is a value at Kinetic Edge, which is why we’ve maintained a robust education budget for our licensed therapy providers. Learning together as a group is especially meaningful, and in early December we gathered together to learn about pain.

Current data indicates 100 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of persistent pain despite medications, injections, and surgeries. The evidence for therapeutic approaches in treating people in pain is ever-increasing, and to support our commitment to being the leading experts in pain science, we invited Kory Zimney, PT, DPT, an assistant professor at the University of South Dakota’s Physical Therapy Program and a faculty member with the International Spine & Pain Institute (ISPI), to present us with the latest research in Therapeutic Neuroscience Education. It was an amazing two-day event that has sharpened our expertise in developing effective treatment plans for clients suffering with chronic pain.

More Free Screens

Building on our successes in 2017, we continued to promote free screens in each of our six clinics in 2018. We offered two separate days filled with free screens where we invited people looking for answers to their musculoskeletal problems to meet with one of our experts for 20 minutes without cost or obligation. In 2018, we provided well over 1,000 free screens (and a heaping helping of hope), three times more than 2017, to people in our communities throughout central and south-central Iowa.

20^th Anniversary Celebration

On December 3, we officially celebrated our 20^th anniversary as a company, which is an amazing accomplishment! We celebrated throughout the year by giving gifts to people in our communities, including the aforementioned free screens. In August, each clinic hosted a Client Appreciation Party where we served pizza, side dishes, and drinks and enjoyed great fellowship with our faithful clients.

Throughout the year, we also welcomed Kinetic Edge team members to participate in the 20^th Anniversary Challenge. Team members volunteered in their communities leading and participating in events that centered on outreach, community service, providing hope, promoting generosity, and enhancing health. As a reward for accepting the challenge and for helping us serve our communities for 20 years, we’re looking forward to spending four days together in sunny Mexico, Riviera Maya, in early January!

Thank you for making our work lives fulfilling at Kinetic Edge. We are blessed that you have chosen to support us. We pray that we have been a blessing to you as well!

How to eliminate back pain (Part 4)

Enhancing foot and ankle mobility

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

It’s time for part four of our series: 5 Reasons Why Your Back Hurts When You Walk. This month, we’re focusing on how to eliminate lower back pain by focusing on limited foot and ankle mobility.

Studies demonstrate that every time your foot hits the ground, your body absorbs forces equivalent to two-three times your body weight. If your foot is stiff and does not flatten when you walk like it is designed to do, increased forces are transmitted to your spine, which increases pressure on the spine and can irritate the joints and nerves in the spine.

The following activities are a good start if you need to enhance foot and ankle mobility, but it is always wise to seek the advice of a lower back pain specialist to assess your specific needs and find the exact program to overcome your unique issues. Remember, if you want good outcomes, it is always better to assess than to guess.

Foam Rolling & Massage Sticks – The same foam roller you use for thoracic mobility can be used to enhance foot and ankle mobility. Just sit on the ground and place your calf on the foam roll with your other leg on top. Roll over the calf while actively moving the ankle for a minute or two, stopping briefly on any trigger points you feel.

If you have difficulty creating enough force through the calf on the foam roller, you can also purchase a massage stick. Get in a half kneel position, lean forward, and push through the calf with the massage stick like Mike Reinold of Champion Physical Therapy & Performance in Massachusetts demonstrates in this short video.

Calf Stretching – There are many ways to stretch the calf, but a method that works for nearly everyone is to get close to a wall and place the toes on one foot up on the wall while your heel touches the ground. Bring your body close to the wall until you feel a stretch on the back of your calf and hold for 15-30 seconds, like the people at Next Level Physical Therapy (Hamilton, NJ) demonstrate in this video.

Simple Ankle Mobility Exercise – Hockey training expert Kevin Neeld shows how you can turn the previous calf stretch into a simple ankle mobility exercise by adding a dynamic movement element to the stretch in this video. If you look closely, you can see that his knee moves towards the wall in three planes: straight forward, slightly inward, and slightly outward.

Advanced Ankle Mobility Exercise – Canadian chiropractor Jeff Cubos demonstrates another variation on ankle mobility in the half kneeling position using a dowel. Place the dowel just outside the fifth toe of the front foot. When you lean forward, bring the inside of your knee outside the dowel while keeping the bottom of your foot firmly planted on the floor. Check it out in this video.

In part five of this series, the Kinetic Edge team and I will continue to provide practical information on how to eliminate back pain by managing spine arthritis and/or stenosis. If you can’t wait for that information to be released and you have health insurance benefits that are scheduled to renew at the beginning of 2019, I welcome you to contact us today to set up a thorough evaluation with one of our lower back pain experts.

Even if you’re not experiencing pain currently but have dealt with it in the past, you’d likely benefit from the help of a knowledgeable physical therapist who can find and fix the issues that contribute to the pain. Fixing those root problems will reduce the likelihood of your pain returning.

Want to learn more about eliminating back pain? Check out the other articles from this series:

How to Eliminate Back Pain (Part 3): Decreasing Upper Back Stiffness

Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

In our June 1, 2018 article entitled 5 Reasons Why Your Back Hurts When You Walk, I outlined the most common root causes of this type of back pain: poor hip mobility, decreased hip strength, stiff upper back, limited foot and ankle mobility, and spine arthritis. In this month’s follow-up installment, I will highlight the problems often caused by stiffness in the mid- to upper back and what you can do to eradicate those problems.

As I often say, a lack of stability at a particular link in the kinetic chain causes your body to display dysfunctional movement at that joint. Likewise, a lack of mobility at a particular joint (or set of joints) also has consequences, but these consequences most often affect neighboring regions, particularly the closest neighbors. This is the case at the mid- to upper back. Poor mobility in this area increases movement demands below at the lower back and above at the neck.

So, once again, we see that the body part that experiences pain isn’t really the true problem. It is simply the part that is experiencing increased mechanical stress because of the root problem.

The thoracic spine is an area of the spine that has the least amount of mobility primarily because it is surrounded by the rib cage, which exists to protect several important organs in the thorax. The rib cage is also a connection point to many critical core muscles.

The end result is that, by its design, the thoracic spine area does not move excessively, but that does not mean that movement in this region is not important. It is vital! Poor thoracic mobility can affect the lower back, hip, shoulder, and neck. Unfortunately, though, our daily postures make most of us prone to thoracic tightness.

The following activities are a good start if you need to enhance upper back mobility, but it is always wise to seek the advice of a lower back pain specialist to assess your specific needs and find the exact program to overcome your unique issues. Remember, if you want good outcomes, it is always better to assess than to guess.

Foam Rolling – There are a ton of ways to use a foam roller to enhance thoracic mobility, and thoracic extension is one motion that can be accentuated. Watch the video below produced by Dan Pope, a physical therapist and certified strength coach. Remember to relax the spine as you move over the roller, because the goal is to gain mobility in multiple vertebral joints. You can accomplish relaxation by focusing on deep breathing techniques. Don’t hold your breath.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=68&v=khUFQseeMMc

Seated Trunk Rotation – This exercise (demonstrated below in a video produced by Jeff Cubos) is done sitting with a tall posture on the front of a chair. An object is placed between the knees, and this object is squeezed to engage the core, which stabilizes the lower back and emphasizes movement at the thoracic spine. If you are doing this exercise correctly, you will feel limitations to rotation with minimal trunk movement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=27&v=LUrgex1xevY

Quadruped Trunk Rotation – There are few people who understand the importance of a balance between mobility and stability than Eric Cressey, who owns baseball training facilities in Massachusetts and Florida. In the video below, Cressey drives trunk rotation with his arm while in on all fours. To limit lower back rotation, a person should flex the hips (and therefore the lumbar spine) by moving the hips closer to the heels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=FeORipksAlU

In upcoming installments, the Kinetic Edge team and I will continue to provide practical information on how to eliminate back pain by enhancing foot and ankle mobility (Part 4) and managing spine arthritis and/or stenosis (Part 5). If you can’t wait for that information to be released and you have health insurance benefits that are scheduled to renew at the beginning of 2019, I welcome you to contact us today to set up a thorough evaluation with one of our lower back pain experts. And remember, poor thoracic mobility may also be the root cause of your shoulder or neck pain as well.

Even if you’re not experiencing pain currently but have dealt with it in the past, you’d likely benefit from the help of a knowledgeable physical therapist who can find and fix the issues that contribute to the pain. Fixing those root problems will reduce the likelihood that your pain will return.

Matt Scotton enters Kinetic Egdge Physical Therapy in Newton

PHYSICAL THERAPIST OF 25 YEARS GETS PT FOR THE FIRST TIME

by Lindsey Klyn, Marketing Manager at Kinetic Edge

Star Wars fans are familiar with the concept of the student becoming the master, but at Kinetic Edge, we’re doing things in reverse these days. Clinic Manager, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainer (Can we call him the master of our Newton clinic?) Matt Scotton underwent surgery to replace his ACL on October 18 after tearing it while doing a backward lunge. Now he’s become a physical therapy client for the first time ever.

This isn’t the first time Scotton has gone through ACL surgery though. As a 14-year-old, he tore his ACL playing football. Back then, a surgeon sewed the ligament back together and then after the surgeon placed him in a cast from his mid-thigh to his ankle for eight weeks. He was on crutches for almost three months.

“I didn’t receive any physical therapy after my knee surgery at age 14, but I wanted to play baseball and football again so I studied leg strengthening exercises and realized that I loved studying anatomy and biomechanics,” shared Scotton. “Turns out, that ACL tear was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It helped me find the perfect career for me.”

Since then, doctors learned much about the importance of early motion and prescriptive exercises from physical therapists so recovery from an ACL surgery looks much differently for Scotton this time around. He currently wears a locking knee brace and uses one crutch. Plus, his first physical therapy appointment occurred on October 22, just four days after surgery. Now he’s on the physical therapy schedule at Kinetic Edge twice per week, just like his physical therapy clients.

“Our entire team participated in Matt’s initial evaluation,” shared Physical Therapist Jared Gerber. “We rarely do evaluations together, and we all do things a little differently, so it was cool to all work together to develop a plan.”

Scotton has worked alongside hundreds of teams in his lifetime as an athletic trainer for over a quarter of a century. Now, he’s learning another example of the power of teamwork as he experiences being a physical therapy client of the team at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy in Newton.

“I have learned that teams with great chemistry and common goals can accomplish much more than any team who has a few superstars and lacks tight-knit people who work together toward the same goals,” commented Scotton. “Both my knee and my heart feel better after working and learning from my teammates at Kinetic Edge because of how talented they are, the chemistry we share, and the genuine care they show.”

Already, his teammates have suggested modifications to some of the basic exercises that helped Scotton reduce swelling and regain his range of motion more rapidly. Scotton is confident his team will help him gain strength faster and get rid of his crutch sooner too.

Scotton’s counting down the days until he can resume his passions of biking and running without pain. Even little things like walking on uneven ground without knee instability are anticipated soon as a result of this surgery and physical therapy at Kinetic Edge. Scotton expects this ACL surgery will be even better than the one he did at age 14, giving him a stable knee for another 35 years or more.

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Physical therapy is a well-kept secret from many people, and many people don’t realize you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist in Iowa. Statistics report that 75% of people have muscular or joint pain during the year and less than 20% receive physical therapy.

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we’re committed to transforming lives and restoring hope through movement for each person we treat, whether you know nothing about physical therapy or you’ve been practicing it for 25 years like Scotton. If you have muscular or joint pain, give us a call at 866-588-0230 to see what Kinetic Edge can do for you.

COLLEGE RUNNER OVERCOMES ONE IN A MILLION BONE TUMOR

by Lindsey Klyn, Marketing Specialist at Kinetic Edge

Cross Country Runner, Rachel Peter Rachel Peter always loved to run. After running track and cross country at PCM (Prairie City/Monroe) High School, she went on to compete at Central College in Pella, Iowa. During last year’s cross-country season, Peter started to feel pain in her left leg. The junior dismissed the pain thinking it was a muscular problem, but when the pain gradually grew worse, she knew something more serious was going on.

Peter scheduled an appointment at Pella Regional Health Center where an X-ray revealed a large black circle around her bone.

“I felt very overwhelmed and shocked when the doctor described what was wrong,” said Peter. “I mainly was just worried about when I would be able to run again and if it would ever be the same.

To Peter’s relief, Giant Cell Tumor of the Bone is a noncancerous tumor that most often develops at the ends of the body’s long bones like the femur or tibia. Given the uniqueness of her situation, Peter went on to see a specialist at the University of Iowa Hospital. Surgery was the only option she faced to remove the tumor. Without surgery, the tumor would continue to grow and destroy her bone.

They scheduled surgery for November 7, 2017, just a few weeks after the tumor was discovered. Surgeons spent hours removing the tumor from the bone and replacing the area with bone graft. Post-surgery, Peter spent six weeks without putting any weight on her left leg.

Around four weeks after surgery, Peter started physical therapy with John Lenderink at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. Therapy first focused on restoring Peter’s range of motion and then progressed to focus on restoring her strength and weight bearing tolerance.

“I can’t describe how happy I was during the physical therapy session with Physical Therapist John Lenderink when he took my crutches away and I was able to walk on my own again!” exclaimed Peter. “When I left physical therapy sessions with John, I felt confident and determined to recover faster. I believe I could not have recovered as quickly as I did without physical therapy.”

In March, the news Peter anticipated for four months came: she could start running again! As of September 2018, Peter happily reports she’s healthy and back to running like she used to with no pain, averaging 45 miles a week during the current cross-country season.

“I am very grateful to be back to running and competing in cross country,” shared Peter. “Reflecting back on where I was just a half a year ago, I am amazed at the progress I have been able to make.”

Peter will never take another step or stride for granted now, saying the entire experience in the past year has made her so grateful to be healthy and to be able to run again.

How to Eliminate Back Pain (Part 2):

4 Critical Hip Strengthening Exercises

Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

In our June 1, 2018 article entitled 5 Reasons Why Your Back Hurts When You Walk, I outlined the most common root causes of this type of back pain. In September, we dove a little deeper into the topic of how you can improve hip mobility to alleviate lower back pain. This month, I want to help you work on enhancing hip strength to reduce lower back pain.

When we lack stability at a particular link in the kinetic chain, the body tends to demonstrate dysfunctional movement at that joint. This in turn creates additional movement-related stresses at neighboring regions. As a result, the body part that is experiencing pain isn’t really the true problem. It is simply the part that is experiencing increased mechanical stress because of the root problem.

Before I share some effective hip strengthening strategies, I want to remind you that there are a variety of hip muscle weakness issues that may contribute to your lower back pain. The following activities are a good start if you need to enhance hip strength, but it is always wise to seek the advice of a lower back pain specialist to assess your specific needs and find the exact program to overcome your unique issues. Remember, if you want good outcomes, it is always better to assess than to guess.

Bridges – A simple bridge performed in the back-lying position provides stability on the posterior side of your core. It is great to perform this exercise after you’ve created good hip flexor mobility. If you have difficulty creating enough extension to bring your hips on a line directly between your knees and shoulders at the top of the bridge, narrow your feet and slightly open your knees.

Clam Shell (Hip External Rotation) – This exercise strengthens the rotators deep beneath the gluteals, which helps provide rotary stability. To do this exercise, you can start with simple active leg movement as demonstrated in the video below, but eventually you will need some resistance, which is easy to provide with a resistance band (i.e. theraband).

Side Planks with a Tweak – This more advanced exercise is done on your side with the knees bent. Place a pillow or foam pad under your elbow and try to lift your hips up until the top hip is on a line between your knee and shoulder. If you can hold this position without rolling the trunk forward or backward, then you can add the clam shell motion (as demonstrated). This exercise can produce some stress on the weightbearing shoulder, so do not perform the exercise if you feel pain there during the exercise.

Functional Hip Loading – Performing great hip strengthening exercises laying on the floor or your bed is only beneficial if it helps you function better on your feet. To bridge the functional gap, attempt the following three-dimensional stepping motions demonstrated at the 2:15 mark of the video by Andrew Gorecki, our good friend at Superior Physical Therapy in Traverse City, MI.

In upcoming installments, the Kinetic Edge team and I will continue to provide practical information on how to eliminate back pain by improving mobility of the upper back (Part 3), enhancing foot and ankle mobility (Part 4), and managing spine arthritis and/or stenosis (Part 5). If you can’t wait for that information to be released, I welcome you to take advantage of our free injury screen day that we’re planning for Tuesday, October 23, 2018 from 7:00AM-6:00PM.

Ames: 515-337-1037

Centerville: 641-856-2515

Des Moines: 515-309-4706

Newton: 641-791-9675

Oskaloosa: 641-676-3535

Pella: 641-621-0230

We’re excited and blessed to be celebrating 20 years as a company, and this is another free gift that we are giving our faithful clients to thank you for helping us reach this milestone. Take advantage of this offer to get personal recommendations of exactly what you should do to eliminate your pain. And feel free to get your family and friends to sign up too, regardless of the type of pain they’re experiencing. All you have to do is call and get signed up today.

Remember, the biggest predictor for lower back pain is a past experience with lower back pain. So, even if you’re not experiencing lower back pain currently but have dealt with it in the past, you’d likely benefit from the help of a knowledgeable physical therapist who can find and fix the issues that contribute to the pain. Fixing those root problems will reduce the likelihood that your lower back pain will return.

Call now to get more help for your lower back pain

1-866-588-0230

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

In our previous article entitled 5 Reasons Why Your Back Hurts When You Walk, I outlined the most common root causes of this type of back pain:

Limited hip mobility
Decreased hip strength
Stiff upper back
Limited Foot and Ankle Mobility
Spine Arthritis and/or Stenosis

Before I share some simple hip mobility drills, I want to emphasize that there are many different reasons you may develop a feeling of hip tightness. These include: shortened muscles, tight hip capsule, neural tension, bony alignment issues, previous tissue injury, and protective muscle spasms.

The Root of the Problem

When you lack mobility at a particular link in the kinetic chain, your body tends to compensate by increasing movement in neighboring regions. As a result, the body part that is in pain isn’t the true problem. It is simply the part that is experiencing increased stress because of the root problem.

The following hip mobility drills can be effective if you have tight muscles or limited hip capsule mobility. If your hip tightness is the result of other factors or you don’t experience results after performing these drills, please consult a rehab professional equipped to assess your personal situation. If you want good outcomes, it is always better to assess than to guess.

Mike Reinold, a PT with Champion Physical Therapy, created an online primer entitled “6 Hip Mobility Drills Everyone Should Perform.” These are hip mobility exercises I use with many of my clients experiencing lower back pain. I welcome you to watch these brief videos to see those exercises in action:

Hip Mobility Exercises

Quadruped Rockbacks – This simple exercise loosens up the hip joint to move better into flexion. You may want to consider doing these barefoot to enhance both ankle dorsiflexion (i.e. moving your foot so that your toes get closer to your knee) and great toe extension.

Adductor Quadruped Rockbacks – This drill is a slight variation on the previous one that emphasizes flexibility of the groin muscles. Perform this and the following movement drills on both sides.

Half Kneel Hip Flexor Stretch – To stretch the front of your hip and not overload other areas, be sure to keep the trunk vertical from your hips to your shoulders while you move forward into the stretch.

Posterior Hip Stretch – To perform a deep gluteal stretch, this exercise on all fours does the trick.

Figure 4 Stretch – The most basic and safest way to start the Figure 4 stretch is while you are on your back.

Spiderman – This is an advanced exercise that requires you to be able to bear weight on your hands in a prone position, like the start of a push-up. Don’t try this exercise until you’ve perfected the previous ones, and stop it if you have any upper extremity pain while attempting the drill.

Get Help with Back Pain

Remember, the biggest predictor for lower back pain is a past experience with lower back pain. So, even if you’re not experiencing lower back pain currently but have dealt with it in the past, you’d likely benefit from the help of a knowledgeable physical therapist who can find and fix the issues that contribute to the pain. Fixing those root problems will reduce the likelihood that your lower back pain will return.

We have successfully helped hundreds of people from right here in Iowa eliminate their pain and get their lives back. If you’re ready to fix the root problems of your lower back pain and move on with your life, give us a call at 866-588-0230 or email us to schedule a free 20-minute back pain screen today.

Call now to get more help for your lower back pain

1-866-588-0230

How hope is transforming lives in Costa Rica

By Joel Watters, Missionary in Costa Rica and Former Physical Therapist at Kinetic Edge

On August 21, former Kinetic Edge Physical Therapist Joel Watters and his family celebrated their one-year anniversary of mission work in Costa Rica with Estudiantes Cristianos Unidos (ECU). ECU is a ministry that serves college students on universities throughout the country of Costa Rica. We’ve asked him to share an update on life there with you but were so thrilled to hear how he’s continuing to live out the Kinetic Edge mission in Costa Rica.

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It has been quite the year in Costa Rica and difficult to summarize, but I shall try.

Life has been hard but oh so sweet and meaningful. Each day we have walked the mile to school as a family. My wife Rachel and I have spent the mornings in Spanish class and then alternate serving on three different campuses in San Jose, the capital. Our children have transitioned better than we could ever have imagined. They attend a bilingual school and are well on their way to fluency. My oldest daughter speaks Spanish like a Costa Rican! I still speak like a white gringo. Overall, we have loved living life together and serving the Lord as a family here.

In November, we will move to the southern part of Costa Rica to a city called San Isidro de El General. Our ministry, ECU, was founded here over 40 years ago but has never had a presence on any campus in this region. We’ve been asked to plant a new ministry and start new student groups on these universities.

The southern zone is much more rural and life will be quite a bit different than in the capital city. It is not Iowa but it’s about as close as it gets here with pineapple farms, year-round greenness, and mountains. Our past experience with planning new student groups with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in the United States creates confidence and excitement for this new opportunity, as we love the call of starting something new. We will begin searching for a home, school, church, and everything else we need to live in this month.

I have loved this new season of life in ministry but certainly miss my work with Kinetic Edge. I am so proud to have worked for a company that honors people above all else. Thankfully, I still find opportunities to use physical therapy to serve people here. I have one story of a man named Rigo that I would like to share.

Five months before I met Rigo, he began falling and experiencing weakness in both his arms and legs. The progression of weakness was so severe after two months he became bed bound, unable to sit up or move to a chair without significant assistance.

After extensive testing, a severe case of spinal stenosis was found in the middle segments of Rigo’s neck which was causing impingement of the spinal cord. He, his wife, 3 children, and grandson live in a tiny four room house in one of the poorest communities in San Jose. They were unable to afford the care he needed so after surgery, he returned to his bed. Word of his situation finally reached a skinny gringo from Iowa with limited Spanish, and I jumped at the chance to serve him. Ever since, I have been meeting with Rigo weekly and have seen an incredible transformation.

The first day I met him, Rigo had not been out of bed since he returned home three weeks earlier from surgery. I quickly realized not only was his body very weak, but more significantly, he had little hope. He was distant and quiet and showed little emotion. I sat next to his bed and listened to his story. I could feel his sadness and frustration.

Death was coming.

Rigo and Joel That day, I taught him one seemingly small thing: how to use his body position to sit up. It was simple, a roll to the side, a movement of his legs off the bed, and the use of his hands to push himself up. It was hard for him as I helped him, but he did it. I had him lay down, and then we did it again. After five minutes, he was able to nearly sit up independently. He tired quickly so he laid back down, and we prayed together. As I left that day, I will never forget the look on his face. There was hope.

Within a month, he was able to transfer to a wheel chair independently. Within three months, I bought him a walker. At eight months, he took his first steps. He continues to have weakness and pain and will likely never walk again without the assistance of a walker. However, his life has changed. He is able to sit and eat dinner with his family. He gets outside to watch his grandson play on the patio.

I believe two things have saved his life: his deep faith in God and a renewed hope that tomorrow will be better than today. It has been an honor to serve this man and makes me want to continue giving my life for others.

God has been so good to our family this past year. We experienced His faithfulness again and again. We experienced a deep dependence on the Lord in a culture so different from ours with a language that we are just now feeling comfortable with. We miss our home, community, friends, and family but at the same time are so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord. There are many unknowns ahead and assuredly many challenges that will come, but we walk forward into our next year with hope, trusting that God will provide.

Like our family and even Rigo, I am sure many of you are dealing with challenges and difficulties. I pray that through them you experience the goodness of God and are able to live with hope for tomorrow.

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Find out ways to help support the Watters and their mission by visiting: https://donate.intervarsity.org/donate/to/RachelJoelWatters

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

For some, travel can be an uncomfortable experience which means that you may be creating memories tied to how you were feeling more than what you were doing.

Keeping your bones, muscles, and joints healthy while you’re on the road can be a challenging task. Here are 8 tips to keep you in tip-top shape during your summer vacation:

1. Rest

I’ve heard some people say that they need a day or two to recover after their vacation. Vacations are great fun, but they can also be exhausting. Start out the trip on the right foot by getting plenty of rest before you leave. Also make sure you get appropriate sleep while you’re gone. A lack of sleep can lead to memory problems, a weakened immune system, increased stress levels, slower reflexes and poor judgement. Caffeine cannot overcome the effects of sleep deprivation and a lack of sleep typically increases pain responses as well.

2. Eat Breakfast & Stay Hydrated

Poor nutrition and hydration has the same impact on the body as lack of sleep. If you are traveling by air, dehydration also exaggerates jet lag and makes you more likely to experience a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of pulmonary embolism (PE). Good nutrition both before and during your travel will help maintain energy and improve brain power so you can better enjoy and recover from your trip.

3. Watch Your Posture

Make sure you are sitting comfortably with your hips all the way back to the corner of the seat. Position the seat around a 100-degree angle, use full back support and the headrest to keep you ears above your shoulders, and consider using the lumbar support. If you are driving, stay close enough to the steering wheel that you don’t have to reach substantially. Reaching will eventually cause your back to slouch and your head to fall forward, a posture that will contribute to neck pain, back pain, and headaches. Use cruise control on straight roads so that you can pump your ankles and reduce lower extremity swelling

4. Wear Compression Stockings

If you have ever noticed swelling in your feet while traveling, consider compression stockings to further reduce lower extremity swelling. At a minimum, wear socks that will provide some compression to the feet and lower legs.

5. Get Out and Move

To increase blood flow and refresh yourself, get out and walk around for a minute or two

roadtrip

at least once every hour if you are traveling by car. If you are in an airplane, walk the aisle. You may need to take a break every 20-30 minutes if you have a history of back pain or other issues. This is good for your muscles and joints, and it also reduces the chances of developing a DVT or PE. It is also wise to maintain your normal exercise routine as much as possible during your trip.

6. Stretch

Before you leave and while you travel, you can perform some simple stretches or active movements. During your trip, performing pelvic tilts is a good way to keep your back feeling well. Briefly press your low back into the seat behind you followed by arching the lower back away from the seat. Repeat several times. Any active movement that creates blood flow is a good thing. Performing these movements in your seat periodically is a great habit. If you want some practical examples of stretches you can do before you leave and during your rest breaks, click on this link.

7. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

Loose clothing made from breathable fabrics will keep you cool and limit the restrictions in blood flow that make it more likely that you will experience swelling in your extremities.

8. Breathe

Deep breathing techniques increase oxygen content in your bloodstream, which positively contributes to your tissue health. Take a deep breath in through your nose to fill your lungs over the course of about three seconds. After a brief pause, exhale through pursed lips to completely empty your lungs. Repeat that pattern for three repetitions every half hour to revitalize yourself on the road.

Traveling with your family can be equal parts exhilarating and exhausting. Using these eight simple techniques will help ensure your trip will be memorable for the right reasons.

It is possible that you may experience aches and pains even when you choose to use healthy habits while traveling. If that is the case for you, don’t hesitate to contact us at 866-588-0230 to schedule a free injury screen.

Safe travels!

P.S. If you’re wanting to do a last minute summer vacation but not sure where to go, check out our Top 10 Tested & Approved Vacation Destinations!

by Lindsey Klyn, Marketing Specialist

Discouragement. It’s available in plenty these days, isn’t it? Even in small town Iowa, tornadoes recently wreaked havoc on homes and businesses and news of a missing girl and increasing sex trafficking in Iowa is flooding social media channels. And if that’s not enough, there’s always potential glitches with people, work, health, or money to knock you down a notch if you weren’t already.

That’s why HOPE is so important.

Have you ever read that poem by Emily Dickinson? I remember first reading it during my junior year of high school and being so struck by the analogy of hope to a bird. If you haven’t already, check it out:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –

And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –

I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.

Our mission at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is to transform lives and restore HOPE through movement. These seven words poured from my lips during our rebranding a little over three years ago after hours of research, hundreds of client surveys and interviews, an entire team training day, an owner’s meeting discussion, and prayer.

And as soon as they were spoken, a knowing peace transcended over the table of owners who surrounded me. Because despite the fact that this was a “new mission” for us, the truth was that this had been the heart of this company since its start.

We live in a world in desperate need of hope. In each of our communities, we know there are countless amounts of people who are feeling discouraged or fearful. Discouraged by the way they can’t roll out of bed like they used to. Fearful of how an injury is preventing them from playing a sport they love. Scared by the lack of progress they’re feeling after surgery. Disheartened by the way another health provider dismissed their concerns or didn’t take time to listen to them.

So our mission is to share and spread hope like wild fire. To listen first to how that foot pain is keeping you from shopping with your daughter and then share what we can do to lessen or eliminate that pain. To understand that your back pain not only causes excruciating pain but also how it causes you to miss out on things like picking up your grandchild or taking that bucket list road trip.

You see, we believe it’s through listening that we understand the source of your discouragement and pain. And it’s only after we understand the source of the problem that we share a solution for restoring your hope.

While I never thought I’d work for a physical therapy company (and love it) due to my dislike of science and most things medical, I’m so proud to be part of Kinetic Edge because it has this mission at its heart. And behind the hope our team provides through restored movement and function, I also know that many of my teammates are using these skills simply as a guise to further Christ’s Kingdom. Because like me, many of us at Kinetic Edge believe that there’s a deeper and everlasting hope we can provide for people when given the chance to tell them about Jesus.

So whether it’s pain in your body, tornado devastation, a failing friendship, or anything in between that has you feeling discouraged, my hope for you is this: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

After all, “Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.” (Robert Ludlum)

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In an effort to continue acting on our mission and celebrate the way it’s impacted our communities thus far, we’re hosting a Client Appreciation Pizza Party on August 30 from 5-7 PM in each of our clinic’s communities. This year marks our 20^th year of business so please make plans to come celebrate with us on August 30! And if you’re in need of another little bit of hope, our team will be available at the event to speak with you.

Heel Pain: What You Need to Do to Eliminate It!

Have you ever experienced heel pain? Then you know how difficult it can be taking the first few steps when you get out of bed in the morning. If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone. Up to 10% of adults experience this condition at some point in their lives.

The most common type of heel pain is the result of plantar fasciitis, an injury to connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia (PF) runs from the inside side of the bottom of the heel and extends down the length of the foot connecting to the toes. The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot, especially from just before your foot comes off the ground during walking.

As the foot lands on the ground, the foot pronates, which allows the foot to adapt to the surface. This causes the arch to lower or experience a stretch under the weight of the body. Immediately after that load is experienced, the heel lifts while the big toe extends, which allows the foot to propel the body forward. However, this increases tension on the plantar fascia. If that strain is excessive or overly repetitive, it can produce the clinical symptoms known as plantar fasciitis as fibers of the plantar fascia slightly tear from the connection on the heel.

If your heel or arch is painful, there are many things that can be done to make the tissue feel better – stretching, icing, arch supports, manual therapy, injections, medication, and modalities (i.e. ultrasound). Unfortunately, none of these treatments fix the root problem, and the symptoms are prone to return.

So what do you need to do to eliminate heel pain for good?

It’s as simple as this. Get an examination from a health care professional that understands how the function of other areas in the body can contribute to increased stress on the plantar fascia. This expert will look at the entire leg on the side of the pain, the opposite side leg, and even the trunk/core.

In the “same side leg”, the suspects are those dysfunctions that allow excessive pronation of the foot, or prevent the supination of the foot, which may be poor ankle joint motion, a tight calf muscle group, and/or weak buttock muscles.

In the “opposite side leg”, the causes of plantar fasciitis are conditions that prevent proper push off of that leg, which include poor ankle motion, tight calf muscle group, limited hip extension, and/or painful or limited big toe extension.

In walking, and especially running, the buttock muscles support the legs, which allows for a mobile but stable pelvis. If the core muscles are not lengthened and activated, the pelvis will not have mobile stability. This can be determined by looking for weak abdominal muscles, loss of upper back motion, and even neck muscle fatigue and/or tightness.

If you’ve had heel pain and the treatments you received haven’t led to long-term relief, consider visiting the heel pain experts at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. Without an analysis that is looking to determine the root cause of plantar fasciitis, the permanent solution will not be found. You need a health care professional that can treat both the symptoms and the primary cause.

If you would like to learn more about successful treatment strategies for heel pain, contact our clinic today at 866-588-0230 to claim one of the 10 slots we’ve set aside to provide free screens for people with heel pain. Call today! They won’t last long.

TRESEMER PHYSICAL THERAPY TO CHANGE OWNERSHIP TO KINETIC EDGE PHYSICAL THERAPY

Tresemer Physical Therapy intends to transfer the assets of its business to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy in early July of this year. Ray Tresemer opened this physical therapy clinic in February of 2007 and provided top-notch physical therapy care for the Centerville community for the past 11 years.

This year marks Ray’s 40^th year working as a physical therapist. Ray and his wife Patty knew they wanted to start spending more time with their family and more time at Lake Rathbun, so they started looking into succession plans for the business. Patty started searching online and came across Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy.

“Through pure luck, or maybe divine intervention, we made contact with an extremely dynamic and professionally admired company by the name of Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy,” said Ray.

Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, formerly Work Systems Rehab & Fitness, opened in 1998 in Pella, Iowa. Their corporate office is still based out of Pella, with four additional clinic locations throughout central Iowa as well. In March of 2015, the company rebranded to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. Since then, they’ve experienced unapparelled growth as a company.

Their recent success increased their interest in finding new markets to serve. This interest in growth, however, is not simply to add pins to the map. They desire to influence people and communities with their mission to transform lives and restore hope through movement.

“Their clinical excellence and corporate mission mirror what I always strived for,” shared Ray.

So when Ray reached out to CEO and Physical Therapist Troy Vander Molen of Kinetic Edge, it quickly became apparent that an acquisition would provide a winning solution for everyone involved – Ray, his team, the Centerville community and surrounding areas, and Kinetic Edge. Kinetic Edge is also thrilled to retain the entire current staff of Tresemer PT.

“Jodeann Cooley, PTA, Marcy Jones, PTA, LMT, and Office Assistant Beth Shilling will continue to serve clients with the same professionalism and personal care that you’ve come to expect,” said Vander Molen. “We’re also excited that Ray will continue to serve clients on a part-time basis, even after the transaction is complete, which is expected to occur on July 2, 2018.”

In the near future, Centerville area residents with pain and limited mobility will continue to receive the same physical therapy care they’ve come to expect from Tresemer PT. In addition, Kinetic Edge’s experience and expertise in work injury prevention and management will benefit local employers and their employees. Kinetic Edge also expects to add athletic training services to help local student-athletes compete at their best. In the future, they foresee moving to a larger facility to help support the growth potential in the Appanoose County market.

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Kinetic Edge currently has clinics in Pella, Des Moines, Oskaloosa, Newton, and Ames and consults throughout the state of Iowa and beyond. Their services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, worker performance, athletic training, pediatric therapy, and medical fitness. For more information, please visit www.kineticedgept.com.

5 REASONS WHY YOUR BACK HURTS WHEN YOU WALK

Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

As a lower back pain specialist who has worked with thousands of people suffering with lower back pain, it is clear that one of the most common problems people deal with when experiencing lower back pain is difficulty walking. Have you ever wondered why that is the case?

Here are the 5 most common root causes of back pain while walking:

Poor Hip Mobility. With every step you take, your hip and pelvis move in three planes of motion. If you lack hip motion in any of those directions, your lower back will likely compensate by moving more than it is designed to move. Over time, this increased motion can create inflammation and compression of the nerves that exit the spine, which can lead to sciatica and lower back pain.

Decreased Hip Strength. It is very common to see people walking with a slight lean to one side when the foot lands on the ground. This is an indicator that the lateral muscles of the hip are weak. When this happens, the body compensates by leaning to that side, which increases compressive forces on the nerves on the same side of the spine.

Stiff Upper Back. With every step you take, your arm swings in the opposite direction. This arm swing causes our upper back to rotate in the opposite direction of your pelvis. If you have a limited ability to rotate your upper back, which is common in men, your lower back will compensate by increasing its rotation, a motion that this area of the spine is not designed to do. Once again, this can lead to increased compression and irritation to the joints and nerves in your spine.

Limited Foot and Ankle Mobility. Studies have demonstrated that every time your foot hits the ground, your body needs to absorb forces equivalent to 2-3 times your body weight. If your foot is stiff and does not flatten when you walk like it is designed to do, increased forces are transmitted to your spine, which increases compressive forces and can irritate the joints and nerves in the spine.

Spine Arthritis and/or Stenosis. Research indicates that if you are over 55 years old, have pain in your lower back with walking or standing, and it goes away when you sit, there is a 97% chance you have arthritis in your spine. You don’t need an expensive diagnostic test to confirm this finding. Arthritis predisposes you to spine pain while walking, but if you fix all of the things mentioned above, then will be able to walk without pain despite the diagnosis of stenosis or arthritis. Don’t let the diagnosis of arthritis be an excuse to do nothing. A mobile spine surrounded by strong muscles will reduce pain in an arthritic spine.

If you would like to learn more about Lower Back Pain and Sciatica and strategies to reduce pain and allow for pain free walking, you should our office at (866)-588-0230 and schedule a FREE INJURY SCREEN to find out if your back can benefit from the expertise we offer.

We’re offering a FREE back pain screen day event on:

Thursday, June 14 from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Kinetic Edge in Des Moines– 4516 3rd Street, Suite 100

Kinetic Edge in Ames – 4700 Mortensen Road, Suite 101

Thursday, June 14 from 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Kinetic Edge in Pella – 604 Liberty Street, Suite 227

The biggest predictor of lower back pain in the future is a past experience with lower back pain. So, even if you’re not experiencing lower back pain currently but have dealt with it in the past, you’d likely benefit from the help of a knowledgeable physical therapist who can find and fix the issues that contribute to the pain. Fixing those root problems will reduce the likelihood that your lower back pain will return.

If you’re ready to fix the root problems of your low back pain, give us a call at 866-588-0230 to schedule a free 20 minute back pain screen today.

The secret sauce you need to feel better

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

In 1993, my wife Stephanie and I found ourselves in Willmar, Minnesota at a Christian rock concert. For about $10, we heard a handful of popular artists, like the Newsboys, perform great songs. After all these years, though, the most unforgettable experience of that night came from a guy I didn’t know prior to this event.

Josh McDowell is a youth speaker who grew up an agnostic. That night he spoke about the heinous acts of physical violence his father committed against his mother, a model that drove him away from his heavenly Father. Over time, and despite subsequent acts of rebellion, he began to experience the call of God on his life. It wasn’t until he understood that he must forgive his father – even though his father hadn’t asked for it – that he came to understand the deep impact of true Love and real, intimate relationships.

That night, Josh McDowell, a man who has given 27,000 talks in 125 countries and is believed to have spoken to more kids than any other man in history, spent a considerable amount of time exploring this principle: rules without relationship lead to rebellion.

This simple fact applies to all of our relationships. If parents bark out commands to kids but don’t spend time developing a loving, trusting relationship with them, a rebellion to those commands is likely to occur. The same principle is true in health care, and it strikes me how “health care” can be a very ironic phrase. Many health care experiences we hear about from our clients’ experiences elsewhere are neither about health nor care.

At Kinetic Edge, we believe that people don’t care what we know unless they know that we care. We don’t expect you to trust us or to try out our recommendations unless you first know us and like us. In our world, rebellion might look like halfhearted commitment to the rehab process. Therefore, relationship building is the most important and fundamental principle of our success.

Building a trusting relationship is our secret sauce.

The next time you see or hear a health care provider promoting the newest technology or gadget, have an appreciation for it, but recognize that these items are only tools. The newest and coolest treatment fad – whether it’s a colorful tape, a vibrating plate, or a $100K piece of equipment – is only as effective as the provider using it and her ability to care for you.

At Kinetic Edge, we too have some of these new and cool treatment options like trigger point dry needling and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (i.e. Astym), and we promote them because they are great tools. But the tool is only effective if it is held in the hand of an empathetic health care provider that demonstrates genuine care and compassion for your individual needs.

Physical Therapists Larry Benz and David Browder performed an extensive study to determine what patients most wanted in their physical therapy experience. Here’s what they discovered mattered most to patients:

A knowledgeable therapist
Friendly staff members
Clear instructions from the therapist
No or very limited waiting time
Recommendation from their physician

Notice, none of the responses mention stretchy tape, needles, a specific piece of equipment, or cutting-edge treatments offered to Olympic athletes. A majority of these five most important factors are related to how people are treated relationally, not how they are treated medically.

At Kinetic Edge, we focus on these five important factors with every client encounter. Like Josh McDowell encourages, we strive to develop deep and trusting relationships so that the right therapeutic activity occurs at the right time, which yields the best results. If rules without relationship lead to rebellion, then health care outcomes are directly tied to relationship.

If you want to learn more about Josh McDowell’s message about the importance and benefits of relationship building, click here. And if you want to spend a brief 20 minutes with one of our licensed therapy providers to understand how a relationship with us can yield positive results for your musculoskeletal problem, just call us today at 866-588-0230 to set up a free screen.

The concept of a sensory room is becoming more of a hot topic but still remains a new concept for many. A sensory room was a new concept for Pella native Mark Van Roekel, but it perfectly answers a calling God laid on his heart. Van Roekel felt led on two distinct occasions to start a program within children’s ministry that would give students with special needs and other disabilities a safe haven at Third Church in Pella.

As Van Roekel began to take steps forward on this idea, the concept of a sensory room was born. Although the concept was new to Van Roekel, it was not new to many who volunteer and work at Third Church.

“Teaching to a class that has children with special needs or children who may be easily overstimulated can lead to positive growth,” explained Cathy Diehl, a children’s ministry team member of Third Church. “However, it also can lead to some negative and tricky situations for all those involved.”

Thus, Diehl shared the same burden as Van Roekel, desiring a place of refuge for children with sensory needs at Third Church.

The dream for Third’s sensory room was to create a space for children with special needs or overstimulation issues to wind down, feel safe, and be ministered to. Third Church is home to a large congregation, so many members’ children would reap benefit from a sensory room. However, figuring out the logistics of who would oversee the room, how they would pay for the room, and where the room would go were called into question immediately.

By the grace of God, as Diehl described, everything simply began to fall into place. A room opened up that was situated directly between the two wings of the church that comprise the children’s ministry. With a door leading to each wing, children can come in and out of the room with ease. Moreover, there was a small amount of money left over in the children’s ministry budget. These leftover funds were used to purchase furniture, sensory activities, and other equipment for the room.

The final piece that fell into place occurred when Diehl emailed Kinetic Edge’s Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk. Diehl knew of Spronk’s vast knowledge and experience in working with children and sensory preferences, so she asked her for any assistance and wisdom she was willing to share to help complete the room.

Spronk wanted to ensure that all sensory areas would be covered and have a correlating activity. Thus, she helped Diehl fill the room with bean bags chairs, weighted blankets, moon sand, plastic tubes, bubbles, and other activities that would help with all areas of sensory stimulation. In addition to helping with what went in the room, Spronk began to train all of the children’s ministry leaders, giving additional and more in-depth training for those who provide one-on-one care.

Spronk taught strategies for noticing if a child was having problems processing sensory stimuli, how to calm their anxieties, and how to better handle outbursts and emotions. With Spronk’s training, all those involved with children’s ministry began to feel more comfortable and capable for caring for students with sensory stimulation problems.

“The sensory room is a blessing for all,” shared Spronk. “A room like this has been on my heart for years now.”

Spronk reflected on an experience she had a few years ago while sitting in a service at Third Church. A little boy who had sensory processing issues would come and sit with her in the back when the music started playing and things got loud. Spronk knew the boy because he was a previous pediatric client of hers, and she knew that he suffered from sensory overload issues.

“I thought then how it would have been nice to have a room that he could go to when things got to be too much,” explained Spronk. “Now we finally have that room!”

The number of kids in the space varies depending on the day and time. Kids may be in the room for the entire duration of the service or just for a few minutes, depending on their needs. Regardless of how long they’re in the room, kids are guaranteed to find a safe refuge filled with sensory rich activities.

Spronk would love to see sensory rooms available throughout more churches in the Pella area and beyond. She and her son Bennett frequently volunteer in Third’s sensory room together, giving them an opportunity to bond with each other and with students from the children’s ministry. Kinetic Edge’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Ashley Beekman and her husband Spencer have also become active volunteers in Third’s sensory room.

Third’s sensory room has been open since September, 2017, and is thriving. The children and their individual helpers love it and so do the volunteers and teachers. The sensory room is manned twice a month by Van Roekel and his family, once a month by Spronk and Beekman, and then other volunteers, including Diehl, help when they can.

All agree, the sensory room has proved time and time again to be a blessing for many children at Third Church.

Shoulder Potpourri: Everything You Wanted to Know About Shoulder Problems

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

I’m sure you’re not surprised to hear this: Shoulder pain is a common problem. Studies suggest that 70% of us will experience shoulder pain at some point in our lifetimes. It’s no wonder, because the shoulder joint is an extremely complex system.

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the human body. It is a major link in the kinetic chain wherein the entire arm is connected to the rest of the skeletal system only by a very small joint between your collar bone and your chest.

This ball-and-socket joint is unique because the ball is large and the socket is small, kind of like a golf ball setting on a tee. Control of the ball on the tee requires very specific and fine actions by the rotator cuff muscles, which are relatively small and require appropriate, neutral postures to ensure they work efficiently.

Frankly, the shoulder is a source of job security for the physical therapists and movement experts at Kinetic Edge.

I reached out to a few friends this month to ask what they wanted to know about the shoulder joint, so this month’s article is a potpourri of information that will likely help you in one or more ways.

My shoulders are healthy. What exercises can I do to keep them that way?

First, I want to make an important point: We often equate lack of pain with health. If your shoulders don’t hurt, they must be healthy, right? Well, that’s not exactly true. Let me tell you why.

When we think of the shoulder, we commonly picture the ball-and-socket joint, but the shoulder is really an entire complex that includes the collar bone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula), and upper arm bone (humerus). The health of shoulder is also directly impacted by neighboring areas including the neck (cervical spine), midback (thoracic spine), and rib cage.

Most shoulder problems occur because of muscle imbalances that place the shoulder complex in a position that reduces the efficiency of the rotator cuff muscles, which causes tissues in the system to experience increased mechanical stress (i.e. compression or tension forces). Muscle imbalances contribute to postural changes that make shoulder problems more likely to occur. Poor mobility of the mid-back and rib cage can lead to the same result.

A recent study looked at 379 participants with at least one rotator cuff tear. Only 2.9% of them had ideal shoulder alignment, while the remainder had forward head/rounded shoulders (65.8%), flat back (54.3%), or sway back (48.9%).

Often times people demonstrate these postures for years without any symptoms, but the presence of these postures – even without pain – indicates that your shoulders are not exactly healthy. They are at risk for future problems.

So, to make sure your shoulders are truly healthy, it is important for you to do exercises that help you maintain or restore muscle balance and allow for neutral shoulder positioning. It is extremely important to stretch the pectorals, upper traps, and suboccipital muscles, those most likely to get tight from gravity-induced postures. Furthermore, it is also very important to strengthen the upper back and shoulder blade muscles, those that are often ignored in our typical postures and work activities.

Stay tuned throughout the month of April as we’ll be posting video examples of how to stretch and strengthen these important muscles. And guys, it’s okay to work on your “mirror muscles”, but you should do so only if you’re willing to do maintenance with the aforementioned exercises.

What are some movements that the shoulder doesn’t really like?

Great question. In general terms, no joint appreciates the combination of end range motions with high speed and/or force. This is the reason why people experience shoulder injuries and pain, for example, when they slip and, in an attempt to avoid a painful fall, grab onto something, which suddenly jerks the shoulder into full elevation. That, of course, is something that happens naturally, so it’s difficult to avoid.

One of the most common regions of shoulder stress is in a small area called the subacromial space. If you place your fingers on the top edge of your shoulder, you’ll feel a portion of your shoulder blade called the acromion. Below that bone is a 5 mm interval called the subacromial space, through which run important rotator cuff tendons and, to reduce mechanical friction, a bursal sac.

Simply having muscle imbalances can increase mechanical compression on the rotator cuff tendons and bursa running through that space. For example, tight pectoral muscles pull the shoulder joint forward a bit, and those tissues are likely already experiencing increased pressure. Over time, this can cause cumulative trauma that eventually manifests as tendinitis, bursitis, or even rotator cuff tears.

The combination of shoulder elevation with internal rotation closes down the subacromial joint space and increases pressure on the tissues within it even further. It’s easier on those tissues to lift objects at arm’s length with the palm up, not down.

Have you ever experienced shoulder pain while lifting something out of your refrigerator? It’s likely you performed this movement with an extended arm and your palm down, a position that can increase stress on tissues within the subacromial space. So, instead of reaching, move your body forward to reduce the distance from your trunk to your hand when you reach, and keep your palm or thumb up. Your shoulder will definitely appreciate that habit over time.

If you have cumulative tissue changes already beginning in the subacromial space, you may wake up at night with shoulder pain from laying on your side, a position that increases pressure on the subacromial space. I realize that it’s difficult to prevent yourself from defaulting away from a favored sleeping position. You’re unconscious, of course. Nonetheless, it is less stressful on your shoulders to sleep on your back. If you wake up on your side, move to your back (and hope that your snoring doesn’t increase J).

I am experiencing shoulder pain. Can I continue doing shoulder exercises as long as they don’t cause pain?

I might be accused of copping out here, but… it depends.

You must recognize that there is a difference between discomfort and pain. If you recently began an exercise program, you know what delayed-onset muscle soreness feels like. It’s uncomfortable, but normal. You don’t have to avoid minor discomfort as long as it is the result of tissues accommodating to a new stress.

Pain, however, is a different beast, though it serves a noble purpose. Pain protects your tissues. If you were incapable of experiencing pain, you would likely experience higher levels of tissue damage from repeated stress, and you would also experience a more rapid and premature deterioration of function.

Therefore, if you experienced a recent injury (within the past month or so) and are actively experiencing shoulder pain, any motion that exacerbates the pain should be considered a warning signal. Avoid that motion. In this situation, it’s probably a good idea for you to consult with a physical therapist that understands the shoulder joint and can give you a personalized exercise plan to overcome this problem and allow you to continue being active without slowing up your progress.

If you have experienced shoulder pain for quite some time (6 weeks or more), you have reached the chronic phase. In this situation, it is generally acceptable to experience some shoulder pain during exercise, but it should be minor and go away within minutes of completing the exercise. If it is more significant or lingers for hours after exercise, that’s a good sign that you’ve slightly overdone it. Adjust your exercise volume downward next time.

If you’ve experienced shoulder pain for 6 weeks or more, you should definitely consult with a physical therapist. Solutions to these problems are generally pretty simple, and the earlier you get attention, the quicker it goes away.

But, what about the exercises that don’t cause pain? Well, they’re likely just fine for you. However, please review the answers I provided to the previous two questions to better understand what’s good for your shoulders and helps to enhance your shoulder health. Just because an exercise or motion doesn’t hurt your shoulder, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s good for you.

As I indicated in the introduction, shoulder pain is common. In fact, it’s the second most common problem among the many clients we serve in our five clinic locations.

To thank our faithful customers for allowing us to survive and thrive for 20 years, we are offering a FREE SCREEN DAY on Tuesday, October 23, 2018. On that day, each of our clinics will have 33 slots available between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm for you, your family, and your friends. If you’ve been dealing with shoulder pain – or any other musculoskeletal ailment for that matter – we’d like to invite you to sign up for one of those slots.

Hurry before they’re gone, though. We expect slots to be spoken for very quickly. So, call us today at 866-588-0230 and pick the most convenient time for you.

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Over the past couple of decades, your personal responsibility for health care costs has increased dramatically. Medical costs have escalated substantially over that time, and with those increases there has been a rise in high-deductible health plans and confusing cost and payment structures by insurers. The result is that many people today struggle to afford the health care they need.

According to a June 28, 2017 article in Forbes, patient payments now account for 35% of medical provider revenue. By comparison, in 2000 patients paid just 5% of healthcare provider revenue.

Because of these unfortunate realities, people often delay seeking medical treatment, which can increase the problem since many health conditions are more easily managed – at a lower cost – early in the process.

It is important to be a wise health care consumer. At Kinetic Edge, we are proud to provide effective care for musculoskeletal conditions that costs a fraction compared to other options.

However, the way that health care is distributed in America – often through large, multi-specialty institutions – physical therapists aren’t getting the credit or the patients they deserve.

Consider something as common as lower back pain. It’s common for an individual to initially ignore the problem or try to manage it with home remedies. While a small percentage of these people may experience improvements, if the problem isn’t identified and fixed, the pain usually returns and the problem worsens over time.

When it’s clear that the problem isn’t going way, it is understandable that people will then usually schedule an appointment with their family physician, a trusted person who best understands their overall health. Typical treatments suggested by the medical establishment for the treatment of lower back pain include medications, diagnostic testing, injections, and, in some cases, surgery. At Kinetic Edge, many of the people we work with have been dealing with lower back pain for months if not years.

Physical therapy is not only an effective way to reduce pain and restore function for most lower back conditions, it is also very cost-effective.

Take a look below at the cost of a typical course of physical therapy (10 visits) at Kinetic Edge compared to other common treatment options.

At Kinetic Edge, we earn $972 on average for a typical physical therapy course of care. Health insurance usually picks up a portion of that cost, an amount that varies depending upon your insurance plan specifics. If you have a plan that covers a portion of the cost, your personal financial responsibility for physical therapy will pale in comparison to the costs of other common treatment options.

Don’t get me wrong. We know that your personal responsibility for a portion of the $972 isn’t chump change, but the value of any product or service is determined by whether or not it delivers a benefit that makes the investment worthwhile.

Did you know that seeing your physical therapist first for lower back pain can reduce your total cost of care by 50%?

According to articles published in December 2016 in the Journal of the American Medical Association on health care spending and an article by Fritz, et al in a December 2012 edition of Spine, starting physical therapy within the first 14 days of pain can save you on average $2,700 compared to the costs accrued managing lower back pain if you delay your visit to a physical therapist. Given that Americans spend $87.6 billion annually on lower back and neck pain, seeing a physical therapist first and early could save a tremendous amount of money and pain.

Here’s why. After self-treatment fails, many people choose to visit their primary care physician for treatment. A 2017 Merritt Hawkins study found that the average wait time to see a physician is 24 days. For over three weeks, a person seeking medical care is simply waiting and worsening.

By the time you consult with your doctor, he/she may prescribe medications, refer you for a diagnostic test, or send you to an orthopedic specialist where you might be referred for a series of injections. This drawn-out process can set you back weeks and several insurance co-pays.

In recent months, much has been written about the dangerous consequences of long-term opioid use, which include increased risk for addiction and overdose-related deaths. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine proved that people referred to physical therapy were 35% less likely to be prescribed opioids, even if they didn’t attend any sessions after the initial evaluation.

And what about that MRI? A 2015 Health Services Research study found that costs associated with the management of lower back pain increase dramatically if a person has an MRI first compared to seeing a physical therapist first.

The average cost of medical care for lower back pain was found to be $4,793 more if an MRI occurs first instead of physical therapy.

Might I suggest that, unless you have problems with muscle function, you shouldn’t pursue an MRI until you have consulted with a physical therapist, or you might pay for it… literally.

Surgery, of course, is costly, which may not necessarily be a bad investment if the outcome is good. However, a 2015 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that physical therapy is equally beneficial to surgery for symptoms related to spinal stenosis, and physical therapy costs are substantially lower than surgery.

There is a lot of compelling evidence that supports the value of physical therapy. But, the question remains:

Why isn’t early access to physical therapy the norm?

Given that physical therapy is both beneficial and cost-effective, you’d think it would be the natural first choice for musculoskeletal care.

The benefits particularly for lower back pain are obvious, which was proven in a unique way nearly two decades ago at the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, where they used Toyota Production System’s “lean” methodology to streamline the care of lower back pain after local employers complained that they were paying more for care there than any other health system in the area.

Employers collaborated with Virginia Mason administrators and providers to find ways to cut out inefficiencies in care and increase value to the patients. The primary change that occurred following this process was that patients complaining of lower back pain were immediately referred for physical therapy to receive evidence-based care, which reduced costs related to unnecessary diagnostic tests, enhanced return to function, and significantly improved patient satisfaction.

That is an awesome outcome! So why hasn’t this model of care for lower back pain become the norm? Simply put: The medical establishment lost money.

Effective but less expensive services like physical therapy did not result in enough payments to support the gigantic health system. Under the old, ineffective system, Virginia Mason made $100 on every case; under the new, effective system, they now realized a $200 loss on every case. Each MRI that was avoided resulted in $450 losses for the medical establishment.

It is disappointing that our American health care system does not have priorities that align with the patients they are serving.

The fact is that getting physical therapy first is not sustainable in traditional health care systems. Fortunately for you, Kinetic Edge is not a traditional company, and you have the power.

At Kinetic Edge, a private, therapist-owned therapy practice, our priorities are aligned with yours. We provide effective musculoskeletal treatments at a fraction of the costs of other providers and at rates way lower than other less effective treatment options. Kinetic Edge benefits when you choose us for physical therapy, and so do you!

And, though most people do not understand it, you do have the power to make your own health care choices. At Kinetic Edge and any other physical therapy clinic in the state of Iowa, you do not need a referral for physical therapy. Most insurance companies no longer require a physician’s referral, and we communicate closely with your family physician to ensure that they are aware of your condition and the medical necessity of your physical therapy care.

Why should you choose Kinetic Edge to be your first choice for your physical therapy care? Aren’t all PTs the same? There are many quality physical therapists in our markets, and many of them don’t work at Kinetic Edge. But, the value of physical therapy is related to both the benefit and the cost, and this is what separates Kinetic Edge from the competition.

According to data obtained from the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute in 2015, the average cost per episode of physical therapy care was $1,734. Kinetic Edge’s average cost per episode in 2017 was $972.

Physical therapy at Kinetic Edge costs 44% less than the national average!

We are honored when people choose Kinetic Edge for their therapy care, and we are proud of the service we provide because we know it produces excellent outcomes at a low cost. Kinetic Edge is a great value!

Nonetheless, we know that people don’t buy a car without first taking a test drive. So, we welcome you to contact our clinic at 866-588-0230 to claim a free injury screen. During that free session, you can talk with our musculoskeletal experts and after a brief movement screen they can provide for you a summary of your potential to overcome your pain and dysfunction.

Thank you for helping us live out our mission to transform lives and restore hope!

Pella Occupational Therapist Ashley Beekman

TOP TEN TESTED & APPROVED VACATION DESTINATIONS

by Marketing Specialist Lindsey Klyn

We’ve almost made it through winter, the start of spring is in sight, and summer vacation plans might be starting to brew in your mind. Did you know that in addition to hosting March Madness and the start of spring, March is also National Athletic Training Month? At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we have a dozen athletic trainers on our team, and we’ve asked ten of them to share their favorite vacation destination to help with your summer vacation planning.

WASHINGTON DC – If you love learning about history like Tim Vander Wilt does, then Washington DC might be the perfect option for your next vacation! Tim and his wife and four kids visited DC in July 2015 and loved this destination.

If you decide to go to Washington DC, Tim recommends catching these three sites:

Visit the monuments – especially the Lincoln, Jefferson, and Martin Luther King monuments
Go to the Holocaust Museum – Tim and his wife Laura left the kids with Grandpa and Grandma while they went and explored this museum, and he recommends making sure your kids are old enough before bringing them along. But if you can stomach the horror of the Holocaust, this is an experience that will leave a lifelong impact.
Stop by the American History Smithsonian– Enjoy seeing cool artifacts like the hat Abraham Lincoln was wearing the night he was assassinated and more from the history of the US.

LEADVILLE, COLORADO – If you love sports and nature like Matt Scotton does, then Leadville might be the place for you! Matt and his wife and girls have enjoyed going to Leadville every summer since 2010. In addition to beautiful mountains, Matt says this small town has genuine and friendly people who understand and appreciate nature.

These are Matt’s favorite activities in Leadville:

Participate in a Leadville Race Series event – Matt’s participated in 17 of their run and bike races!
Explore Birdseye Gulch and Mosquito Pass – Matt and his wife Sandy love to explore the mountains in their jeep! If you don’t have a jeep, you can rent one from a town just 40 minutes away. These are their two favorite jeep roads depending on if you like brushy valleys or high elevation shelf roads.
Eat at High Mountain Pies – This fun restaurant features great pizza and salads. The inside dining is small, but the outside dining is fun because of the interesting people and animals you can observe while you eat.

THE BLACK HILLS, SOUTH DAKOTA – Laura Norberg loves being out in nature which is why Custer State Park in the Black Hills is her recommended vacation destination. She’s been there many times as a kid and as an adult, and most recently traveled there in July 2016 with her almost two-year-old daughter (and she was three months pregnant!). Her three highly recommended activities include:

Go hiking – There are so many trail heads to choose from for a new hiker or an experienced hiker. You are always guaranteed to see beautiful scenery and maybe catch a glimpse of unique wildlife on your hike.
Go for a drive through the Wildlife Loop at Custer State Park – It’s possible to see wildlife anywhere in this area including deer, antelope, mountain goats, elk, coyotes, burro, bighorn sheep, birds, turkeys and prairie dogs. But in the wildlife loop in Custer State Park, the buffalo roam! Sometimes, you get so close you could almost pet a buffalo, although Laura recommends not doing that.
Visit Mount Rushmore – Though not located directly in Custer State Park, this National Memorial is worth the short drive to see. Laura says it’s a majestic sight to see and really makes you feel patriotic!

MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA – If you enjoy the beach and sightseeing, Dustin Briggs says Myrtle Beach might be the vacation for you. He and his family visited Myrtle Beach last June. If you’re to visit the area, he recommends these things to do:

Visit Magnolia Plantation in Charleston – Dusty recommends making the two hour drive down the coast to check out the historic plantations in Charleston. They enjoyed their visit to Magnolia Plantation, dubbed Charleston’s most visited plantation, as they got to do a tour of the main house and a wildlife tour of the grounds with free range alligators.
Spend time on Myrtle Beach – This is probably the top reason worth vacationing in Myrtle Beach as the city offers a 60-mile string of beaches with stunning views of the ocean.
Visit Broadway at the Beach– This outdoor shopping area is South Carolina’s favorite travel destination and the largest entertainment venue of its kind in the state. Dustin and his family especially enjoyed eating sushi at Art Burger and Sushi on the boardwalk. In fact, he says their sushi is the best sushi he’s ever had!

DISNEY WORLD, ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Rachel Johnson has two young daughters (5 and 7) which might explain part of why her favorite vacation destination is “The Happiest Place on Earth”! They’ve gone in January 2016 and January 2018 and loved it both times. It has a magical atmosphere and allows you to be a kid again, without anyone judging you. Rachel recommends:

Staying at Art of Animation – Our stay here was amazing and great for people with kids. It’s one of Disney’s newest resorts. Art of Animation has 4 themes: Little Mermaid, Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars. Rachel’s family stayed in the Little Mermaid rooms, which were decorated in detail. The shower was Ariel’s grotto, the dresser was a treasure chest, and the head boards were clamshells. It’s those little details that made the hotel special for the kids.
Dine with princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall — Disney World has many food options, but Rachel’s favorite was this princess meet-and-greet (which gets booked up 6 months in advance so make sure to plan ahead and get a reservation!). It’s very pricey but also makes it very easy to meet five princesses. The meal starts with an all you can eat, self-serve appetizer bar which makes it hard to save room for the delicious main course and of course their dessert platter.
Watch the Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After night show – This show integrates video projection on Cinderella’s castle with fireworks in the background. Everything is perfectly timed and leaves you in awe at the end of the day. This twenty-minute show alone is worth the price of admission. The Animal Kingdom’s more peaceful night show is their second favorite show.

ESTES PARK, COLORADO – If you love the mountains and being outdoors, Ashley Beekman highly recommends visiting Estes Park in Colorado! Since Ashley had never seen the mountains, she and her husband decided to road trip to see them for their honeymoon. They loved it so much that they’ve returned every year since! They continue to explore different areas of Colorado including Colorado Springs, Golden, Denver, Loveland, and Grand Lake.

These are Ashley’s three favorite activities from their Colorado vacations:

Rocky Mountain National Park – She recommends driving up Trail Ridge Road (“a highway to the sky”) where you will experience the Rocky Mountains and all its wonders slowly making your way up into the tundra and reaching its highest points of 12,183 feet elevation. There is also hiking galore within the park and is where they spend a vast majority of their time while visiting Estes Park.
Red Rock Amphitheatre – A short trip down the mountains from Estes Park is Morrison, Colorado, just outside of Denver. This site is commonly used for its beautiful acoustics, hosting several concerts a year. While the Beekmans haven’t witnessed a concert there yet, she still recommends checking out this spot for the views and a good workout. She and her husband enjoy running each aisle to add a little spice to their sightseeing.
Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods — This is the perfect combination to enjoy all in a day. Ashley recommends starting your day off experiencing negative thirty-degree wind chills at Pikes Peak and then continuing down to Garden of the Gods with a beautiful fifty degrees and sunny hike. She recommends packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at Garden of the Gods and the fried donut and hot chocolate at Pikes Peak.

CLEVELAND, OHIO – If you’re a major Indians fan like Amanda Enochs, Cleveland might seem like an obvious pick for your next vacation! But even if your MLB ties lie with another team, Amanda believes Cleveland is worth checking out.

Her favorite things to do in Cleveland include:

Watching a baseball game at Progressive Field – Amanda’s a long-time Cleveland Indians fan, but even if you don’t root for them, you’re likely to enjoy checking out this baseball field.
Take a hike – Amanda recommends checking out the trails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Check out unique sights like Beaver Marsh and Brandywine Falls.
Visit the Christmas Story House & Museum – Did you know you can tour the home from “A Christmas Story” while in Cleveland? Check out original props, costumes, and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of behind-the-scene photos from the movie.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO – If you’re looking to leave your cares behind, kick back, and relax, then Kaity’s got the place for you. Kaity’s favorite vacation destination is out of the country and the place she and her husband went to for their honeymoon: Riu Palace Pacifico in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She loved this vacation because it was all inclusive, her first time out of the country, and her first time seeing the ocean.

Here are three activities Kaity recommends if you visit Puerto Vallarta:

Stay at Riu Palace Pacifico – This all-inclusive resort features two buffets and three themed restaurants. Each night, the resort has a different theme and entertainment.
Relax at the pool or beach -– Kaity says Riu Palace has a nice sized pool with a swim up bar and beach front. The resort hosts different activities around the pool, including water aerobics. In addition to the pool, be sure to spend some time relaxing and napping on the beach!
Go on an extreme adventure – Kaity and her husband did an extreme excursion which included zip lining, dune buggy rides, net climbing, and rope walking and highly recommend any of these activities for a change of scenery from relaxing at the resort.

GALENA, ILLINOIS – If you’re looking for a closer getaway, Galena is a fun destination to check out and a favorite spot for Erica Guinane. She and her husband went here in the summer of 2016 for a weekend getaway. They enjoyed exploring the town and gorgeous surrounding countryside.

Erica recommends checking these things out if you find yourself in Galena:

Check out the local shops – Galena is home to tons of cute and unique little shops! Shops like Galena Canning Company where you can sample their sauces, dips, and more before choosing which one to purchase and Galena’s Kandy Kitchen are sure to keep all members of your family happy during this shopping day out. However, Erica’s favorite shop is Choclat’, a homemade chocolate and fudge shop. She recommends trying their truffles!
Visit the Belvedere – Galena is home to several historic sites, including the home of President Ulysses S. Grant, but Erica’s top historic site to visit is the Belvedere. This 1857 Italian mansion overlooks the river and features green drapes from Gone With the Wind!
Have dinner at Vinny Vanucchi’s Little Italy – Erica says there’s tons of great restaurants and cafes to enjoy in Galena, but her favorite is the eggplant parmesan at Vinny Vanucchi’s Little Italy!

FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA – Heather Pilcher’s family loves being outdoors by the water, which is why Fort Myers is their favorite place to vacation! This beautiful beach destination faces the Gulf of Mexico and offers a variety of activities to make this vacation a memorable one.

Heather’s favorite Fort Myers activities include:

Visiting Sanibel Island – Home to 250 kinds of shells, 230 kinds of birds, and 15 miles of beaches, you’re bound to enjoy your time walking around this beautiful island. Heather and her family especially enjoy looking for seashells and visiting the lighthouse.
Take a jet ski dolphin tour – This fun tour with Holiday Water Sports takes you around the south side of the island where you can see dolphins, fish, manatees, and a wide variety of birds, all while driving your own jet ski!
Explore Lover’s Key State Park– This Florida State Park offers plenty to explore. Take a hike, look for shells, and go for a swim in the ocean! While you’re here, you’re likely to see a variety of wildlife. In fact, Heather’s family has seen dolphins, manatees, jellyfish, and lots of birds during their time here.

So there you have it! If you end up visiting one of these places for your summer vacation, be sure to email us about it and send us a photo! We’d love to hear about your trip and hope that wherever you vacation to next, you make lots of great memories!

Is My Lower Back Pain Dangerous?

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

You probably know that lower back pain is common. Despite that fact, experiencing it for the first time can be an extremely painful and scary experience. And when pain strikes, it’s hard to know how serious to take it and what’s the best next step to take to resolve it.

If you’re dealing with low back pain, take a deep breath because lower back pain is rarely dangerous. In fact, in most cases the incident will go away on its own, at least for a while. Almost always, lower back pain, even if it’s accompanied by periodic numbness and tingling into the leg, is simply a mechanical irritation due to some type of physical stress (i.e. compression or tension) on a sensitive tissue in the lower back.

Only rarely is lower back pain caused by a serious problem. So let’s talk about the warning signs and particular symptoms associated with the rare instances of serious problems:

Unexplained weight loss, physical weakness, and/or pain that worsens at night. These symptoms may be the result of a tumor around the spine.

Difficulty with bowel or bladder function. In extremely rare cases, lower back problems can cause numbness in the buttocks region and difficulty with excretory functions, which can signify potential damage to the nerves in the tailbone area.

Pain radiating into the legs accompanied by difficulty with muscle function in the leg. Pain, numbness, and tingling into the leg may result when a nerve gets pinched at the lower back. In most cases, effective physical therapy treatment can reduce the pressure and eliminate those symptoms. However, if you experience difficulty moving the foot or leg, the degree of pressure is advanced and requires more medical examination.

Fever or chills. These types of symptoms can occur when you experience a spinal infection, another extremely rare condition.

If you experience lower back pain – even if it is severe – you don’t need to fret. Pain relief and a return to full function are the absolute most common outcomes. The quicker you eliminate the stress on the painful tissue, the sooner you can feel better, so seek out the expert help of lower back pain experts, like your friends at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, at the first onset of pain.

We’re offering this FREE Back Pain Screen Day event on:

Thursday, June 14 from 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Kinetic Edge in Ames – 4700 Mortensen Road, Suite 101

Kinetic Edge in Des Moines – 516 3rd Street, Suite 100

Kinetic Edge in Pella – 604 Liberty Street, Suite 227

How do you reserve a time for the Back Pain Screen Day?

Email us or call our office to schedule a time using our toll-free number, 866-588-0230. Don’t hesitate to sign up. Space is limited as we only have 15 time slots.

The biggest predictor of lower back pain in the future is a past experience with lower back pain. So, even if you’re not experiencing lower back pain currently but have dealt with it in the past, you’d likely benefit from the help of a knowledgeable physical therapist who can find and fix the issues that contribute to the pain. Fixing those root problems will reduce the likelihood that your lower back pain will return.

If you’re ready to fix the root problems of your low back pain, give us a call at 866-588-0230 to schedule a free 20 minute back pain screen today.

Does a Rotator Cuff Tear Require Surgery?

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Shoulder pain is a common problem. If you have experienced shoulder pain, you are most certainly not alone. Shoulder pain is the third most common reason people seek care from us at our five physical therapy clinics, and it is estimated that 70% of the population will experience shoulder pain at some point in their lifetime.

Rotator cuff problems are the most common reason for shoulder pain, and these problems can range from simple inflammation to a rotator cuff tear.

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that originate from the shoulder blade. The tendons of these muscles come together to form a “cuff” around the shoulder, which is a ball and socket joint. Though it is known as the rotator cuff, which is appropriate because these muscles help to create shoulder rotation motions, its most common and important function is to properly position the large ball on the small socket of the shoulder.

If you experience rotator cuff problems, you are most likely to feel the pain when you are reaching. It is during this function that the rotator cuff may have difficulty controlling the position of the ball on the socket, which can result in pressure on sensitive tissues, causing pain on the front of the shoulder and radiating down the outside of your upper arm.

Many of you are likely to have dealt with this problem, and some of you have probably underwent diagnostic testing. If you are in the group of people who have been found to have a rotator cuff tear, it can be a scary experience.

Can a rotator cuff tear heal on its own? That’s a good question. If the tear is minor, healing can occur. However, if the tear has advanced, this tissue is unlikely to fully repair itself spontaneously.

So, does that mean that I must have rotator cuff surgery? The answer to that question is an emphatic “no!” A research study published in the January 2014 edition of the Bone and Joint Journal analyzed the results obtained by 167 subjects with nontraumatic (i.e. gradual wear and tear) rotator cuff tears, and the authors found that physical therapy alone produces results equal to those produced by both arthroscopic surgery and open surgical repair. In fact, the researchers indicated that “conservative treatment should be considered the primary treatment for this condition.”

Another thing to keep in mind is that finding a problem with an MRI can be misleading. These types of diagnostic tests are very sensitive but not very specific, which means that an MRI may be showing you something that is not even related to your current complaints.

Let me give you some details about what I mean about that:

A study by Tempelhof et al (1999) revealed that 23% of people with pain-free shoulders had a rotator cuff tear. Newer research indicates that 35-40% of healthy people – people with no shoulder pain – have rotator cuff tears, and this number rises to 2/3 of people age 70 and above.
Recent research indicates that more than 1/3 of people who undergo a successful rotator cuff surgery still have a rotator cuff tear. 16% still have partial tears and 20% still have complete tears.

Why get a surgery to fix something that many pain-free people also have? The goal is to improve the movement and reduce the pain – to feel better and function better – not fix the rotator cuff, and this can occur without going under the knife.

If you are one of the many dealing with shoulder pain, it is important to seek the help of a competent physical therapist who understands pain management, manual therapy, appropriate education and exercise interventions, and the functional role of the shoulder complex. Using modalities to rid the shoulder of pain may be helpful, but that focus alone is not complete. To feel better and function better, your shoulder specialist must understand the entire functional chain including the shoulder, the shoulder blade, the thoracic spine and even the hips.

Suffer with pain no more! Get the answers you need to correct the real problem, and stop spending loads of money on things that won’t provide any benefit. We invite you to call our office at (866)-588-0230 and schedule a FREE INJURY SCREEN to find out if your shoulder can benefit from the expertise we offer. We’d love to help you get results, save money, and experience a great 2018 free of shoulder pain!

New Year Reflections

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Another year has passed, and I find myself being a bit nostalgic once again. I have been a part of the Kinetic Edge team for over 16 years now. That’s quite an accomplishment for a guy whose first two physical therapy jobs lasted less than a year each!

We are rounding the corner on our 20^th year as an organization. I continue to wonder if the next year will slow up, but that hasn’t been the case yet! Here are a few of our favorite memories and accomplishments at Kinetic Edge in 2017.

Two New Clinic Spaces

Since we opened the Oskaloosa clinic in 2006, we had operated in a space on the east side of town. That location and its 2,100 square feet served us well for eleven years, but it was clear that our growth there required additional space. We were happy to acquire space on the west side of town. This 3,500-square foot location underwent a complete gut job, and we moved into brand new digs in February. Believe it or not, we’re already contemplating adding another 1,000 SF to facilitate the growth that has already occurred there since moving in.

Similar to our situation in Oskaloosa, we had been in one building in Newton since we joined that community in 2007. We partnered with a local real estate investor to build and finish a new clinic in the heart of town along Business Highway 6 and moved into the 4,000-square foot facility in October. Our team there is loving the large and open gym space with high ceilings, in addition to private treatment rooms and a pediatric therapy space. Since our move, business has already increased another 20%!

Growth in the Mission

As an established business of nearly 20 years, projecting substantial growth from year to year can be a difficult proposition. You may remember that in 2016 we had 45% growth in client visits and 17% growth in consulting business compared to the previous year, which required us to add 7 team members. Is that sustainable for a clinic our age?

Amazingly, it has been. With a heavy focus on providing quality care and developing deep relationships, telling our story effectively with excellent marketing campaigns, and living out a commitment to generosity, we again experienced substantial growth in 2017. Our overall growth this year was 23% compared to 2016, and each clinic experienced no less than 15% growth. Our greatest progress occurred in Des Moines where we achieved a 40% increase in therapy visits compared to 2016. And the new clinic space helped us achieve 28% growth in Oskaloosa and 24% growth in Newton. These numbers are exciting to us because it means we are achieving our mission of transforming lives and restoring hope through movement in more people’s live than ever!

Growth in Team Members

Jared Gerber, PT, DPT joined the team in January of 2017. After originally sharing time between Oskaloosa and Newton, he has settled into a full-time role in Newton.
Kaity Hall, PT, DPT, ATC was added to the Des Moines clinic team in May of 2017.
Emily Norton graduated from Drake University in May and immediately began working in our corporate office as a Marketing Strategist and Analyst, and because of her we can now say that we have a marketing team!
Whitney Vander Veen, PT, DPT, ATC became our first physical therapist that specializes in serving pediatric clients. She began in May as Whitney Steingard sharing time between Oskaloosa and Pella. After recently transitioning to a Vander Veen (she married a local chiropractor in Oskaloosa), she now serves both pediatric and adult clients in our Oskaloosa clinic.
Casey Negrete, PT, DPT joined our Ames team in August after graduating from Trine University. We are thankful for growth in the Ames market that made this addition a necessity.
Stacy Crouse joined our front desk team in Oskaloosa in September to help support all of the growth happening there.
Jordan Bell, OTR/L is our most recent addition. She began serving pediatric clients in our new Newton pediatric space just after Thanksgiving.

In addition to these new team members, we are currently searching for additional physical therapists and/or assistants in Oskaloosa, Newton, and Pella.

Hasta Luego for Joel Watters

With mixed emotions, we said goodbye (or at least see you later) to Physical Therapist Joel Watters at the end of the summer. After five enjoyable years with Kinetic Edge, Joel and his family embarked upon a new journey as missionaries in Costa Rica. It has been fun getting letters and emails from him to learn about how God is using their family in this new calling.

Functional Training for All Team Members

In October, Kinetic Edge closed the clinic and invited all of our providers to Pella for a two-day learning event. We hosted Michael Kane, PT, a functional movement specialist to train us to use the 3D Movement Analysis and Performance System (3DMAPS). Now every therapist, assistant, and athletic trainer at Kinetic Edge has the advanced training and expertise to identify and correct functional movement deficiencies, which helps our clients get better faster.

New Services Offered

With the additional space in Oskaloosa, we are now able to provide specialty pediatric physical therapy and medical fitness services. Likewise, in Newton we have increased our services to include pediatric occupational therapy and medical fitness services. Recently, Lauren Saehler, PT, DPT received Astym training, which means that all five our clinic sites now offer Astym as a treatment option for tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and other stubborn tendon and connective tissue ailments.

Free Screens

We believe that choosing a physical therapist or occupational therapist is a big decision. You don’t buy a car or a house sight unseen. You research this decision. You take a test drive or go through a home tour. That’s the wise thing to do, but medical providers operating in the insurance world often lose sight of these realities. We at Kinetic Edge do not.

Because we offer a service that requires mutual trust and clear communication, we want to give our potential clients the opportunity to test drive our clinic and take a free tour. Only then should you be comfortable making a decision about whether an investment in our team is a wise one. In 2017 we offered well over 350 free screens throughout our five clinic locations, and we hope to offer many more of these no-cost, no-obligation services as the years go on.

Charitable Contributions

As a team that exists to transform lives and restore hope, we realize that there are many other local organizations that fulfill the same purpose using their unique passions and gifts. In 2017, we consciously increased our focus on being a generous organization to partner with others who share a similar vision. We were blessed and humbled to provide over $75,000 in donations to non-profit organizations in 2017 through our Christmas giving program, which included a $1,000 challenge for every team member. If you would like to read more about that challenge, you can find that story on our blog. We also donated around $5,000 through our Join the Movement referral program in which we donate $20 every time a previous client refers a friend or family member our way.

Merchant of the Year Award

The Capital Striders Running Club promotes and encourages running, physical fitness, and amateur sport in the Des Moines area, and Kinetic Edge has offered free injury screens and Runner’s Edge Assessments to help members enhance running comfort and performance. Recently we began sponsoring a $1,200 scholarship, which is awarded to a student that loves running and has achieved scholastically, on behalf of Capital Striders. In 2017 our Des Moines clinic was honored by Capital Striders as the Merchant of the Year!

Upcoming 20^th Anniversary

Our business began in December of 1998. Throughout the years, from our transition from Work Systems P.C. to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, our focus has not changed. We are excited to spend the entire 2018 year reflecting on the adventure that has occurred and preparing to celebrate those 20 years together with those that have made it possible. We couldn’t have done it without you, so thank you for your support over the years. We are looking forward to the 20^th year being our best year ever!

KINETIC EDGE DONATES $37,000 FOR EMPLOYEE’S HOLIDAY BONUSES

by Lindsey Klyn, Marketing Specialist

After experiencing another year of growth in 2017, Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy decided to surprise their team members with a non-traditional holiday bonus. On November 21, CEO Troy Vander Molen emailed the entire company that they wanted to continue to act on their vision of creating communities of healthy, happy, and hope-filled people by investing in local nonprofits in a tangible way. He wrote on to share that each employee was to select a local charity that they wanted to bless with a $1,000 donation.

“Our team was so enthusiastic about taking part,” shared CEO and Physical Therapist Troy Vander Molen. “Some even cried happy tears as they shared who they wanted to support. It was incredibly fulfilling to help our team spread happiness and hope to the people they serve and to support their unique passions and gifts.”

Kinetic Edge employs 37 individuals amongst their five clinic locations in Pella, Des Moines, Oskaloosa, Newton, and Ames. Each team member selected one charity to receive a $1,000 donation in their honor.

Pella Team

Physical Therapist and Clinic Manager Melissa Hansen chose Marion County Humane Society. (http://www.marioncountyhumane.org/) They adopted their dog, Riley, two years ago from Marion County who has been the perfect dog for their family. She loved giving to this organization that cares for animals before they go to their forever home.

Occupational Therapy Assistant and Athletic Trainer Ashley Beekman picked InterVarsity. (https://intervarsity.org/) Her close friend, Julia Flaherty, works for this organization.

Health & Injury Management & Prevention Coordinator Dustin Briggs chose the New Sharon Fire and Rescue Assosciation. (http://www.newsharoniowa.com/fire/ Dustin has been a member of this department for ten years and shared that they recently purchased a new ambulance so this donation went to help offset those costs.

Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk and Physical Therapist John Lenderink both selected Pella Christian Grade School. (http://www.pellachristian.net/) Upon hearing of the $2,000 donation, the school decided to use the funds to purchase supplies for their sensory room.

Athletic Trainer Erica Guinane decided to donate to Launching Arrows (https://www.facebook.com/launchingarrows/) which is an organization designed to keep students involved in school and the community without being held back due to finances.

Office Assistant Lisa Vos chose the Pella Christian High School band. (https://sites.google.com/a/pceagles.org/pella-christian-bands/) She knew there was a growing need for musical instruments due to a growing number of band students. They specifically needed another marching snare drum, so her donation went to purchase one.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Travis Ethen donated to Bethany Christian Services (https://www.bethany.org/pella) because he’s seen a lot of kids who have been adopted and feels passionate about providing support and assistance to these kids and their new families.

Des Moines Team

Physical Therapist and Clinic Manager Todd Schemper has a friend who works for Freedom for Youth. (https://www.freedomforyouth.org/) Todd has been blessed by their mission and efforts to help at risk young people to get out of poverty and learn life skills which is why he chose to send his donation to them.

Physical Therapist Kaity Hall chose the Puppy Jake Foundation (http://www.puppyjakefoundation.org/) which is an organization that gets and trains service dogs for veterans.

Physical Therapist Assistant James Laughlin selected United Way’s Hope Initiative. (https://www.unitedwaydm.org/hope) This program helps single parent families to develop skills, foster independence, and provide health and human services.

Office Assistant Abi Weidemann picked Timber Creek Charities and Therapies. (http://www.timbercreektherapies.com/) They do a lot of aquatic and hippotherapy because they work with a lot of patients that have had brain injuries, strokes, and then also kids with autism. They see a lot of patients long term, so they hold fundraisers every year to provide scholarships to patients whose insurance coverage has ran out but still would greatly benefit from continuing therapy. Her aunt has volunteered with them for years and has witnessed and shared how many families have been blessed by the scholarships that help with therapy costs.

Oskaloosa Team

Physical Therapist and Clinic Manager Carol Kelderman selected Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mahaska County (https://www.facebook.com/BBBSMahaska/) because she was a “big sister” while attending the University of Iowa. Being a big sister was a great experience for her, and she was able to impact the life of a young girl who had been through some trials. She’s excited that a mentorship program was recently started in Mahaska County and that she could support it with this donation.

Front Office Support Callie Arnold chose her mom’s fifth grade class at Oskaloosa Elementary (https://www.oskycsd.org/elementary/) after continually being inspired by the way she impacts the lives of children. The $1,000 donation will go to purchase science equipment and busy chairs which help kids burn energy so they can stay better focused during class.

Physical Therapist Cory Horstmann picked to support the American Legion in Oskaloosa. (https://www.facebook.com/Harry-L-Anderson-American-Legion-Post-34-1183469308345908/) Cory has a passion and appreciation for veterans and feels they don’t always get the resources, admiration, and respect they deserve when they come back home.

Physical Therapist Derrick Simms chose the Oskaloosa NEST Program (https://oskyhope.wordpress.com/category/new-hope-programs/) which helps improve the health of pregnant women and their babies. They provide educational classes on various topics related to pregnancy, childbirth, infant care, and parenting.

Physical Therapist Assistant Dustin Sloan heard that Stephens Memorial Animal Shelter (http://www.stephenmemorial.org/) had a funding cut recently, so he selected to help them out with this donation.

Physical Therapist Assistant Heather Pilcher chose Seida Community Action of Mahaska County. (https://www.sieda.org/) She likes how Seida addresses the causes and conditions of poverty in her community.

Athletic Trainer Laura Norberg gave to the Oskaloosa Athletics Booster Club. (http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=oskaloosaindianboosterclub) As the athletic trainer for Oskaloosa High, the athletes and parents of the school have a special place in her heart. Every little bit helps them succeed in sports, so she was thrilled to provide this monetary support for their athletes.

Office Assistant Marjie Rinehart selected the second grad class at Oskaloosa Elementary where the $1,000 donation will be used for their new math program since they had to get new curriculum this year. (https://www.oskycsd.org/elementary/)

Office Assistant Stay Crouse has a daughter with special needs, so choosing Oskaloosa Middle School’s Special Education Department was an easy choice. (https://www.oskycsd.org/news/1697076/ohs-special-education-program-receives-donation) She has been impressed by the work this group does and how wonderful they’ve been with her daughter.

Physical Therapist Whitney Vander Veen chose Launching Arrows because she has a passion for working with children and promoting movement and activity in their lives. (https://www.facebook.com/launchingarrows/) Launching Arrows has chosen to tackle this challenge in various ways and works to provide activities for kids of all ages and abilities.

Newton Team

Physical Therapist and Clinic Manager Matt Scotton chose Jasper Community Foundation’s St. Nick’s Christmas Club. (https://www.facebook.com/St-Nicks-Christmas-Club-157851124250363/) He was excited to donate to them at this time of year since they identify families in the county with financial need and help provide Christmas presents for their kids.

Athletic Trainer Amanda Enochs chose CTE Hope, which was founded by one of her college professors. (https://ctehope.com/) This non-profit was created to honor Zac Easter, an Indianola High School football player who suffered with CTE after multiple concussions, and asked his family and friends raise awareness about the danger of concussions, and to share his story

Physical Therapist Jared Gerber opted to donate to Discover Hope 517 because it follows Kinetic Edge’s model of giving hope to those who might not have much. (http://www.discoverhope517.org/) This Christian ministry in Newton works with individuals who have struggled with substance abuse to provide them hope and a new purpose in life.

Occupational Therapist Jordan Bell selected the Pregnancy Center of Central Iowa because of her passion for kids. (https://www.pcciowa.org/) This organization focuses on educating parents to raise strong and healthy kids. Through education programs, parents earn “money” to spend on essentials for their new babies and young children, lessening the financial burden of raising an often unexpected child.

Physical Therapist Lauren Saehler picked Puppy Jake Foundation. (http://www.puppyjakefoundation.org/) She likes how, like Kinetic Edge, they restore health, happiness, and hope through service dogs. These animals provide a unique avenue to improve the mobility and independence of our veterans.

Office Assistant Susan Metz chose Willowbrook Adult Day Care. (https://www.wesleylife.org/memory-care/adult-day-centers/willowbrook-adult-day-center.aspx) She shared how this organization was a God-send for her family when both her mother & mother-in-law needed to use them so they could go to work.

Ames Team

Physical Therapist and Clinic Manager Tim Vander Wilt chose Food at First in Ames. (https://foodatfirst.wordpress.com/) This organization feeds the homeless and less fortunate in Ames. He knows of some families in his children’s schools that benefit directly from these meals. He believes that kids shouldn’t go hungry, and this organization provides for these families that are less fortunate.

Physical Therapist Casey Negrete helped with several Habitat for Humanity projects and has seen the impact it has made on people, so he opted to give his donation to Habitat for Humanity. (http://www.hfhci.org/)

Office Assistant and Athletic Trainer Rachel Johnson selected Butterfly Freedom House which is a non-profit that some women in her church helped create. (https://www.butterflyfreedomhouse.org/) This home serves women who have recently been released from prison and want to grow in their relationship with God. The Butterfly Freedom House provides a safe place, healthy environment, and support system that allows these women to adjust back to a normal life style.

Corporate Team

CEO and Physical Therapist Troy Vander Molen decided to send his donation to The Well. (http://thewelliowa.org/) Like Kinetic Edge, The Well is an organization devoted to “offering help and hope.” He felt that supporting local people who are struggling was a great way to positively influence the community within which he lives. He sees The Well as company like Kinetic Edge that shows rays of hope but in a different way.

Customer Care Coordinator Kayla Landhuis chose a new charity she volunteers with called VegLife Des Moines. (http://veglifedesmoines.org/) VegLife is dedicated to making it easier for vegan living in the Des Moines area, which is something Kayla is passionate about.

Marketing Specialist Emily Norton chose the Food Bank of Iowa. (https://www.foodbankiowa.org/) She knows that just one dollar goes along way in providing food for people in Iowa, so she was excited to provide $1,000 to help them keep food on their shelves for people in Iowa who need it.

Assistant Office Manager Kimmy Van Zee loves the Knoxville Races, so it came as no surprise when she selected the Knoxville Racing Charitable Organization as the recipient for her donation. (https://www.knoxvilleraceway.com/Pages/Driver-Support) They provide additional safety equipment for both the drivers who race at Knoxville Raceway and their sprint cars. As a fan, it was important to her to support KRCO and what they do to keep drivers safe.

Marketing Specialist Lindsey Klyn chose to donate to the youth programs at Federated Fellowship after spending the past three years volunteering there. (https://www.federatedfellowship.org/) She’s passionate about sharing Jesus with kids and is excited to help the youth pastor select a curriculum that will engage the students and teach them more about Christ.

Office and Billing Manager Renae Oppenhuizen selected Pella Historical Society. (https://www.pellahistorical.org/) Renae is a passionate Pella resident and loves what this organization does to keep the Dutch heritage alive and well in her hometown.

Kinetic Edge’s goal is to be a generous organization, as one of their core values states, “A healthy business is one that consistently demonstrates trust, value, and generosity.” This holiday bonus donation reflects only a portion of the donations their company gave away.

In addition to the $1,000 holiday donation bonus, the company chose to donate $20,000 to the Fields for our Future in Pella which is a recreational complex that strengthens and unites the youth, families, and community by providing an exciting, safe, and high-quality sports park. Each clinic also chose how to donate an additional $3,500 to their communities outside of their team member’s selections.

“There are so many reasons I’m proud to be on the Kinetic Edge team, but one of the reasons I most love working for this company is because of the Christian commitment and leadership,” shared Marketing Specialist Lindsey Klyn “The owners’ generous choice to share the success we experienced this past year with us and our communities shows their character and true commitment to our mission and vision.”

Kinetic Edge is excited for what’s in store for 2018 and hopes to experience even more growth so that they can continue to give back to transform more lives throughout their communities.

—

Kinetic Edge has clinics in Pella, Des Moines, Oskaloosa, Newton, and Ames and consults throughout the state of Iowa and beyond. Their services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, worker performance, athletic training, pediatric therapy, and medical fitness.

For more information, please visit www.kineticedgept.com.

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

If you grew up in my day and age, you might associate “snap, crackle, pop” with the breakfast cereal Rice Krispies. Now, being the age that I am, I’m also beginning to associate that phrase with the sound I make when I move, cracking your neck!

Since the dawn of creation, our bodies’ biggest enemies have been time and gravity. As a result of a generation of technological advancements, humans today are being impacted by time and gravity in new and different (and more substantial) ways. Think of the postures encouraged by hours at computer workstations and on our smartphones.

As a physical therapist, I’ve had many clients say that they feel like something needs to be cracked to loosen it up. Usually, my clients are referring to a pain and stiffness somewhere in their spine. The release that occurs with spinal manipulation can be perceived by certain individuals as bringing instant pain relief.

The medical term for the noise you hear when a joint pops is joint cavitation. Within each joint, there is fluid that acts as a cushion for the joint. When movement occurs at the joint, a vacuum is created, and the joint pops as fluid rushes back into the joint cavity. This phenomenon can occur either spontaneously by an individual or intentionally by a licensed medical professional like a physical therapist or chiropractor.

In my experience as a physical therapist, it is most common for people with a stiff neck to seek a quick answer to their problem, but is a “snap, crackle, pop” of the neck a safe and effective thing to do? Will it cause arthritis? Could it be potentially hazardous? Is cracking your neck all it’s cracked up to be?

First, let’s discuss the impact of joint popping on arthritis or joint damage. A 2011 study by deWeber et al published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found no correlation between knuckle cracking and osteoarthritis. That does not mean that there are no effects from cracking a joint. Dr. Pedro Beredjiklian, Chief of Hand and Wrist Surgery at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, PA, indicates that cracking a joint loosens “both its capsule and the surrounding ligaments. And the looser those components become, the more easily your joint will pop.” In other words, the more you crack your neck, the more you’ll feel the need to crack your neck.

Sometimes you’ll hear horror stories of possible major concerns with spinal manipulation of the neck (i.e. cervical spine). For example, from time to time you’ll hear about a person experiencing a stroke after receiving joint manipulation of the upper neck. While a stroke is a very bad outcome, studies indicate one will occur in as little as one in 6 million upper cervical manipulations. So not only is it a highly unlikely occurrence as a side effect, but also in most cases, it’s entirely preventable when well-trained health care professionals do the appropriate testing before cervical manipulation.

There are people who respond very favorably to cervical manipulation. Dr. Jeff Moore, DPT, a physical therapist and educator in manual therapy techniques, describes that there is a major relay station in the neck that consists of nerves that travel between the head and neck. If you experience one-sided headache pain with neck pain or stiffness, and your symptoms tend to get worse in an upright posture, you are likely to respond well to a manipulation of that region.

Why is that benefit experienced? A review article by JG Pickar in a 2013 edition of the Spine Journal explains the positive effects of spinal manipulation. Techniques that result in “cracking” of the neck create a stimulation can dampen the experience of pain through something known as the gate control theory.

Think of it this way. Imagine you stubbed your toe, a minor but definitely painful experience. Now imagine that you experience another more significant injury, like a broken arm. For a while, you may totally forget about your stubbed toe because the new and more substantial stimulus overrides the original less significant problem. In a similar way, the neurological response to spinal manipulation can momentarily override the pain signals and reduce the pain experience.

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, we believe that spinal manipulation can be a beneficial treatment option for some people, because the current evidence supports its use in specific situations. In fact, the most recent research has shown that exercise and manual therapy together is better at reducing pain and enhancing function than exercise or manual therapy alone. In other words, if you crack your neck it can effectively treat a symptom immediately, but it doesn’t solve the root problem.

It is also important to note that spinal manipulation is just one of many types of manual treatment options. To get long-term benefit, the manual treatment doesn’t need to be a manipulation, and it must be combined with a more comprehensive assessment that helps you understand why this area of your spine feels tight.

The best benefits of manual therapy come when the treatment is specifically applied. Each joint has a particular design, so the degree and direction of movement matters. That’s why treatment from a trained professional is much more effective (and safe) than self-treatment.

So, is it OK if you crack your neck? If done infrequently, it is probably harmless, but if you find yourself needing to do it more and more, seek professional help from a physical therapist trained in manual treatment techniques. It is likely a symptom caused by inefficient posture, which can accumulate into a more significant problem over time, and a thorough assessment will take into account all the factors that contribute to the pain.

If it hurts to crack your neck, don’t do it! In most cases, no pain occurs when you produce a sound, which means that the tissue involved is most likely to be a soft tissue. However, noises accompanied by pain may indicate joint surface damage, and further assessment by a medical professional is warranted.

If you’ve experienced periodic neck pain and would like to “test drive” our well-trained physical therapists, just call 866-588-0230 to schedule a free screen. For no cost and with no obligation, you might just get the answer you need to solve the root problem once and for all, and you can say good-bye to your personal Rice Krispies!

Call now to get more help with your neck problems

1-866-588-0230

Did you know that it is scientifically proven that the trait of gratitude is one of the top three strengths that predicts well-being? We challenged our team members to share something special they’re thankful for this year. Here’s what they had to say:

This year, I am very thankful for my wife. After spending a lot of time in separate parts of the US over the past few years, it is awesome to just be together. She makes me laugh, is more patient with me than I deserve, forces me to get up and workout in the morning, and encourages me when I am down. I am very thankful to have her as my best friend and the best teammate for life I could have asked for.

– Physical Therapist Jared Gerber

I am so thankful for my wife Denise and our three wonderful children. God has blessed us immensely. The picture is from the Wonderfully Made Family Camp we went to this past summer at Hidden Acres. We are looking forward to connecting with other families with kids with special needs again next summer at camp!

– Physical Therapist Todd Schemper

I am thankful for my parents! Let’s face it, without them I wouldn’t be here. They have taught me more life lessons than I can name. I know they are only a phone call away for advice or just to talk about my day. Thanks for all you do, I couldn’t have asked for better parents!

– Physical Therapist Melissa Hansen

Where to begin – I have been blessed, amazed, blown away, and overly grateful for family and friends on numerous accounts in just this month of November. As Mike and I have been preparing for our wedding day over the past few months we have been continuously reminded of how thankful we are for our parents. We have both been blessed in more ways that we can even name from the effort our parent’s put forth in raising us in loving, supportive, Christian homes. As Mike and I begin this new journey of marriage together – we can only hope to follow in our parents’ footsteps as we build a Christian foundation together to prepare for a future family of our own. Whether we need love, laughs, lectures, or advice on life – our parents are always there for us and we could not be more blessed.

– Physical Therapist Whitney Vander Veen

I am thankful for my parents. They have instilled in me a desire to work hard and serve others by the example they set. I realize how fortunate I am to have been raised by them.

– Physical Therapist Tim Vander Wilt

I thank God daily for my husband, Eric, who is my rock and truly a blessing from God. I am also thankful that God gave me my children, Aracelli and Andrew. They have taught me how to love unconditionally. It has been amazing watching them grow and mature and become awesome little people.

– Physical Therapist Assistant Heather Pilcher

As I look back on 2017, I am especially grateful for a good, old fashioned road trip my family took to Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons. We were stunned by the beauty of God’s creation while enjoying our time together with very few distractions of technology (which was an added bonus)! It was time spent together that will be cherished forever!

– Elise Spronk, Occupational Therapist

I’m grateful for the the title of Auntie this year. On July 21, we welcomed our nephew Grant to the Klyn family, and exactly three weeks later, my sister shared the exciting news that they were expecting as well. This is the first baby on my side of the family, and we are all looking forward to meeting him/her come March. Three of my closest friends also welcomed a baby this year or will soon. It’s been so special getting to venture alongside the journey of pregnancy and motherhood with some of the women I respect and admire most. I’m so grateful for the ways they’ve let me share in their excitement, their struggles, and their children’s lives with the role of Aunt Lindsey – even if that wasn’t earned by blood.

– Marketing Specialist Lindsey Klyn

I am incredibly thankful for family and friends who are like family. We have enjoyed adventures, navigated new stages of life and experienced so many blessings this year!

– Physical Therapist Carol Kelderman

I’ve never felt guided by God as much as I have this year. I took a leap of faith and left a job I loved and had been at for almost 12 years to stay home with my daughter for the summer. Within two weeks of leaving that job, my daughter had emergency surgery to replace her VP shunt. Within a couple weeks of that surgery she was back for another emergency surgery to have it replaced yet again. I was so thankful that I could stay by her side the entire time and not have to worry about anything else. As the summer came to an end and Delaney was feeling much better, I knew I should look for a job again. I had an offer for a job where I would work nights and was seriously considering it when unexpectedly Carol brought up the possibility of working for Kinetic Edge. Needless to say, that worked out and I’m so thankful she thought of me for this position. I really enjoy my new work family!

– Office Assistant Stacy Crouse

I am thankful for my family. My family has gone through a magnitude of change and trials during the past year, but have come out stronger together in the end. The biggest thing that my family has gone through during the past year is my mom having cancer, being in remission, and the cancer coming back. Through that time, my family has been a rock and has come together to help each other out during the hard times. Most of all I am thankful for my mom. My mom has been the biggest rock of all. Even though she is the one going to cancer treatment, she is still the most positive, loving, caring, and servant hearted person. She has shown my family how to love everyone, be thankful for the small things in life, and the serve people who are less fortunate than us.

– Athletic Trainer Erica Guinane

I feel like I have so much to be grateful for this year – I’ll stick to my top 3! First and foremost, would be my husband. This year has been fairly eventful and he has been my rock through it all. There is no one else I would rather go through this crazy, beautiful thing called life with! Second, I am grateful for our home. We purchased our first house in March. It has not only been a lot of work, but also a lot of fun being first time homeowners and making our place truly “ours”. Last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for the team and our clients at Kinetic Edge. I am so glad to have joined a wonderful company that enables me to serve, learn, and continue to grow among genuinely great people who value and respect me.

– Physical Therapist Kaity Hall

Typically when asked what I am most thankful for there are many ideas that flood to my brain and I have a difficult time choosing just one! This year it is quite simple. I am so incredibly thankful for my husband, Spencer. Many people know him as a quiet, keep it to himself kind of guy but this is one of his qualities that I admire most about him. He is the calm to my crazy and one of the hardest working men I know. He serves our family and friends with his whole heart and does so with humility. I am so grateful for his love!

– Occupational Therapist and Athletic Trainer Ashley Beekman

I am grateful for my village. You know the people who are always there for you. The ones that will laugh with or at you, cry with you. You can tell them anything and know that they won’t judge you. Give you support when you need it. Bring a meal if needed. Will drop everything to come in an emergency, pray for you or a family member without question. Some of them you may not see for days, weeks or months but nothing ever changes. The unconditional love is still there. This picture is only of few of my village. I am so grateful to have all these people in my corner. God is so good!

– Office Assistant Marjie Rinehart

I am especially thankful that my parents and grandparents who raised me on our century farm in Page County. Through my formative years Byron, Ruby, Ed & Carol Scotton modeled work ethic, community support, and respect for people and nature. In my adult years I am thankful for all the love and support I have received from my immediate and extended family members, as well as the people of all my communities: educational, residential, athletic, faith, and recreational.

– Physical Therapist Matt Scotton

I’m thankful for “The Clan”, which is my sister Sara and our cousins Cory & Kyle. Although we’re cousins, we’ve always considered each other to be more like siblings. (Probably because if we were actually siblings, we would have made our parents go crazy…or crazier than we already did ) Over the years, we’ve been there for each other through highs, lows, and everything in between. Since life has taken us to different parts of Iowa, we’ve had to get creative with ways to see each other. This also makes me thankful for Snapchat, group text messages, and virtual game nights! It also makes our time together that much more special. Within the next 8 months our “Clan” will grow to include Cory’s fiancé Courtney & Kyle’s fiancé Hanna, and I couldn’t be happier to add to these two to our family!

– Assistant Office Manager Kimmy Van Zee

Simple Tips to Care for Your While Caring for a Baby

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Having a baby is such an exciting time of life! And while everybody oo’s and ah’s over the sweet newborn, it’s easy for them to ignore the pain this new mother is going through physically. There are a lot of physical toils for a new mom, but back pain can be one of the most frustrating and unnecessary.

Once a baby is born, most back pain that occurred during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes and joint laxity diminishes within a few weeks. However, caring for a growing infant can put additional stresses on the back. Increases in the baby’s weight, as well as the awkward postures young moms often assume, contribute to the continued risk of back pain after a pregnancy.

The good news is, we have a few simple but very effective tips to help protect a new mom’s (and dad’s) back as she adjusts to caring for her new baby. Let’s take a look at some common challenges, as well as a few simple pointers to help you function and feel better.

Tips for Lifting Your Baby

From the floor: Picking up a small child may seem like a simple task, but the same body mechanic techniques that benefit many people in the workplace also help protect your back when lifting your child. It may seem natural to bend at your waist with straight knees to pick up a child from the floor, the stroller, or their bouncy seat, but that posture can put a lot of tension on the lower back muscles and connective tissues. Instead, widen your stance and bend through the legs. Before you raise from the squat position, bring the baby to your chest, lift your head, and lightly tighten your stomach muscles.

In and out of the crib: Getting your baby into and out of the crib can be very difficult because the crib wall becomes an obstacle. Bending through the hips while keeping a slight inward curve at the lower back can help. Rounding the spine into a c-shape, on the other hand, is more likely to provoke your pain.

In and out of the high chair: The high chair can also be an awkward obstacle to manipulate. Don’t try to slip your child into the narrow space between the seat and the tray. Though it takes a little more time, removing the tray will help you move your baby into and out of the chair without the unnecessary obstruction.

Carrying and Traveling with Your Baby

Placing a car seat in the car with the baby already in the car seat is very difficult. Because the safest spot in the car is the middle of the back seat, reaching forward with that much weight can place a lot of torque on the back. If you are actively experiencing back pain, consider keeping the car seat in the car and moving your baby from the car seat. Don’t reach into the car from outside. Instead, sit on the seat next to the car seat and turn your body towards the car seat to limit twisting of the spine while handling the baby.

If you don’t have back pain and want to keep it that way, you may be able to keep your baby in the car seat. To reduce the leverage associated with reaching the loaded car seat into the middle seat, keep the car seat near and in front of you as you bring it into the car. Move into the back seat by placing at least one knee on the back seat while you move the car seat to the middle position, thereby reducing the distance of the reach. If you have a two-door car model, it may be worth considering trading it in for a four-door model or mini-van.

If you are going to be carrying your baby around, consider placing the baby in a front pack, which keeps the load centered on the spine and pelvis, instead of carrying your child on one hip.

Feeding Your Baby

If you are breastfeeding, poor postures can be a pain in the upper back. Sit in an upright chair with good back support instead of a soft couch (which can feel good for a while but ultimately encourages some poor postures), and place the baby on a pillow or two so that you can bring your baby up to your chest instead of leaning forward to nurse.

If you do experience back pain during or after pregnancy, resist the urge to curl up in bed and rest for long periods of time. The most up-to-date research shows us that staying mobile by moving mindfully is the best way to feel better faster, and prolonged bedrest will delay healing. Being smart but active will allow most back pain episodes to resolve within a few days to a few weeks, and nearly all of these episodes do not require any invasive treatments.

If you find that you don’t have the strength or range of motion to do any of the above lifting motions well, speak with your family physician or obstetrician to find out when you can start exercising again. The activities you do may vary greatly depending upon your pregnancy and the type of delivery you experienced. If you have any questions about appropriate exercise activities, call our office at 866-588-0230 to schedule a brief screen with one of our physical therapists who can help you determine an effective and simple routine. When you are cleared to begin exercise, using your baby’s nap time is a good opportunity to get a few simple activities in… as well as getting a short nap yourself.

*Got any helpful tips or pointers you discovered during your pregnancy? Send us your comments and we’ll share them with our friends on social media!

How God Provided Through Adoption

by Lindsey Klyn, Marketing Specialist at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy

Adoption wasn’t always the plan for Troy and Steph Vander Molen. But after a couple of years of trying to start a family with no success, they started to explore the concept of adoption. They were beginning to seriously consider it, only for Steph to find out she was pregnant shortly after.

This first pregnancy was not without complications though. At her first appointment, the doctor discovered she had an enlarged ovary that would require a second trimester surgery. Steph and the baby made it through the surgery, but the doctor told them that they’d surely have difficulties getting pregnant again after this pregnancy.

On February 12, 2000, the Vander Molens welcomed a healthy baby boy to their family and named him Kade. With the doctor’s speculation in mind, the Vander Molens reached out to Bethany Christian Services to learn more about adoption a couple years later.

“It was then that we first learned about Bethany’s amazing ministry and mission,” shared Troy Vander Molen, CEO of Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. “We felt compelled to move forward, open to untraditional adoptions that may involve children of a different race than us.”

They quickly began the application process when, to their surprise, Steph became pregnant. They told Bethany to put their adoption application on hold, only to have their hearts broken shortly after with the news of a miscarriage around nine weeks. Months later, they again contacted Bethany, and again Steph became pregnant. To their great dismay, Steph miscarried again, this time at about six weeks.

“Shortly thereafter, late in 2003, our pastor was teaching a sermon series on being adopted by God the Father as His sons and daughters, co-heirs with Christ,” commented Troy. “On one particular morning, the service included the adoption stories of a couple of families from Pella told by video from the perspective of the fathers. Steph and I were both reduced to tears and knew without a doubt that God was calling us to adoption.”

Soon after this experience, the Vander Molens received a call from Bethany asking if they were still interested in adoption, as they had several upcoming urgent adoption needs. Within a few days, they had put together their application, filled out a family profile for birth mothers, and received a call that a family in eastern Iowa wanted to meet with them.

Two weeks later, the Vander Molens were sitting across from a young pregnant woman named Courtney who was due to give birth in about three months and her mother, Michelle. Although Michelle always wanted a large family, Courtney was an only child due to complications during Michelle’s pregnancy. So, Michelle loved the idea that her family could provide Kade something that her daughter couldn’t receive: a sibling. The Vander Molens were amazed at their kind consideration during a time that was incredibly difficult for their own family.

For the next few months, Steph traveled to the University of Iowa on a nearly weekly basis to attend appointments with Courtney and Michelle. They soon learned that the baby was a boy, and the four of them began to think on the child’s name. The biological family suggested three names, one of which was Joseph.

“When we studied the name Joseph, we learned that in Hebrew it meant ‘God will provide’,” shared Steph. “We decided Joseph would be his middle name, and after several weeks, we decided we liked the name Ty. Everyone believed Ty Joseph sounded and felt right.”

Then the call the Vander Molens were anxiously awaiting came on a Tuesday night in early March: Courtney was in labor. They rushed to the UIHC hospital and waited for several hours before Michelle burst through the doors announcing that Ty had been born but wasn’t doing well. The doctors found a heartbeat, but he wasn’t breathing.

By God’s grace, the medical professionals were able to get Ty stabilized. He had various tubes in all kinds of places, and he was placed in an incubator. He was given several antibiotics because they believed he had some kind of infection. Although Ty was stable, the Vander Molen’s minds still raced with questions of what sort of effects would occur from the lack of oxygenation.

Ty was diagnosed with a collapsed lung and pulmonary hypertension. He was placed in an incubator with a mask over his eyes. He was given the label of “low stimulation,” which meant the Vander Molens could only reach their fingers through a hole to touch his foot.

For two weeks, Ty’s status remained unchanged. He was alive but not well. Vander Molen's Picture

Slowly, things started to improve, and after three weeks in the NICU, the Vander Molens finally got to bring their son home. About two months later, Steph became pregnant again, and Claire Elizabeth was born about 10 months after Ty. They’ve been two peas in a pod ever since.

Ty, who is now 13 years old, continues to have some respiratory issues, but overall, he’s experienced no developmental delays. He’s a fun-loving, easy-going, and well-adjusted kid. He loves spending time with his friends; playing disc golf, sports, and video games; running around the back yard with his dog Zeke; watching Netflix; and pulling pranks on family and friends.

Ty’s adoption is no secret to him. In fact, adoption is a word the Vander Molen’s have used since Ty’s first memory. Because Ty is biracial, the Vander Molens had no choice to hide the fact that he was adopted, so they’ve been open and matter-of-fact about it since the beginning.

“It’s been good for Ty to understand that he was loved by his biological family,” said Troy. “And we want him to appreciate the fact that his birth mother made an extremely difficult decision, a great sacrifice that was done for his best interest.”

Adoption can be an expensive process, a reality that certainly prevents otherwise willing couples from pursuing it. Having gone through the process themselves, the Vander Molens have come to understand the reason behind some of those costs. Bethany Christian Services is special to them because their mission is to physically, mentally, and spiritually care for pregnant mothers, and by doing so, prevent many abortions.

Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is proud to help raise awareness for adoption during National Adoption Month. Kinetic Edge clinics are donating $20 to programs that support adoptions, including Bethany Christian Services, Holt International, and Cornerstone Church in Ames every time a past client refers a new client their way.

If you are able, Kinetic Edge and the Vander Molen family would love for you to consider a way to celebrate National Adoption Month with them! Some ways you can celebrate include reaching out to a family who’s adopted a child to learn more about their experience, donating to an adoption agency like Bethany Christian Services, or praying to discern if adoption might be right for your family.

How this Iowa girl is making a difference with diapers

by Lindsey Klyn, Marketing Specialist at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy

A month ago, the name Harvey was on everyone’s radar. Harvey dumped 27 trillion gallons of rain in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana over the course of six days. This catastrophic flood disaster displaced thousands of Americans from their homes and caused an estimated 450,000 victims to ask for disaster assistance. As this news unfolded, Iowa resident and former Texas native Kayla Landhuis knew she needed to do something to help.

“Most of my life was spent around Dallas, but I lived outside of Houston, for 3 years,” said Landhuis. “My parents, who are still in Dallas, had friends from Houston evacuate to their house. This family literally lost everything.”

Landhuis shared that this was the first time she knew someone personally that was impacted in such an extreme way, which really shook her. She knew she could do something to help too, even all the way from Iowa.

Through Texan friends on social media, Landhuis became aware of the desperate need for diapers, so she posted on her social media and emailed the Kinetic Edge team that she was collecting diapers and wipes to send to Baby Booties Diaper Bank in Texas.

“In a normal year, Baby Booties provides diapers for over 3,000 babies in North Texas,” shared Landhuis. “Baby Booties sent out 63,300 diapers within a seven-day period after Harvey hit Texas. Since they are a small diaper bank, they completely ran out of several sizes.”

So far, Landhuis has collected 1,512 disposable diapers, 552 wipes, and 39 cloth diapers. This donation will allow Baby Booties to restock their shelves and continue to provide support to areas devastated by Harvey. Diaper banks in North Texas, such as this one, are anticipating an increase in need of their services dues to refugees staying in the area.

Landhuis currently resides in Roland, Iowa and works as the Customer Care Coordinator for Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. After living through Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, Landhuis understood better than most Iowans the impact Harvey would have on people’s lives.

“It’s been kind of surreal watching all the footage of the storm and flooding, especially of places I went as a kid!” commented Landhuis. “I think I’m fortunate to live in an age when we’re all so connected. It was easy for me to check in on friends and make sure everyone was okay.”

The need in Texas is still great! If you feel compelled to make a difference as well, please consider these ways to help:

Donate diapers, wipes, or money to Baby Booties Diaper Bank. (https://www.babybootiesdiaperbank.org/)
Donate money to the Red Cross relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey. (http://www.redcross.org/…/gulf-coast/disaster-response)
Pray for the people who lost their homes, businesses, and other possessions to Harvey.
Donate money to the Houston Food Bank. (http://houstonfoodbank.org)
Donate money to World Renew’s Disaster Response Services for Hurricane Harvey. (https://worldrenew.net/harvey-irma)

The Three Most Common Shoulder Myths

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

People with shoulder problems are a common sight at our clinics. Shoulder problems are the third most common condition we treat at Kinetic Edge. We estimate that we have had nearly 10,000 treatment sessions with people experiencing shoulder pain at our five clinics in the past three years. That’s a lot of shoulder pain!

One of the best things about being a physical therapist is that you get to build relationships with your clients. During our 45-minute treatment sessions, we learn a lot about them: both their hopes and their fears. And having a pain problem definitely elicits many fears.

Sometimes those fears are fanned by false beliefs. So, this month I’d like to share with you the three most common myths we hear from our clients about shoulder pain so that we can give you hope about a healthy future.

Myth #1: “My shoulder hurts. I need an MRI to figure out what’s really going on before I can fix it.”

There is no doubt that in the modern age there are many technologies available that are really exciting and allow us to understand what kind of pathology exists within our bodies. Thus, it is very tempting to default to an MRI when you’ve been experiencing pain for some time. After all, wouldn’t it be easier to fix the problem if we knew exactly what was going on in there?

There are several problems with this approach. First, MRIs are expensive. They often cost $2,000-$3,000 – sometimes even more – because the technology is advanced and expensive. Add in the cost of the medical experts who read and report on the findings, and the costs climb.

You might think, “That’s why I have insurance.” While insurance may help reduce your direct costs, these costs end up having an indirect impact on other and future medical costs. You might be able to justify the expense if the results of the testing resulted in a positive outcome. Unfortunately, most MRIs don’t change the plan of care, and, thus, they are unnecessary.

A study that looked at medical expenses in 2009 found that Americans spent $6.8 billion on 12 unnecessary tests and treatments, which included the use of MRIs. In other words, $6.8 billion was a conservative estimate of the cost of unnecessary care. This is a big part of the health care crisis we’re experiencing in America today!

The primary problem with MRIs is that they are very sensitive, but they aren’t very specific. In other words, you can clearly see evidence of wear and tear (sensitivity), but that evidence does not necessary tell you why you are hurting (specificity). That means that the information obtained in an MRI can be very misleading and lead to even more unnecessary and ineffective treatments.

You see, pathology does not equal pain. The tissue damage you might find on an MRI is evidence of wear and tear, but recent research shows that many asymptomatic people – people without pain – have evidence of tissue damage identified on an MRI. Wear and tear is normal, and it becomes more common as we get older, but having evidence of wear and tear doesn’t mean that you will experience pain. And, it doesn’t mean that you can eliminate pain by getting rid of the damage.

Most people with shoulder pain don’t need an MRI. What they do need is to figure out if their shoulder is experiencing mechanical stress due to some type of movement inefficiency in the shoulder complex. It is much more effective – and much less costly – to visit a physical therapist that specializes in evaluation and treatment of the shoulder than to immediately default to an expensive MRI. If conservative care fails, an MRI may be a good choice later in the process.

Myth #2: “I have a rotator cuff tear. I guess I’ll need surgery to fix it.”

In the previous section, I spoke about the sensitivity of diagnostic testing while cautioning you about the lack of specificity. Finding a problem with an MRI can lead to treatments that are either ineffective or unnecessary.

Let me give you some details about what I mean about that:

A study by Tempelhof et al (1999) revealed that 23% of people with pain-free shoulders had a rotator cuff tear. Newer research indicates that 35-40% of healthy people – people with no shoulder pain – have rotator cuff tears, and this number rises to 2/3 of people age 70 and above.
Recent research indicates that more than 1/3 of people who undergo a successful rotator cuff surgery still have a rotator cuff tear. 16% still have partial tears and 20% still have complete tears.

Why get a surgery to fix something that many pain-free people also have? The goal is to improve the movement and reduce the pain – to feel better and function better – not fix the rotator cuff, and this can occur without going under the knife.

Myth #3: “I’ve already tried physical therapy. It didn’t work, so I shouldn’t waste my time again.”

We’ve heard this one a lot, and, believe me, I understand your hesitance to try something again that didn’t work in the past. But, I want to share something that it took me many years to learn. Sometimes physical therapists haven’t figured it out yet.

I’ve been practicing physical therapy for 21 years. When I was a young therapist, I swear that sometimes my clients got better despite me. It stroked my ego when a former client came back to me and said something like this, “Troy, you helped me so much six months ago. My shoulder is hurting again, and I want you to work your magic like you did back then.” Of course, that message immediately felt good, but eventually I had to be honest with myself. Did I really help them if the pain came right back?

Almost every physical therapist is good at making people feel better. Rest, ice, ultrasound, massage, and basic exercises can eliminate pain. But, would it surprise you if I said that my goal isn’t to get rid of your pain?

Yes, I want you to feel better, but that is only half the battle. I want you to feel better AND to function better. Something in your shoulder is hurting because it is experiencing some kind of mechanical stress. That mechanical stress results in inflammation and pain, and as physical therapists (like the health care centers that own the MRI machines) we own some cool technology, tools and treatment devices that can help reduce the inflammation and get rid of the pain… at least temporarily.

However, if I have not helped you improve the efficiency of movement of all the parts in and around the shoulder, that mechanical stress still exists, and your inflammation and pain will likely return. I have only helped you feel better, not function better.

At Kinetic Edge, we have identified two major areas that are often overlooked in people that have shoulder pain. Like all areas of the body, one area is directly influenced by its closest neighbors. By improving movement capabilities in the entire system – not just reducing inflammation in the area of pain – we can help you eliminate the mechanical stress and solve the root problem. That’s the only way to have long-term success with shoulder problems.

If you’d like to have one of the Kinetic Edge shoulder experts perform a free injury screen and look at those two major areas in your body, give us a call. We are happy to give you a brief screen at no cost or obligation to you. Just call now at 866- 588-0230 because spots are limited.

OSKALOOSA HIGH STUDENTS TEAM WITH KINETIC EDGE FOR ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM RENOVATION

by Marketing Specialist Lindsey Klyn

Osky High Athletic Training Room — L-R: Athletic Trainer Laura Norberg, Senior Blake Van Veldhuizen, Senior Brandt Brown, and Physical Therapist Carol Kelderman smile in front of the newly renovated taping table

If you’re a student at Oskaloosa High, you have the opportunity to take Mrs. Anna Gritters’ Written Communications course. It’s a college-prep writing class that approximately 75-125 students choose to take each year. But the course does more than just prepare students for college writing courses. It’s helping them make real differences right in their community.

Oskaloosa High worked hard over the past few years to get their students to do real-world research while working with adults in the area through project-based learning (PBL). Mrs. Gritters came up with her own PBL assignment around five years ago. She requires her students to write an essay about what improvements they could see making a difference in the school or community and then puts them in groups to actually figure out the logistics of what it would take to make that change take place.

Through this assignment, students noticed the athletic training room at the school could use some improvements.

“We use this room pretty much every day, and it wasn’t top notch,” shared Senior Blake Van Veldhuizen. “We knew we could make it better than it was.”

Alongside their group, Blake Van Veldhuizen and Brandt Brown began to research this idea. They called and emailed multiple companies to find out pricing information. They set up interviews with administration and teachers to find ways to offset costs of brand-name equipment. They talked to fellow students to see how high the demand was for improvements to the training room. Then they wrapped this all up into a presentation to share with their classmates, parents, and teachers at Oskaloosa High’s PBL night.

“A lot of people supported the idea,” shared Senior Brandt Brown. “We just needed the money to make it happen.”

In March of 2017, Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy’s Oskaloosa Clinic Manager Carol Kelderman contacted the school wondering how donations they had raised through their Join the Movement program could best be put to use, unaware of the recent PBL presentations. Through their Join the Movement program, Kinetic Edge donates to a local non-profit any time one of their clients refers a friend or family member to them for therapy. After speaking with several different activity groups around the school, Activities Director Ryan Parker mentioned Brandt and Blake’s idea.

“When Mr. Parker told me the athletic training room could use work, I thought that was perfect!” shared Physical Therapist and Clinic Manager Carol Kelderman. “We couldn’t ask for a better match for Kinetic Edge since we provide athletic training coverage for the school and regularly treat their athletes in our clinic.”

Thanks to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy’s donation of $1,000, renovations to the athletic training room began. The Kinetic Edge team along with Brown and Van Veldhuizen added a fresh coat of paint, brought in a new cabinet to help with the room’s organization and add counterspace, purchased a new treatment table, and hung décor around the room. One of the biggest changes came with the new taping table, which was renovated from an old science cabinet so that four athletes can sit on it to be taped.

“The renovation is awesome and makes this a much more functional space,” shared Kinetic Edge’s Athletic Trainer Laura Norberg who cares for all the school’s student-athletes. “The addition of the taping table means I don’t have to bend over so much which is good for my back and also allows me to more quickly get kids taped up and out to practice since at least four of them can sit in a row on it.”

Norberg provides injury prevention, screens, and care, and all of her services are free for students of Oskaloosa High. She’s onsite at the school’s athletic training room, located between the boys’ and girls’ locker room, every Monday from 3:30-5:00 PM and every Wednesday from 2:30-4:00 PM and covers all home varsity events, away football games, and JV football games.

Parker shared that Oskaloosa High already has 160 students out for fall sports and anticipates that number to rise well over 200 before the end of the year. Norberg estimates she serves an average of fifteen students each day from the athletic training room, and the new space will allow her to serve the students better than ever before.

Is pediatric physical therapy right for your child?

by Emily Norton, Marketing Strategist and Analyst

The American Physical Therapy Association states, “Pediatric physical therapists (PTs) work with children and their families to assist each child in reaching their maximum potential to function independently and to promote active participation in home, school, and community environments. Physical therapists use their expertise in movement and apply clinical reasoning through the process of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention” (Section on Pediatrics, APTA, 2009). Pediatric physical therapy is adapted to the individual need of each child to progress motor development and function as well as strength and endurance in children ages 0-21.

Top 6 reasons to try pediatrics physical therapy:

Delayed Milestones (0-15 months) – Is your infant behind in rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking?
Delayed Coordination (3-15 years) – Does your child struggle with motor coordination or sports activities like jumping, catching, running, or skipping?
Walking Difficulties or Deficits – Does your child trip or fall often? Can your child walk for long distances without rest?
Musculoskeletal diagnoses – Does your child suffer from cerebral palsy, spina bifida, TBI, Down Syndrome, or a similar diagnosis?
Torticollis (0-8 months) – Does your infant look to one side more often than the other or have difficulty turning their head?
Does your child have any musculoskeletal injuries?

If you have answered YES to any of the above questions, then your child might benefit from pediatric physical therapy. A physical therapy session at Kinetic Edge entails hands on techniques and therapeutic exercises tailored to each child’s specific needs. Goals are reached through play or recreational based activities. It is important that each child is engaged, motivated, and having fun throughout each therapy session so they can succeed and achieve functional goals to carry over into their everyday activities.

We’re offering these FREE pediatric screen days with Whitney Steingard on:

Tuesday, October 10 from 1:00-6:00 PM

Kinetic Edge in Pella — 604 Liberty Street, Suite 227

How do you reserve a time for the pediatric screen day?

Email us or call our office to register using our toll-free number, 866-588-0230. Don’t hesitate reserve a time. We have limited 20 minute screens.

So if you would like to attend, register now! Call 866-588-0230 or email us.

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

As a physical therapist for twenty years, I have worked with a lot of people and a lot of diagnoses. I get a lot of questions from people in the community about their “rotary cup” or “slipped discs.” Even though those aren’t the correct terms, it’s easy to understand what the person is talking about, and it makes me think about how people perceive themselves, as well as how that impacts their health.

1. Slipped discs are a misnomer. It is one of the many myths about lower back problems. The phrase “slipped discs” gives people false ideas about what happens in their spines. So, let’s dispel those myths by reviewing some basics about the spine.

2. Discs are the spine’s structural design made up of flexible material that acts to cushion forces. A disc is positioned between each vertebra, directly in front of the spinal cord, which runs through a canal behind the vertebrae (Figure 1). The disc has rings that circle the perimeter, called the annulus fibrosus, that are made out of cartilage.

These cartilage rings number 15-25 total, and they surround the soft inner core, called the nucleus pulposus. The nucleus is 80% water content and is gel-like, particularly when we’re younger.

When we bend and move, which is exactly what the spine is designed to allow us to do, the discs dissipate forces between the vertebrae. When we load the spine during movement, the discs deform, slightly and temporarily, to allow for the movement to occur (Figure 2).

3. Over time, due to repeated mechanical pressure and tension, discs slowly wear out. This results in a loss of disc height and disc bulging, which is also referred to as disc prolapse or herniation. If there are some slight tears in the outer cartilage rings (annulus fibrosus), some of that inner gelatinous material (nucleus pulposus) may begin to slightly rupture through those openings, but that is much more likely to occur when we’re younger (under age 35), because as we age the nuclear material in the center loses water content and becomes less mobile.

4. A disc does not slide around, and it therefore can’t be manipulated back into position. So, the idea that the disc slips is really a myth. Yes, the inner disc material may bulge a little bit when we’re younger and the outer disc material may be displaced a bit when we’re older, but it is still stable in its position.

5. Most importantly, please note degenerative changes are absolutely normal. Recent studies show that up to 70% of us have disc bulges when viewed with MRI scans, and most do not have any symptoms. In other words, you are abnormal if you are an adult without degenerative disc issues. One study estimates that only 30% of people with disc degeneration experience any pain related to these changes.

So How Do I Know if I Have a Problem?

Well, I guess you could say that technically all of us have these problems. However, the problem doesn’t really need any attention unless you have pain and discomfort. At Kinetic Edge, we do not believe that everyone should seek treatment just because they have a spine that isn’t perfect.

It is often believed that “slipped discs” are the reason for leg pain or numbness. This leg pain or numbness, however, only occurs when the nerve that exits the spine and travels down the leg is receiving pressure. While changes to the disc may be the culprit, there are a variety of reasons that the nerve may be experiencing that pressure.

The single biggest mistake a person makes is to delay treatment when they begin to experience pain, whether the pain is local to the back or traveling down the leg. Usually these issues can be solved quickly and in a cost-effective way if we can assess and treat it early in the pain process. The goal is to find out the reason for the tissue pressure and resolve it, which will reduce inflammation and eliminate the pain.

The second biggest mistake a person makes is to stop moving. The importance of staying active cannot be underestimated. Moving ensures that muscles stay strong. It stimulates the nervous system and activates sensory nerves that block the pain signals. And it maintains the all-important mobility in spine joints.

There are some more significant symptoms of which you should be aware. If you have weakness in a leg muscle (i.e. can’t lift your foot or big toe) or difficulty controlling your bowel or bladder, you should contact your physical therapist or physician immediately. While these types of symptoms can occur, they are rare, and they are an indication that the pressure on a nerve is more significant.

Short of that, conservative care with a physical therapist is a highly effective way to mitigate back pain and restore proper motion throughout the kinetic chain. So, if you’re currently dealing with back pain or have experienced it in the recent past, we’d love to give you – at no cost or obligation – 20 minutes of our time to figure out the reason and solution for your pain. Once again, we have saved 10 slots in our schedule. Call now or email us to claim one before they are all taken up.

Call now to get more help with back pain

1-866-588-0230

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

How many times have you woken up in the morning with a kink in your neck? Isn’t it frustrating when you can’t turn your head because of your pain in the neck?

There are many reasons people experience pain in the neck, but irritation and movement limitation at a neck joint (called a facet joint) are very common findings when you have a kink in your neck. Sometimes these pains are short-lived. Other times they can linger. Often, they are recurrent. Usually people experience more frequent, more intense, and longer duration episodes as time goes on unless they find and fix the root of the problem.

If you’ve read our blog before, you won’t be surprised to hear that, like most musculoskeletal issues, this is another situation where the area with the pain is not really the primary problem. The things that hurt are usually simply the areas that experience more physical stress due to another neighboring area failing to do well what it is designed to do.

A commonly overlooked and undertreated area that can contribute to lots of aches and pains – including pain in the neck – is the thoracic spine (Figure 1). Unlike the cervical spine (neck) above and the lumbar spine (lower back) below, the thoracic spine is profoundly different. It has 12 segments and is surrounded by the rib cage which connects to the thoracic spine segments. This cage provides stability and support, as well as protection to vital organs beneath.

The thoracic spine is not designed to move a lot, but the little movements that the thoracic spine can make – and its appropriate posture and position – are critical to the long-term health of neighboring regions like the shoulder and neck above and the lower back below.

One of the body’s biggest enemies is gravity, and the thoracic spine is constantly fighting this tremendous and consistent force. If we don’t maintain our bodies well, the end result of this incessant battle against gravity is that the thoracic spine begins to flex slightly into a rounded curve. This flexion movement is usually coupled with a forward head and a forward shoulder position, which increases tissue loading on the facet joints of the neck, among many other things (Figure 2).

So, if you’re currently dealing with neck pain or have experienced it in the past, you could eliminate the real problem and achieve real progress by making sure the thoracic spine is fighting well against gravity and has the necessary mobility to reduce stresses at the neighboring tissues.

So, this month, we are saving some time for those of you that suffer with pain in the neck. We’d love to give you 20 minutes of our time to figure out if your thoracic spine is the real reason for your pain. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough time for all of you. We did, however, save 10 slots in our schedule. Email us or call 866-588-0230 now to claim one before they are all taken up.

by Doctor of Physical Therapy Troy Vander Molen

Shoulder pain is a common problem. People with shoulder pain are the third most common clients we serve at our clinics. In fact, over the past three years, we’ve had nearly 10,000 treatment sessions dedicated to shoulder issues. That’s a lot of shoulder pain!

The shoulder is prone to issues because it is an extremely mobile ball-and-socket joint. The mechanics of the shoulder are complex, but seem to take that for granted until we experience pain.

To understand the shoulder, we must first realize that the shoulder joint is really a shoulder complex made up of four different connection points or joints (Figure 1). Because the scapulothoracic joint connects to the spine and rib cage through muscles, the only bone-to-bone connection between the shoulder complex and the trunk is through the sternoclavicular joint where the collar bone connects to the breast bone.

Shoulder pain — Figure 1: The Shoulder Complex

Most shoulder problems occur beneath the acromioclavicular (AC) joint in an area known as the sub acromial space. Through that space travel important rotator cuff tendons and a bursa, which provides cushion.

Imagine what happens to that limited space when you raise your arm. As the upper arm elevates, the sub acromial space can experience compressive forces that add pressure to those tissues. And unfortunately those tissues are prone to irritation because they are not well-endowed with the important flow of blood that provides nutrition to the tissues and removes waste.

When those tissues experience too much physical stress, we experience “itis” issues like tendinitis and bursitis.

If the shoulder functions well, however, the pressure does not build and inflammation isn’t experienced. That’s because the upper arm and the remainder of the shoulder complex is designed to “dance.” In other words, when the upper arm bone moves, the rest of the shoulder is supposed to move with it. This dance results in a relatively consistent amount of space within the sub acromial region and pinching forces are almost non-existent.

The dance doesn’t always occur as designed, and like most musculoskeletal problems, the thing that hurts – in this case, the tissues within the sub acromial space – suffers because a close neighbor isn’t taking care of some of its responsibilities.

One of the primary culprits that the dance is interrupted is poor shoulder blade movement. Like nearly all bones, the shoulder blade is made to experience three-dimensional movement – up and down, side-to-side, and rotation.

When we raise our arm from our side to overhead, which is 180 degrees of movement, the upper arm contributes approximately 120 degrees of that movement. The rest of the movement comes from elevation and rotation of the shoulder blade on the rib cage.

We have found that in many people the shoulder blade is locked down and doesn’t move as it is designed. Therefore, when the individual raises her arm, her shoulder blade motion stops while the upper arm movement continues. Have you ever accidentally stepped on a dance partner’s toe? That’s what happens at the shoulder. If that happens too often, your partner is going to have an inflamed toe.

So, if you’re currently dealing with shoulder pain or have experienced it in the past, you could eliminate the real problem and achieve real progress by making sure the shoulder blade is dancing in sync with the upper arm. We’d love for you to join us for a free shoulder screen.

We’d love to give you 20 minutes of our time to discuss the reason for your pain. Call 866-588-0230 now or contact us to schedule a free screen.

Call now to get more help for your shoulder pain

1-866-588-0230

International_Student_Program_at_Pella_Christian

Kinetic Edge’s CEO opens home to International Student Program

by Marketing Manager Lindsey Klyn

The call to open your home and family to someone new isn’t for everyone. But for the Vander Molen family, this call clearly presented itself with the adoption of their son Ty in 2004 and came again for the 2016-2017 school year from the International Student Program (ISP).

ISP started at Pella Christian High School in 2012. The program focuses on two primary purposes: providing an international student with a Christian-based world class education and exposing American students to people who are different from them. This year, 24 international students merged into small-town Iowa families through Pella Christian High School.

“We completed paperwork and home visits to help determine if we’d be a good fit for an international student,” shared Doctor of Physical Therapy and ISP Host Troy Vander Molen. “ISP Coordinator Cindy Nikkel wasn’t just concerned about finding an appropriate home and family for the international students; Cindy does an excellent job of matching the students to the family dynamic as well.”

From the information gathered, Nikkel decided to place Roger, a native of Shanghai, China, in the Vander Molen home. Roger arrived in America just a couple weeks after his 14th birthday to begin his freshman year of high school. Roger knew little about Iowa before coming, other than that his parents promised he would be able to eat foods other than just corn.

Like others ISP students, Roger knew he would need to adjust to a new culture, learn a new language, and further his education. However, he wasn’t prepared for how much he would enjoy the freedom he would experience in America.

International_student_Program

This freedom revealed itself in several ways. Roger enjoyed picking courses that interested him at school; participating in extra-curricular activities like basketball, band, and choir; and having more free time to play video games. Despite the joy Roger discovered in this freedom, his greatest joy came from living in a home with siblings.

“Because of the one-child policy, I haven’t had a chance to have any siblings in China,” shared Roger. “I got to have siblings here which I enjoyed. You can always find someone to play with.”

Roger didn’t just win over his siblings in the past year though. The Vander Molens noticed how his friendly and outgoing personality won over so many students every time they attended a school event with him as a chorus of “Roger!” came from all the students he’s come to know.

As the school year comes to an end, the Vander Molen family and Roger are preparing for this adventure to come to a close with gratitude for the experience and newfound strength from going out of their comfort zone.

“This experience has taught us to be flexible and intentional,” shared ISP Host Stephanie Vander Molen. “Adding a fourth child to our family unit was challenging, and it has taken the entire family’s involvement and support to make it work as well as it has. We have had to be intentional in structuring our time and continuing to focus on the unique gifts and personalities of each of our children. It has been a good and rewarding experience for our family, and it is one we will certainly consider experiencing again in the future.”

Many people believe that you need to have kids at Pella Christian or be a Pella Christian supporter to host an international student, but that’s not the case. As this program continues to grow, ISP is in constant need of local families who are looking for a unique experience like this. If you are interested in finding out more about the rewarding process of becoming an ISP host family, reach out to Cindy Nikkel, the ISP Coordinator at Pella Christian High School. She can be contacted by calling Pella Christian High School at 641-628-4440 or emailing her at nikkelc@pceagles.org.

Stop the cycle for lower back pain

by Doctor of Physical Therapy Troy Vander Molen

As you are well aware, lower back pain is a common occurrence. Lower back pain is second only to the common cold as a reason for missed work time. So if you’re an adult, you’re more likely to experience an episode of lower back pain than not.

One common explanation for lower back pain is disc bulging (small) or disc herniation (larger). About 90% of bulging discs occur in the lower back (or lumbar) area of the spine. The presence of a disc bulge is very common. In fact, disc bulges could be considered normal. Therefore, if you’ve been told that you have a disc bulge – or even a more significant disc herniation – don’t fret.

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine over a decade ago, 98 people without pain were given an MRI examination. Only 35 of them had what doctors consider “normal discs at all levels.” The majority of the people without pain (52%) had disc bulges at one or multiple levels, and 27% had at least one disc herniation. In fact, the conclusion of the study said this: “The discovery by MRI of protrusions (disc herniation) in people with low back pain may frequently be coincidental.”

The Cleveland Clinic performed a follow-up study and concluded that “as many as 60% of healthy adults with no back pain have degenerative changes in their spines.” In other words, disc bulging or herniations may contribute to lower back pain, but they also may not contribute to low back pain.

What’s interesting is that in many cases the findings of disc changes are diagnosed using expensive medical imaging like an MRI. And people who undergo an MRI are more likely to have lower back surgery. Unfortunately, lower back surgery is often not effective at eliminating lower back pain. The MRI can be a false alarm of sorts that reinforces the idea that something is broken, and nothing is worse for lower back pain than fear.

The way that a human processes neurological input is extremely complex. If you like TED talks and love to hear an Australian accent, click on this link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwd-wLdIHjs#t=8s) to hear Lorimer Moseley, a clinical scientist and pain expert, talk about “Why Things Hurt.”

If you’re more interested in a simplified example, consider this explanation I recently heard about how information is processed differently based upon how the brain frames the input.

Imagine that you are traveling and have a reservation to sleep in an extremely beautiful but old home down a long, gravel driveway in the middle of nowhere. You have heard stories about this old home. Stories that tell of a horrific incident that occurred once upon a time, and now some believe that the place is haunted.

On the night you’re there, the weather turns bad. There is thunder, lightning, wind, and heavy rains. The house is making all kinds of noises, and you are all alone. How do you expect you’d sleep that night?

Imagine instead that you had not heard any bad stories about this house. In fact, you heard stories that told of the former residents from 100 years prior who were wonderful human beings and philanthropists.

The weather that night is beautiful and calm with a full moon. You turn in with the windows slightly open, and you can feel a cool, gentle breeze. There are noises, but the house is old. That’s to be expected. How do you expect you’d sleep that night?

The brain is extremely powerful, and the way we think about our physical condition matters. That is the problem with MRIs and other diagnostic tests. It shows you a problem that your brain may discern as a threat, particularly if you’ve heard stories from others about their lower back problem. If you have a friend or family member that dealt with an extreme lower back problem and found out that you have some of the exact same findings on the MRI as him or her, what will your brain think about your condition? Will it be helpful to your recovery or not?

So, here’s the reality. Almost every lower back pain issue is temporary. In addition to lower back pain, if you have symptoms of pain shooting down your leg, most of these symptoms will resolve within a few weeks. Don’t fret. These things happen.

Almost everyone has less than ideal findings in the spine. These too are normal and expected. In most cases, there is not a direct correlation between these findings and your back problem.

There are only a few situations that make an MRI or other diagnostic testing a wise decision. If you’d like to know if you may have the need for this type of intervention, consider contacting our clinic to speak to one of our lower back specialists. We would love to meet briefly with you for a free consultation to ease your fears and help you find the real problem and the real solution for your lower back condition. Call us today (866-588-0230) or email us to reserve a slot on our schedule. You can also sign up for our upcoming workshop in Ames where you can learn more about your unique solution to lower back pain.

Simple kid’s activity with sensory benefits

In honor of National Occupational Therapy Month, Occupational Therapy Assistant Ashley Beekman is sharing about one of her favorite sensory activities: water beads hide and seek.

If you haven’t heard of waters beads before, you’re missing out. They’re perfect for sensory play! Water beads are smooth, squishy, and cool to the touch. You’ll likely find yourself dipping your hand in to play alongside your child because people of all ages love how they look and feel. Although, you might want to hold off on doing this activity if your child is still in the “stick everything in my mouth” stage.

Here’s what you need:

Water beads (We found ours on Amazon here!)
20 colored plastic beads
A plastic tub

Making the beads grow just requires water and time! Pour a tablespoon or two into the bottom of your plastic tub and 10-20 cups of water. It’ll take several hours for the beads to absorb the water and expand to their full size, so if you have an impatient child, you might consider adding water to the tub the night before.

Pella-Iowa-Occupational-Therapy-Activity-4

Once the beads expand, add your 20 colored plastic beads (the more similar they are in size and color, the better) to the water beads. Then, challenge your child to find the plastic beads amongst the water beads, but only let them use their index finger and thumb to really work on that fine motor coordination! You can also encourage them to put their listening ears on to listen for beads making noises in the tub while they search.

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Curious about what sensory benefits this activity works on?

Tactile processing: The unique texture of the water beads helps your child familiarize with a different texture while decreasing sensitivity to this new feeling.
Visual perceptual skills: When your child scans the tub for the plastic beads, they’re working to perceive different visual stimuli which improves their visual perceptual skills.
Fine motor coordination: When your child uses their index finger and their thumb to pull out the beads, they’re working on their fine motor coordination.

If your child bores with the bead hide and seek, you can also have them sort the water beads by color into different glass jars. This small twist helps with color coordination and fine motor skills.

Want to learn more about how sensory preference might be impacting your child and how occupational therapy at Kinetic Edge can help? Then check out this article by Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk.

Occupational therapy and pediatric services are available in our Pella and Oskaloosa clinics.

Simple kid’s activity with sensory benefits

In honor of National Occupational Therapy Month, Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk shares how to play Tumbling Tower. We love how simple this activity is for kids, as well as how many different variations you can do with it!

Here’s what you need to play tumbling towers:

Paper cups
Plastic letters (you can also use stickers or a marker to put letters on the cups)
A cotton swab or coffee straw
A straw

First, have your child stack cups in a pyramid with one letter on top of each cup.

Next, instruct your child to put the cotton swab or coffee straw inside your standard straw.

Then, have your child take a deep breath in and blow through the straw in an attempt to knock over the cups!

Use the cups that got knocked over to spell different words. This helps your child work on spelling, and you could also instruct them to write out the words to work on handwriting.

Not only is tumbling tower easy to play, it’s also packed with sensory benefits!

Fine motor coordination: Placing the cotton swab or small coffee straw inside the larger straw helps your child work on fine motor skills.
Proprioception: Your child will quickly learn the need to gently stack the cups, else they will tumble down before the game even starts!
Oral motor skills: It’ll take some skill to figure out how to use the straw and cotton swab as a makeshift blow dart, but you can bet that’ll help your child develop oral motor skills.
Visual skills: As your child’s eyes track the straw or cotton swab flying towards the cups, visual skills are worked on.

If your child can’t read or write yet, there are a lot of different ways to play this game. You can put pompoms on cups and label them as the king and queen, prince and princess, and guards. Instruct your child to try to knock their castle down! They’ll still get plenty of sensory benefits without the additional challenge of spelling and writing.

You can also place preferred and non-preferred foods in the cups. Whatever food gets knocked down, the child has to smell the food, describe it, touch it, or perhaps even taste it. This is a great variation for picky eaters!

Want to learn more about how sensory preference might be impacting your child and how occupational therapy at Kinetic Edge can help? Then check out this article by Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk.

Occupational therapy and pediatric services are available in our Pella and Oskaloosa clinics.

Help is within your reach

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Do you suffer with shoulder pain when you lift or carry objects?
Do you have difficulty sleeping on that side of your body?
Does your shoulder pain suddenly spike when you reach for something?
Are you afraid your pain will get worse if you don’t do anything about it?

If you have answered YES to any of the above questions, then you know how debilitating shoulder problems can be. I get how frustrating shoulder pain is. As a former baseball pitcher and a current weekend warrior, I’ve dealt with this condition too.

Shoulder pain can completely ruin your life – I’ve seen it many times.

It can force you to keep your hand in your pocket instead of letting your arm naturally swing by your side when you’re walking.
It makes sleeping difficult, if not impossible.
It makes you miss out on quality time with your kids and grandkids, like picking them up or playing catch in the backyard.
It can make you limit your activity to avoid more pain, which makes life less enjoyable.
It can make you rely on others to do tasks like putting dishes away on higher shelves.
It can mess with your ability to work or force you to do a job you didn’t want to do.
And it can take away your ability to live a comfortable life.

My shoulder had given me pain for a long time. The pain became so bad that even the simple things in life had become hard for me. I had seen several doctors, went through procedures, and had physical therapy elsewhere without getting relief from the pain. It wasn’t until I came to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy that I received relief from that pain, and now I can enjoy life again!

– Toni Krichau

Pain in any form makes life less enjoyable, and if your shoulder pain means that you move your shoulder less, it will likely worsen over time. This is a depressing situation as we see so often how physical problems lead to a deterioration of body, mind, spirit, and emotions.

Shoulder pain, unfortunately, is a common problem. People with shoulder problems are in the top three of problem areas in our practice. The situation is unfortunate, but fortunately it doesn’t have to be your common experience. Too many people seek answers but are unable to restore their health, happiness, and hope because they don’t get to the root of the problem. The shoulder pain specialists at Kinetic Edge have literally helped thousands of people right here in our communities get their lives back, and we can help you too!

If you’re confused about what to do about your pain and are looking for answers, please plan on attending our free seminar. If you choose to come, here’s some of what you’ll learn:

The five most common causes of shoulder pain
Why shoulder pain isn’t usually a shoulder problem
Why arthritis is so often an explanation but not an excuse for shoulder pain
What traditional treatments for shoulder pain look like and why they are ineffective at solving the root problem
A sure-fire way to pick the right treatment for the cause of your pain (and save you a ton of time and money)
What successful treatment and permanent relief looks like without the need for expensive diagnostic tests or the side effects of medications, injections, or surgery

We’re offering this FREE workshop on:

Tuesday, June 26 from 7:00-8:00 PM

Kinetic Edge in Pella — 604 Liberty Street, Suite 227

How do you register for the Shoulder Pain workshop?

Email us or call our office to register using our toll-free number, 866-588-0230. Don’t hesitate to sign up. Space is limited as we only have 30 seats available for this event.

So if you would like to attend, register now! Call 866-588-0230 or email us.

Don’t accept your pain any more. Learn how to do something about it. Get the help you need to move better, feel better, and function better now, and learn what so many others have learned from Kinetic Edge about getting better and staying better.

by Lindsey Klyn, Marketing Specialist

Life for eight-year-old Caylee Pettyjohn has never been easy. Just one week after she was born, Caylee displayed weakness and spasticity in her muscles. At ten months, parents Trevor and Emilee learned that their sweet little girl suffered a stroke that would forever impact their lives.

The stroke occurred in Caylee’s left middle cerebral artery, which affected the blood supply to the left side of her brain. This resulted in an additional diagnosis: hemiplegia, meaning the right side of her body suffered from severe weakness.

Both physical therapy and occupational therapy became a normal part of Caylee’s life from a young age. However, when she turned five, Caylee began experiencing seizures that couldn’t be controlled with medication. The seizures caused her doctors to recommend surgery at age six to disconnect a portion of her brain. The surgery stopped the seizures, but Caylee has been working since then to regain functional use of her right hand.

“Caylee has made some amazing improvements from coming to therapy at Kinetic Edge,” commented Emilee. “She loves coming to therapy, and her providers make it fun for her. We couldn’t have found a better fit for Caylee.”

Even with therapy, everyday activities, especially those that require two hands like getting dressed or going to the bathroom, require extra effort and assistance for Caylee. Fatigue quickly settles in as Caylee works to accomplish tasks others view as typical. By the end of a day and especially at the end of a school week, Caylee’s exhausted.

But a sweet surprise came for the Pettyjohns when the Make-A-Wish foundation contacted them this past fall. This organization believes wishes make life better for kids with life-threatening medical conditions, so much like Aladdin and the genie, Caylee was given one wish to make.

“Caylee watched videos of Disneyland and Disney cruises and was given as many options as we could think of, but what she ultimately wanted to do was something that everyone would remember for a lifetime,” shared Trevor. “Football Sunday’s in the Pettyjohn house are a big part of our family’s leisure time, so Caylee wished to meet the Green Bay Packers.”

Soon, Caylee’s wish to meet the Packers and her favorite player Ha Ha Clinton Dix started to take shape. Dairy Queen marked the first stop of the wish granting adventure where Caylee was greeted with a bouquet of Packers balloons.

“Caylee let the balloons go because she was convinced they would meet her in Green Bay,” said Trevor. “When we arrived at the hotel, the people with Make-A-Wish made sure that there were Packer’s balloons in our room.”

The Pettyjohns arrived at their hotel and rested up for their big adventure. The next morning, they were picked up by a limousine and taken to Lambeau Field for Caylee’s dream to come true. After a guided tour and trip through the gift shop, Caylee and her family headed to the players’ area. Caylee met the players, including her favorite Ha Ha Clinton Dix, hung out at practice, and even got to play catch with Aaron Rodgers!

PicMonkey Collage — Left: Caylee with her favorite player, Ha Ha Clinton Dix – Middle: Pettyjohn family with Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, and Jordy Nelson – Right: Caylee playing catch with Aaron Rodgers

Caylee - high fives “The highlight of the trip for Caylee was getting to break the team down after practice and run through a tunnel of the players slapping hands on each side,” stated Trevor.

The fun wasn’t over yet, as the Pettyjohns also got tickets to see the Packers play the Lions. Caylee’s presence during practices must have inspired them, as the Packers won 34 to 27.

For Caylee and her family, the trip is more than a fun experience. It’s even more than an escape from the daily challenges they face. It’s a reminder to never lose hope and simply one more instance where the Pettyjohns realize just how much joy Caylee adds to their family.

If you feel like you’ve exhausted your resources for getting rid of your pain, dry needling and Astym therapy might be worth looking into. These two services are a part of our physical therapy services, and they can provide valuable relief for particularly stubborn pain alongside of a physical therapy plan of care.

Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy has licensed Astym and IASTM (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization) providers in each of our clinics as well as certified dry needling providers in Ames, Des Moines, Newton, Oskaloosa and Pella. We decided to ask them some FAQ’s to give you a better understanding if one might benefit you!

Astym FAQ’s

What is Astym?

Astym is an instrument assisted soft tissue treatment. The focus of the treatment is to resorb scar tissue and help regenerate healthy tissue in the body. – Matt Scotton, PT, DPT, ATC, LAT, CSCS

What sorts of problems benefit from Astym?

Astym can be used for a variety of conditions. Anything from acute ankle sprains to chronic tendon issues will benefit from the treatment. I have a patient with chronic soft tissue tightness from a traumatic injury that receives benefit from Astym to help manage her knee and low back symptoms. Astym can also be helpful with tendonitis in the elbow, knee, and achilles. – Todd Schemper, PT, DPT, OCS

Why should I try Astym?

Those with persistent pain from an injury that is not going away on its own may be a good candidate for Astym. I recently had a patient dealing with calf pain for several months. After 4-5 treatment of Astym the calf pain is almost gone. – Todd Schemper, PT, DPT, OCS

In my experience it works well to speed recovery and improve mobility quickly is tissues that have been swollen and painful for longer than 2 weeks. – Matt Scotton, PT, DPT, ATC, LAT, CSCS

What is an Astym treatment like?

Astym therapy includes treatment by a physical therapist using the Astym instruments or tools, to glide over the body area and surrounding areas that are affected. Coco butter is one medium used to help smoothly work the tissues. After the treatment, hands on soft tissue mobilization is used to further treat the tissues. Key components after Astym include regular stretching, proper hydration, and icing. – Carol Kelderman, PT, DPT

Will my insurance pay for Astym treatment?

Astym is manual therapy, which is a covered service by insurance during physical therapy. If you’re unsure of what benefits you will have for therapy treatment, you can always call us for a complimentary benefits check. – Joel Watters, PT, DPT

Does Astym hurt?

There can be some discomfort during Astym, but most people find that successive treatments feel better than the first. I also find that patients commonly feel relief immediately after the treatment when they move around and compare to how they felt when they came in from the treatment. – Todd Schemper, PT, DPT, OCS

Most people tolerate it well and are happy to get rid of the pain and dysfunction that brought them to the clinic. – Carol Kelderman, PT, DPT

Dry Needling FAQ’s

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is inserting a monofilament, very fine, needle into a tight band of muscle or trigger point to elicit a twitch response which then is followed by muscle relaxation. The muscle twitch resets the muscle to allow it to function normally again. – Melissa Hansen, PT, DPT

What conditions benefit from dry needling?

Anyone with tightness in their muscles, chronic trigger points, or chronicle muscle pain can benefit from dry needling. I’ve seen great success for people with long term muscle pain. Clients that have tried conventional treatments like massage, physical therapy, and chiropractic care and have not had relief of symptoms are also good candidates. – Tim Vander Wilt, PT, ATC

Why should I try dry needling?

We have seen some amazing results with treatments. This treatment relieves muscle pain and allows us to facilitate rehabilitation so you can return to normal daily activities. – Tim Vander Wilt, PT, ATC

What is dry needling treatment like?

The majority of the people we treat say the worst part is getting the twitch response of the muscle. You feel a little pinch and a quick twitch that often is a quick release of the muscle. – Melissa Hansen, PT, DPT

Will my insurance pay for dry needling treatment?

Insurance does not pay for dry needling in most cases. However, it’s fairly inexpensive, and the benefits far outweigh the cost. – Tim Vander Wilt, PT, ATC

Does dry needling hurt?

Dry needling can be uncomfortable, but not in what you would typically think of with the word, “needle.” Most people don’t feel the piercing of the skin due to how fine the needle is. What you will feel is what is called the “twitch response” from the trigger point. This feels similar to a cramp or deep throb, but only lasts for a few seconds. You may feel some soreness in the area that was treated, similar to the soreness you feel after a good workout. – Melissa Hansen, PT, DPT

If you’d like to figure out if dry needling or Astym are the right fit for you, contact the experts at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. Just contact us online or call 866-588-0230 to ask for our complimentary 20-minute screen with one of our certified providers, and we can help you understand if Astym or dry needling is right for you.

Des_Moines_Physical_Therapist — Kaity Hall, Certified Dry Needling provider in Des Moines

Melissa Hansen, Certified Dry Needling Provider in Pella

Carol Kelderman, Astym provider in Oskaloosa

todd — Todd Schemper, Astym provider in Des Moines

Tim Vander Wilt, Certified Dry Needling provider in Ames

Call now for more info about Astym & dry needling

1-866-588-0230

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

The shoulder is one of the most overlooked yet complex structures in the body. Basic movements like reaching up, washing your hair, opening your car door, or picking up your child or grandchild seem pretty simple until your shoulder hurts. Then you realize how important your shoulder is and how difficult it is to enjoy life when it doesn’t behave properly.

When we help our many clients overcome shoulder problems, often they’ll tell us, “I didn’t realize how much my pain was really impacting my daily life!” We get used to pain don’t we? A little twinge here or there, and we think it will go away. We ignore the problem until it snowballs and our day to day life revolves around our pain.

The shoulder joint is extremely complex! Being one of the most mobile joints in the human body, you can imagine how important it is to keep it healthy!

There are 5 common reasons you might be having pain:

Shoulder Impingement: The muscles and tendons in the shoulder are being
Bursitis:The bursa (fluid filled sac) that provides a cushion to crucial shoulder tissues becomes swollen and inflamed and actually increases pressure on those tissues.
Rotator Cuff Tears: A tear in any one of the four small but important muscles surrounding the shoulder that position the ball efficiently on the socket.
Labral Tear:The ball and socket joint of the shoulder is a little like a golf ball sitting on a tee. The socket is small relative to the ball. The labrum is ring of cartilage around the socket that gives it a little more depth, and when it tears there can be much pain.
Arthritis: The shoulder joint becomes stiff/painful due to degenerative changes.

All of these conditions have unique findings and unique treatment strategies, but they all have one thing in common: the complex movement of the trunk, shoulder blade, and upper arm must occur efficiently. If a limitation of one of these important segments in the kinetic chain exists, another tissue will be stressed.

While treatments like ultrasound, elastic taping, and electrical stimulation can help reduce pain, they do not fix the problem. The key to successful treatment is to find and improve the movement dysfunction.

If you’d like to figure out why your shoulder is hurting, call the experts at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. We would love to give you a test drive for free. Just email us or call 866-588-0230 to ask for our complimentary 20-minute screen with one of our shoulder experts, and we can help you understand the real problem behind your pain.

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

If you go to any sports events, you likely have seen athletes wearing the colorful tape, often branded with the maker’s logo. Though it had already been around for decades, the popularity of this elastic tape ballooned in 2008 when beach volleyball players and other athletes began sporting this elastic tape in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

At that time, the brand involved was Kinesio Tape (KT), but, as often happens, there has been a proliferation of similar tapes that all fit within the category commonly referred to as elastic therapeutic tape or kinesiology tape. Other common brands included Rock Tape, Acti-Tape, and Spider Tape.

Elastic tape is unique to other types of tape, like traditional athletic tape, in that it has elastic properties. Typically, elastic tape is designed to stretch up to approximately 140% of its original length, thus mimicking the properties of skin and allowing for some “recoil” or pulling force on the skin and underlying structures. These features are opined to provide several benefits including a correction of alignment of weak muscles, facilitation of joint motion, reduction in swelling, enhanced blood flow, and pain reduction.

While the popularity of this intervention continues to rise, it might seem safe to assume that these claims are supported by strong scientific evidence, systematic review of randomized controlled trials. However, you might also be surprised. If you’re into research, click here to read a brief summary of the most current research pertaining to the using of elastic tape.

An even briefer summary is this: Research has shown that kinesiology taping can provide a short-term pain reduction; however, it is not any more effective than other methods of controlling pain. It also can help to reduce swelling by assisting with lymph drainage.

Otherwise, many of the claims about the many benefits of elastic taping are simply that – just claims. Here are the facts that we know about elastic taping:

Using elastic taping to facilitate muscular contraction has “no or only negligible effects on muscle strength.”
Beneficial effects of elastic taping are more likely to be found in studies that have a lower quality. Higher quality studies that provide more reliable information have found little support for its use.
Using rehabilitation exercises alone was just as effective at reducing pain as doing exercises with elastic tape application.

A common phrase uttered at our offices is this: You don’t know what you don’t know. In other words, in this case, it is possible that the use of elastic tape is beneficial. It simply may be that it’s reason for benefit has not yet been determined through sound clinical research.

After reading all of this, you might be asking yourself, “I wonder if Kinetic Edge uses elastic taping techniques.” The answer to that question is: YES… in some circumstances.

At times we will compare a client’s pain and function during clinical exercise activities before and after the application of elastic tape. If either is improved as determined by client feedback, we may use this intervention for a period of time.

The fact that elastic tape stretches with movement means that it doesn’t impede movement… at least not much. There are some cases where movement impedance is desired, at least temporarily, such as immediately following an ankle sprain. In that case, we use traditional athletic tape (i.e. strapping tape) to protect the supportive ligaments during functional, weight bearing activities. Later, once stability increases the application of elastic tape may be an appropriate intervention.

In other words, our philosophy is that supporting the unstable ankle is more important early on than applying elastic tape, even though the elastic taping technique could provide a benefit in reducing swelling. What good is it to reduce swelling if the unstable ankle continues to get stressed with less support, which is sure to contribute to continued swelling?

We have also found that the stretching quality of the elastic tape can facilitate joint positioning and postural awareness. If this outcome is desired, which is often the case, (for example, with a sore shoulder) the use of elastic tape can provide some temporary benefit. However, I emphasize the word “temporary.” Ultimately, it is the role of our muscular system to support the skeletal structure, so our doctors of physical therapy use specific therapeutic exercise activities – the right treatment for the right person at the right time – to enable dynamic neuromuscular stability to occur. And eventually we wean a person off these means of external support, whether that be functional bracing or use of elastic tape.

A word of caution is necessary: Elastic tape is not a cure-all. In fact, I would suggest that, while it is a fun tool, it is far from necessary. The most important thing any individual can do to rehabilitate following an injury is to train their neuromuscular system so that it can function efficiently and effectively, which is the most important value that rehabilitation with an expert physical therapist or occupational therapist can provide.

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

With the challenges that face the modern health care system, evidence-based (now often referred to as evidence-informed) practice is becoming increasingly important. Scientific evidence comes in a variety of forms and strength. The weakest type of scientific evidence is anecdotal and expert opinion, which essentially is “evidence” offered by experts in the medical field based upon their own personal experience. Other lower forms of evidence include various experimental and observational study designs ranging from case reports, which are observational studies based upon one subject, to cohort studies, which involves a group of people with a certain characteristic that are observed over time and compared to another group of people without that characteristic.

The best form of evidence to support a practice pattern uses the experimental design of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In this type of design, a large group of subjects are randomly assigned to a test group, and their outcomes are compared to another “control group” who received a different type of treatment. In fact, systematic reviews that support or deny the value of a medical treatment use multiple RCTs to draw conclusions, also taking into account the quality of the studies included. These reviews help to mitigate the biases that are common with individual studies and give us a more complete picture of treatment effectiveness.

With the popularity of elastic therapeutic tape (ETT) continuing to rise, it might seem safe to assume that these claims are supported by strong scientific evidence, systematic review of randomized controlled trials. However, you might also be surprised.

A 2015 meta analysis found that elastic taping provided significantly more pain relief than no treatment at all, but it was not better than other treatment approaches.¹ This same study found no significant changes in disability as a result of elastic taping. The authors also concluded that using elastic taping to facilitate muscular contraction has “no or only negligible effects on muscle strength.”

A 2014 meta analysis indicated that the reported beneficial effects of elastic taping are more likely to be found in studies that have a lower quality.²

A 2012 meta analysis found that pain relief benefits achieved via elastic taping were trivial due to the fact that no studies found clinically important results.³ The researchers concluded that elastic taping (specifically KT) may have a “small beneficial role in improving strength, range of motion in certain injured cohorts… compared to other elastic tapes, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.” Furthermore, they stated that “KT had some substantial effects on muscle activity, but it was unclear whether these changes were beneficial or harmful.”

Another 2012 scientific research article found that elastic taping might have some effect on lymph drainage (i.e. swelling).⁴ Other studies support this finding with regard to use in patients following surgery for breast cancer.

Some research published in 2014 tracked 49 subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), a specific type of knee pain.⁵ This nonrandomized controlled trial required each subject to complete four functional tasks and a single-leg triple jump test (STJT) while using elastic tape and also while using a sham tape application. The STJT distance increased with the use of elastic tape, but the degree of change did not surpass the minimally detectable change value and could not be supported as effective. It did, however, show statistically significant improvements in pain and was supported to provide a short-term method to control pain.

The most recent study I could find was published in the January 2016 edition of the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine.⁶ This study aimed to compare the short-term effectiveness of elastic taping to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both combined with exercise therapy, in improving pain and function in patients with shoulder impingement. One hundred subjects were included, and the results indicated that neither NSAIDs or elastic taping were any more beneficial at reducing pain than using rehabilitation exercise alone.

Many experts and researchers indicate that the pain relief attained by subjects using elastic tape may be due to the placebo effect.

Call now for help with your sports injuries

1-866-588-0230

References:

Lim EC, Tay MG (2015). “Kinesio taping in musculoskeletal pain and disability that lasts for more than 4 weeks: is it time to peel off the tape and throw it out with the sweat? A systematic review with meta-analysis focused on pain and also methods of tape application”. British Journal of Sports Medicine. doi:1136/bjsports-2014-094151. PMID 25595290.

Csapo R, Alegre L (2014). “Effects of Kinesio taping on skeletal muscle strength-A meta-analysis of current evidence”. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 1053: 1–7. doi:1016/j.jsams.2014.06.014.

Williams S, Whatman C, Hume PA, Sheerin K (2012). “Kinesio taping in treatment and prevention of sports injuries: a meta-analysis of the evidence for its effectiveness”. Sports Med 42 (2): 153–64. doi:2165/11594960-000000000-00000. PMID 22124445.

Villeco J P (Apr–Jun 2012). “Edema: A Silent but Important Factor”. Journal of Hand Therapy 25 (2): 153–161. doi:1016/j.jht.2011.09.008.

Freedman S et al (2014). “Short-Term Effects of Patellar Kinesio Taping on Pain and Hop Function in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome”. Sports Health 6 (4): 294-300.

Devereaux M et al (2016). “Short-Term Effectiveness of Precut Kinesiology Tape Versus an NSAID as Adjuvant Treatment to Exercise for Subacromial Impingement: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 26 (1): 24-32.

Last month I wrote about arthritic pain (literally “joint inflammation”) and how to best manage it. The value of walking was emphasized, as was the importance of finding a treatment expert that understands how to fix both the pain and the problem using an active, functional approach. You can review this information here.

This month, I will continue on this topic by discussing the second most important exercise for arthritic pain, natural ways to deal with inflammation, what to avoid for joint health, and a surprising way to ensure joint health.

The Second Most Important Exercise for Arthritis Pain

Walking is definitely the most important exercise to enhance joint health, but a close second is functional strengthening. Arthritis of the spine, the most common site of arthritis, is usually the result of weakness and instability of muscles which control the joints. This is true for many areas of arthritis including the knee and shoulder.

A couple of decades ago, stretching for arthritic pain was a big fad. However, recent research on arthritis of the lower back, neck, knee, and hip demonstrates that strengthening exercises are the most effective at reducing joint pain and instability. Because we function on our feet between gravity and the ground, functional strengthening using positions we commonly assume throughout the day (i.e. not laying on your back or stomach) are essential to both feel and function better.

So, if you are seeking a quality provider to help you fix your arthritic pain, ask them when you first schedule if they focus on strengthening/stability exercises, as well as a functional approach.

Natural Ways to Deal with Inflammation

We experience pain from arthritis due to the presence of inflammation. Inflammation is the first phase of the healing process. The body’s immune system recognizes the tissue damage that is occurring, and it reacts with an inflammatory response to block of the damage, absorb the dead cells, and prepare the body to lay down new tissue.

The pain exists, though, because the inflammation causes a physical pressure on nerves that signal pain to the brain. Unfortunately, many of the clients we serve are stuck in an inflammatory response, which prevents the body from advancing through the stages of healing. This occurs because the root of the problem has not been addressed, so I’ll reiterate that it is important to seek help from an expert that understands how one body part influences another (something we refer to as the kinetic chain), because it is likely that the primary problem is originating from another area, which results in a shifting of physical stress on the area that is experiencing inflammation and pain.

In addition to this, there are three other ways to naturally deal with inflammation:

Manage your emotions

Psychological stress causes a hormonal response, and the body releases cortisol, a chemical that increases inflammation in the body. Spend time in meditation and prayer. Find ways to talk to others in a healthy way about what you’re experiencing. Seek counseling if necessary. Remind yourself that this pain is normally temporary; don’t live life in fear. If you manage your emotions well, you will reduce inflammation and pain.

Get more, better sleep

Sleep patterns affect how the body responds to damage. Getting adequate sleep is essential. Recent research indicates that losing sleep for even part of one night can trigger the key cellular pathway that produces tissue-damaging inflammation.

Establish good nutrition habits

Flours, sugars (i.e. simple carbohydrates), and fatty red meats increase inflammation, as do any foods to which you have a sensitivity. These foods also result in the release of cortisol, which increases inflammation. A colorful diet, on the other hand, will give you antioxidants that dampen the inflammatory effect, and lean proteins are also beneficial.

If you want to learn more about how our diet impacts our health, consider the following:

What to Avoid for Joint Health

This may be the most controversial section, because it runs so counter to our typical Western response to pain, but medications, injections, and surgery often cause long-term damage. This is especially true when they are given when not needed.

Here is why:

Medications, especially muscle relaxants, pain killers, and anti-inflammatories, block the minds ability to perceive pain. Certainly medication has its place. As a nation, we frequently overuse and block the pain signal. Unfortunately, this approach prevents us from addressing the real, root cause of the pain, which leads to more joint damage.

Injections, especially cortisone and epidurals. When physical therapy fails, then there is a place for injections. But when given before PT, and especially in a series of more than one, injections decrease joint health.

Surgery, specifically spinal fusions, lead to stoppage of joint movement. This essentially kills and fuses the joint. It frequently leads to arthritis and pain in the joints above and below the previous surgery.

A Surprising Way to Ensure Joint Health

In Malcolm Gladwell’s book, What the Dog Saw, he refers to a little coal mining town in the Poconos where arthritis and heart disease were extremely rare in the town. What was the cause of this?

Genetics? No way! Most were Italian…

Exercise? No…

Occupation? No again…

Researchers and doctors concluded the reason for the almost non-existent rates of arthritis was because of the excellent family and neighbor relations most townspeople had. The community was tight knit. It was known as a super friendly place with good relationships.

Better relationships = less stress = better mental state = healthier joints and bodies. If you have read the more recent book The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner, this will not surprise you.

Conclusion

The answer to joint health and arthritis is not a simple one, but it is clear that our typical approach has not been an effective way to restore health. Physical pain is the result of more than just physical stress. Our solutions need to be holistic, involving the body, mind, and spirit.

At Kinetic Edge, we are fruitful and fulfilled when we help people transform their lives and restore their hope. We understand the physical and holistic approach necessary to help restore health, happiness and hope. That is why we continue to beat this drum.

We are excited that so many people are taking us up on our offer to receive a free injury screen, so we have done it again. We have set aside ten 20-minute slots in each clinic in the month of January specifically for our readers who want a quick, complimentary, no-strings-attached assessment of their arthritic pain. Call today to secure one of these spots. They will go quickly.

by CEO and Physical Therapist Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Why do we experience pain? Though we do not like to experience it, pain is actually a good thing. I say this because that pain is a message, a sign that damage will increase if you don’t do something about it.

In college, I read one of Philip Yancey’s early works, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, a book that significantly impacted me and my career path. In this book, Yancey, through the experiences of Dr. Paul Brand, describes how the very structure of our bodies gives us insight about the Body of Christ.

Dr. Brand’s career as a physician was spent in large part in India working amongst people afflicted with leprosy (otherwise known as Hansen’s disease). Because he saw firsthand the devastating impact of a leper’s inability to sense things, including pain, Dr. Brand understood that pain was vital for the preservation of healthy tissue in anyone leading a normal life.

Arthritis literally means joint inflammation. And this condition commonly results in pain. And that’s a good thing, because it gives you a chance to do something about it.

The most common area to experience arthritis is in the spine. It is, in fact, a normal occurrence in humans.

When you feel pain, what do you do about it? There are typically three choices:

You can ignore it.

Ignoring pain typically involves making excuses. “I’m old.” “It’s the weather.” “My dad had a bad back.” “I’ve tried everything already. It can’t be helped.”

Simply put, making excuses for your pain will not help you heal. Excuses only assign blame and shifts the responsibility of health on someone else.

You can try to cover it up.

Most people who seek help for their pain will be offered ways to mask the pain with medications, injections, or unnecessary surgery. (Disclaimer: There are some surgeries that are absolutely necessary. Many, though, are not.) These options rarely address the cause of the joint pain.

You can fix it.

People who handle arthritic pain best deal with it early. This means that if they have pain, they may wait a few days or a week, but, if the pain persists, they seek the best arthritic pain specialists in their area and follow the expert’s advice.

If you are a person who likes to fix the real problem, not just mask the symptoms, you will want to read the section below on “How to Find the Best PT in Your Area.”

What is the Most Important Exercise to Do for Arthritis Pain?

Walking is by far the single best exercise for long term neck and back health. People who walk for 30 minutes or more six days a week enjoy many benefits:

Better heart health
Improved mood and self esteem
Improved concentration and brain power
Longer life
Better spine health

How does walking lead to a healthier spine?

Every time you take a step, the spine goes through a small, up and down oscillation like the movement of an accordion. The space between the bones in your back does not have a blood supply. So it relies on the up and down movement with walking, jogging or running for nutrients and for better health.

Swimming and biking have been shown to have similar effects.

How to Find the Best PT in Your Area for Back and Neck Arthritis

Not all physical therapy interventions are the same. Successful physical therapy treatment involves three things:

Managing the pain at the site – When something hurts, it needs relief. There are specific treatments (i.e. modalities, traction, taping techniques) to help the inflamed tissue feel better, which is the first step in fixing the problem.

Improving movement and strength locally – An area of local inflammation will often result in local changes at the involved tissue. Manual treatments, as well as strength/stability exercises, often help alleviate those changes.

Functional approach – It is my experience that almost every physical therapy provider offers the previous two treatment approaches. In fact, so do other practitioners like chiropractors. While these approaches can help you feel better, they usually do not help you function better. The root problem has not been addressed, so the likelihood that your pain will return remains.

So, how do you find the best physical therapist in your area? This is what I recommend no matter where you live: When you call to schedule an appointment for your condition, ask the receptionist if the provider has advanced training in functional treatment approaches. In other words, does the provider fix both the pain and the problem?

A simple way to discern this is to ask whether the treatment sessions are primarily passive and occur on a treatment table or instead are active with the client spending time on his/her feet. Ask if the provider will assess your entire movement system including the areas above and below the spine. The latter is the only way to ensure that a person can safely and effectively perform the activities of daily living that humans must be able to pursue.

Conclusion

So, instead of cursing the fact that you experience pain, be thankful that your body is able to give you feedback to prevent unnecessary tissue damage.

Don’t be afraid to move. In fact, walking is probably a great activity for you to pursue to help deliver nutrients to the inflamed tissues.

If the pain persists for a few days or a week, seek out a physical therapy expert that understands the real solution to your pain and takes a functional approach. The earlier you get the right advice, the quicker you will feel and function better. And you will reduce the likelihood that the issue occurs in the future.

If you are looking for a bit of quick advice from one of our arthritis experts, contact your local Kinetic Edge clinic today to sign up for one of our free injury screens. Our schedules are busy, but we have set aside ten 20-minute slots in each clinic specifically for our readers who want a quick, complimentary, no-strings-attached assessment of their arthritic pain. Call 866-588-0230 today or email us to secure one of these spots. They will go quickly.

Coming Up

Next month, we will continue on this topic and provide the following information:

The second most important exercise for arthritis pain
How to naturally deal with inflammation
What to avoid for joint health
The most surprising way to ensure joint health

Are you living with back pain?

Do you suffer from lower back pain or leg pain when you stand or walk?
Are you experiencing pain when you sit for long periods or while you drive?
Have you recently experienced pain, numbness, or tingling in your butt, groin, or down your leg?
Does your back ever “go out” if you move the wrong way?
Are you afraid your pain will get worse if you don’t do anything about it?

If you have answered YES to any of the above questions, then you know how debilitating lower back problems can be.

I HAD EXPERIENCED LOWER BACK PAIN ON LEFT SIDE FOR 14 MONTHS. I HAD USED ACUPUNCTURE AND CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENTS WITH NO RELIEF. A PAIN DOCTOR RECOMMEND PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND IN NINE VISITS, I AM SO MUCH BETTER.

– CHARLES MAY

Back pain and sciatica can completely ruin your life – We’ve seen it many times.

It can make you lean on the shopping cart when walking through the grocery store.
It can take your focus away from enjoying life… Like missing out on spending time with your children or grandchildren.
It can mess up your work or force you to do a job you don’t enjoy.
It can ruin your travel plans.
It can take away your ability to live life… having to rely on others… Or making others wait for you while you sit down for a minute.

Less movement and less enjoyment of life can lead to depression, increased stress and a sedentary lifestyle (mostly sitting… not moving much) which leads to bigger health problems and bigger life problems.

Yes, lower back pain is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be your common experience. Too many people seek answers but are unable to restore their health, happiness, and hope because they don’t get to the root of the problem. The sciatica and lower back pain specialists at Kinetic Edge have literally helped hundreds and hundreds of people right here in our communities get their lives back, and we can help you too!

If you’re confused about what to do about your pain and are looking for answers, please plan on attending this free workshop. If you choose to come, here’s some of what you’ll learn:

The single biggest mistake you’re making to enable pain
The three most common causes of lower back pain and sciatica
A sure-fire way to pick the right treatment for the cause of your pain (and save you a ton of time and money)
How a problem in your back can affect the rest of your body
What successful treatment and permanent relief looks like without the side effects of medications, injections, or surgery

We’re offering this FREE event at our clinics on Tuesday, April 21 at the following times:

6:00 PM in Oskaloosa / 1412 A Avenue W, Suite A
5:30 PM in Des Moines / 516 3rd Street, Suite 100
5:30 PM in Ames / 4700 Mortensen Rd, Suite 101
5:30 PM in Newton / 1715 1st Avenue E
6:30 PM in Pella / 604 Liberty Street, Suite 227
6:00 PM in Centerville / 1011 N 18th Street

How do you register for the workshop?

Email us or call our office at 866-588-0230 to register. Don’t hesitate to sign up. Space is limited, as we only have 30 seats available at each location for this event. The first 5 people who register will earn a free gift!

Don’t accept your pain anymore. Learn how to do something about it. Get the help you need to move better, feel better and function better now, and learn what so many others have learned from Kinetic Edge about getting better and staying better.

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

As a physical therapist, it’s common for me to work with a person experiencing neck pain. In fact, studies have shown that in one year, between 10-20% of the population will experience neck problems. Research also tells us that only 7% of people with musculoskeletal issues see a physical therapist each year. So, I can easily deduce that there are a lot of people reading this article that have experienced neck pain but have never sought the counsel of a physical therapist for their neck pain management needs.

neck-pain-woman I know it is a little daunting making the decision to see a physical therapist, so let me share some key principles that will help you understand your neck and how to care for it.

The neck – formally known as the cervical spine – is made up of seven vertebral segments. The alignment and orientation of the joints that connect each segment (known as facet joints) allows for a lot of rotation movement, which is very important if you are merging into traffic, for example. Overall though, the neck is quite mobile in all three dimensions of movement – rotation, side bending, and flexion/extension.

At times, our necks experience a localized area of pain and soreness. Most of us know what it feels like to have a “kink” in our neck – localized pain on one side that makes turning the head difficult. Why does this occur? Most often it is because one of the joints between cervical segments that guide and control movement has become irritated.

Relieving Neck Pain

If this occurs to you, here are three great ideas to get rid of that pain:

Push Through the Pressure

figure-2-acupressure-to-the-neck-muscles — *Figure 1. Acupressure to the neck muscles*

With this type of issue, there are often associated muscle tightness issues, sometimes even trigger points. Use your thumb or fingers of the hand opposite the side of pain and push directly in the middle of the tight muscle (Figure 1). Hold it for about 45 seconds, and follow up with a stretch in the opposite direction. Repeat this 2-3 times to reduce muscle tension and pain.

Monitor Your Posture

Kinks in the neck are usually an indication that your posture is suboptimal. A slouched posture results in upper back flexion, and the neck compensates by falling forward and extending at the upper cervical segments (Figure 2A). Repeat correct posture by sitting tall and performing a chin tuck (Figure 2B), which reverses the faulty posture.

figure-2-chin-tuck

Figure 2. Chin tuck

Use the Blessing of Movement

An often forgotten strategy is using movement to reduce pain and muscle tightness. It is a natural reaction to splint the neck when a kink occurs. Unfortunately, a lack of movement reduces nutrition to the neck joints, and the problem is typically prolonged. Instead, you should move the neck, but be sure to emphasize movement away from the sharp pain. For example, if it hurts to rotate to the right, you should repeatedly rotate the neck to the left to help it loosen up. You can use the same strategy for side bending and flexion/extension. Motion helps drive nutrition to the joint, which helps resolve the problem.

The Root of the Problem

If you’ve read any of my articles in the past, you know that I always talk about the neighbors to the area of pain. The neck is no different. Treating your neck pain is different than treating the neck problem. So, if you get some benefit from the aforementioned exercises, it’s because you’ve used strategies to reduce the pain, but you haven’t necessarily eliminated the problem.

If you have explored pain relief methods such as medications, injections, taping procedures, or surgery focused on the area of pain, you will likely feel better… at least for a while. However, it’s likely that the pain will return because you haven’t found and fixed the root problem.

It’s no secret that different areas of the body work together to help us function at our best. When we experience pain in one area, it may be related to a problem in an associated area. For example, last month, I told you that a majority of the people I’ve helped with shoulder issues had limited thoracic spine and hip mobility. (Check out that article here.) Similarly, nearly all of the people who have visited our office over the years for neck pain management have had issues related to the thoracic spine.

If you are experiencing recurrent neck pain, I’d encourage you to act now. With locations in Ames, Centerville, Colfax, Des Moines, Newton, Oskaloosa, Pella, and Waukee, Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is proud to help clients throughout the state of Iowa achieve lasting neck pain relief through our dedicated physical therapy services.

Send us a message or call us today at 866-588-0230 to get a complimentary, brief (15-minute), no strings attached assessment with one of our physical therapists. We look forward to helping you develop a plan that goes beyond neck pain management to treat the problem at the source.

Call now to get more help for your neck pain

1-866-588-0230

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH

The email read “hardest to place children.” That’s when Michele Haan first laid eyes on a photo of one year old Micah. Micah was abandoned at birth due to his deformed face, altered by a medical condition known as rare facial clefting. This affected his mouth, left eye, nose, and upper lip and caused him to be classified as an orphan who would struggle to find a loving family.

At that point, Michele knew she needed to do everything possible to find a family for Micah. Michele and her husband Blake already had six adopted children. They were also over the age limit for adopting from Micah’s birth country, but that didn’t stop her.

“I called the agency to get information about Micah and was told they would make an exception for us because of our experience and access to services Micah would need,” shared Michele.

The Haan family soon found out that Micah was the orphanage favorite. He loved to sing and always had a huge smile on his face. It didn’t take long for them to see past the disfigured part of his face to discover a boy full of personality and love for life.

After two long years of paperwork and meeting regulations, Michele made the trip to Micah’s birth country to bring him home. The adjustment to life as a Haan was tough for Micah. In addition to grieving the loss of his orphanage caregivers and the world he’d come to know, Micah needed almost immediate surgery after he came home. He had a lot of infection, so the Haans didn’t have much choice but to have Micah undergo four major to moderate surgeries within a fourteen month period that started ten months after he came home.

“Every surgery brought pain and resurfaced memories of his early abandonment and hospitalization,” commented Michele. “With each surgery, Micah’s trauma became more and more apparent. He became an angry, fearful little boy. We had parented other children that came to us from trauma, but we were completely unprepared for the depth of fear this child was living in. It was absolutely heartbreaking.”

During this time, the Haans attended a simulcast where they learned about Sensory Processing Disorders. Through the event, they became connected with Marlene Hibma, Clinical Director and Adoption Consultant with Bethany Christian Services, who recommended the Haans see Kinetic Edge’s Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk.

“One of the things we look at with kids who’ve had trauma before their adoption is that they might have sensory integration issues,” shared Hibma. “An occupational therapist like Elise would do an evaluation to determine if there are sensory integration issues. Occupational therapists are in the best position to make intervention for these kids and to help them feel more comfortable in their environment and in their skin which promotes healing from the original trauma prior to their adoption.”

The Haans didn’t know what to expect from occupational therapy and were a bit skeptical about what it could do. Nevertheless, Michele loaded Micah into their car and made the hour long drive from their home near Maxwell, Iowa to Kinetic Edge in Pella to find out.

“Micah has always loved to sing; we say that Micah lives life starring in his own musical,” said Michele. “At the orphanage he sang, when he first came home he sang, but when he was going through that really hard time following his surgeries, I realized it had been months since we’d heard him sing.”

micah-haan-2 — Micah with Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk and Occupational Therapy Assistant Travis Ethan

After the first appointment at Kinetic Edge, Micah sang the entire hour and fifteen minutes home. At that point, Michele didn’t know what Spronk had done or about brain development or sensory integration. All she knew was that Micah was singing for the first time in six months.

“Through a sensory profile during Micah’s initial evaluation, we determined that Micah was both a sensory seeker and had sensory sensitivity, both of which results in hyperactive, fidgety behavior,” shared Spronk. “This was helpful information to provide his parents useful suggestions to improve his ability to self-regulate, or keep calm, to participate in activities.”

As Michele learned how to meet Micah’s sensory needs, his trust in their relationship grew. Now, the two have a normal parent-child bond. Building a family through adoption isn’t easy, but as Michele has experienced, it is a wonderful way to have a family.

micah-haan-16 — Micah with his mom, Michele

“Adoption isn’t for everyone,” says Michelle. “But even if you aren’t called to adoption, there are so many ways to help orphans through things like sponsoring a child, helping fund a family’s adoption, or supporting agencies like Bethany Christian Services.”

November is National Adoption Month, and Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is proud to raise awareness and funds for adoption. As part of our Join the Movement program, we will donate $10 to Bethany Christian Services every time a former client refers a friend or family member our way, as well as any time a new client mentions they heard about them through Bethany Christian Services through the end of 2016.

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) has selected Kinetic Edge Physical Therapist Matt Scotton for the 2016 Sports Medicine Award. Being a recipient of the Sports Medicine Award is based on the services and support Matt provides to high school student-athletes and athletic programs he’s served over the years.

IHSAA Executive Director Alan Beste shared, “For the last five decades we have taken great pride in presenting this award to sports medicine personnel because of the valuable role they play in the success of education-based athletic programs. It is our pleasure to include Matt in this group of honorees.”

Scotton has been an athletic trainer for Newton High School (NHS) ever since he moved to Newton in 1994. In addition, Scotton joined the Kinetic Edge team as the clinic manager of the Newton location and a physical therapist in August of 2015.

“I became an athletic trainer because I tore my ACL in high school and discovered a passion to help people restore their health and abilities to activities they love,” said Scotton. “I love athletic training for NHS because of the athletes, coaches, and parents. Newton has an outstanding work ethic and emphasis on teamwork and character that makes working with these dedicated people a daily pleasure.”

NHS Athletic Director Scott Garvis nominated Scotton for the award. “I am honored to work with such an amazing person,” commented Garvis. “Matt is truly the epitome of the term servant leader. He works tirelessly to assure our student-athletes are safe and communicates with our staff on a daily basis. He is an integral part of the Newton Athletic Department.”

Scotton also received the 2015 Outstanding Sports Medicine Award from the Iowa High School Athletic, per Garvis’ nomination.

“My mission as Newton’s athletic trainer is to provide valuable advice to student athletes, and their parents, and coaches and facilitate important communications to restore health and education,” stated Scotton.

Scotton will be publicly recognized for this prestigious award during the football playoffs at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls during halftime of the Class 3A Championship Game on Thursday, November 17.

Want to do your physical therapy with Matt Scotton? Call 641-791-9675 to get scheduled today!

One of the three most common areas for which our clients seek our help is at the shoulder. Rotator cuff tendinitis is a common shoulder problem. Or is it?

Allow me to be coy for a moment. Yes, the rotator cuff is a critical part of the shoulder, and it plays a very important role on the most mobile ball and socket joint in the human body. The cuff is made up of four muscles. Each originates on the shoulder blade and connects to the upper arm (Figure 1). Thus, they are responsible for controlling the position of the ball on the socket.

shoulder-article — Figure 1. The Rotator Cuff Muscles

If the rotator cuff doesn’t do its job well, the humeral head – the ball in the ball and socket joint – can put increased pressure on the shoulder components. This can result in inflammation, tendinitis, bursitis, and impingement. Most of the time, this development is a gradual process, and because the areas affected are limited in blood supply, irritation is common and healing is slow.

If you have ever received treatment for any musculoskeletal condition at Kinetic Edge, you know that the explanation I offered in the previous paragraph, while understandable, is probably a bit too simplistic.

You see, normal and pain-free function is not simply the result of one part acting effectively on another. Instead, function is a delicate interplay of many parts of the kinetic chain all working together in synchrony so that very complex activities look way easier to accomplish than they really are. Like every other joint in the human body, appropriate shoulder function requires help from the shoulder’s friends and neighbors, near and far.

As a result, treatment of rotator cuff problems require a focus of the entire kinetic chain to make sure that you move better, feel better, and function better. Rotator cuff issues are a shoulder problem, but they are also an entire kinetic chain problem.

Traditional treatments for rotator cuff issues usually involve methods of reducing inflammation (i.e. medications, ice, ultrasound, etc.). Once inflammation is reduced, rotator cuff strengthening is emphasized. This often makes you feel better, although it may take some time, and once you feel better, you’re discharged.

Unfortunately, many… and maybe even most of you that receive that treatment will have future problems if the functional friends of the shoulder are ignored. It will likely surprise you that in my experience a majority of the people I’ve helped with shoulder issues have had limited thoracic spine and hip mobility.

If you’ve had shoulder issues in the past or are experiencing them right now, seek help from a physical therapist that is a functional movement specialist. To help you get well and stay well, your physical therapist must understand that the most important final step of rehabilitation requires a focus on things like the scapular muscles, which are near to the shoulder, as well as areas that are not so near to the shoulder like the thoracic spine, the hips, and the feet.

This month, we’re offering free shoulder screens. Call us today to get a complimentary, brief (15 minute), no strings attached assessment with one of our physical therapists to help you understand if your shoulder needs a little help from its friends – the shoulder blade, thoracic spine, hips, and feet.

Email us or call 866-588-0230 to claim your shoulder assessment today!

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

*This is a true story, but names have been changed to protect identities.

Jane was upstairs when she heard a noise downstairs. She assumed it was her nephew who was living with her at the time, but when she kept hearing noises, she went to see what was going on. A stranger was in her kitchen. He said he wanted to talk but would soon start attacking her. abused-woman

Sounds like a scary movie, right? Definitely not a scene that would happen in small-town Iowa.

Wrong. Jane told the stranger they needed to talk outside because that seemed safer to her. She walked towards the door to open it, and that’s when he grabbed her.

“I didn’t come to talk,” the stranger stated.

The scramble through the kitchen began. He grabbed her shoulders from behind and eventually threw her to the floor.

“I don’t really remember what happened in the kitchen,” shared Jane. “I just remember elbowing him and trying to get as much traction off the fridge as I could to get back up.”

The stranger told Jane to stop fighting him or he’d hurt her badly, but Jane fought as hard as she could. Eventually, he had complete control over her and continually slammed her head on the floor. At this point, Jane knew there was no way to get him off her.

She thought she was about to be raped, even though she thought people would only do that to girls younger than her, so she began to pray out loud for the stranger. She asked God to help him with whatever was going on and that God would also help her through whatever was to come.

And to her surprise, the stranger’s conscience seemed to kick in. He got off her, apologized, and left her home.

But that wasn’t the end of the trauma for Jane. In addition to emotional and mental turmoil, the attack left Jane with pain in her shoulder, so her doctor recommended physical therapy. When her physical therapist suspected a tear in her shoulder, Jane ended up having surgery in December to fix the problem and returned to Kinetic Edge for her therapy following the operation.

The therapists didn’t just focus on restoring movement and relieving pain in Jane’s shoulder though. Kinetic Edge believes that people are not completely healthy unless they care for their body, mind, and spirit. This value carries over in to their mission to transform lives and restore hope through movement through a holistic care that’s not just focused on the specific part of the body experiencing problems. Given their understanding of Jane’s assault, the team worked extra hard to make sure Jane was cared for holistically.

“Kinetic Edge felt like a safe place,” Jane shared and paused as tears welled in her eyes. “When I was done with physical therapy, I didn’t want to be done. It’s almost like they became my family.”

The police haven’t caught Jane’s attacker to date, so she continues to live in fear, unsure of if this man will show up again, if he’s been watching her, or if this was just a random attack.

“I can’t go for a walk comfortably anymore,” she shared. “I lock my doors now. I carry a Taser with me everywhere, and I’m taking self-defense classes.”

While life has improved and her shoulder has healed, not everything is easy still. She still wonders why she had to go through this experience. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Jane wanted to share her story to help others going through something similar.

“This was not my fault. This was his choice; I didn’t bring this on me,” she shared.

Jane wants other women to know they don’t deserve to be beaten and attacked. Violence is not okay, and violent behavior is never justifiable.

by Dr. Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

If you’ve every woken up and experienced pain in the heel or arch with the first steps of the day, you are far from alone. Around 10% of the US population experiences episodes of heel pain, often caused by something called plantar fasciitis, and this painful condition has also been experienced by elite athletes like Kobe Bryant, Eli Manning, and Albert Pujols, as well as former presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Plantar fasciitis… That’s a mouthful, I know, and it’s difficult to spell. So let’s agree to simply call it heel and arch pain. That medical term – plantar fasciitis – was penned because the condition was historically thought to be an inflammation (“-itis”) of the connective tissue (“fascia”) on the underside (plantar surface) of the foot. That tissue extends from the heel bone to the toes, but the most common area of irritation is at its connection at the heel.

plantar fasciitis 3 The designation of the condition as an inflammation, though, is often inaccurate. Yes, it’s possible to experience inflammation of this tissue, which would most often occur after a sudden, traumatic injury to the foot. More often though, it is a recurrent, chronic condition that doesn’t involve inflammation at all. Much like tennis elbow or pain in your Achilles tendon, with repeated stress the tissue degenerates. This results in a weaker tissue that is less capable of handling tension stresses, and the tissue over time requires less stress to elicit pain.

So, now that we’ve discussed the most common cause for heal and arch pain, let’s discuss practical information that can help you conquer this condition.

What are the most important things for you to know if you deal with recurrent heel and arch pain?

Take care of your feet.

The best way to deal with heel and arch pain is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Perform stretches to maintain flexibility as you age in the feet, ankles, knees and hips. Consult with a physical therapist to learn what activities are the best for you, based on your most significant flexibility issues.

Wearing shoes that match your specific foot needs is important as well. Many people benefit from the correct shoe match with their foot, and some may need additional support at the arches.

Traditional treatments don’t fix the root of the problem.

Traditional treatments focus on reducing or eliminating the inflammation. Cortisone injections, ultrasounds, and anti-inflammatory medications (steroids and non-steroidal) all attempt to manage inflammation. However, unless you have a new heel and arch pain condition that began from a single traumatic event (which causes acute inflammation), these types of treatments are unlikely to help you. While they might reduce the pain temporarily, your pain will return and the treatment investment will not yield the results you need if your condition is degenerative – and most are.

To conquer this condition, you must help the tissue get stronger.

The root of the problem is that the tissue is weak and cannot handle tension stresses, which are significant when you load the foot while walking. Treatments that enhance tissue density through a remodeling effect are much more likely to impact the root of the problem.

Physical therapists at Kinetic Edge, for example, are trained in instrumented-assisted soft tissue mobilization like Astym (www.astym.com) which helps tissues regenerate. Astym is great for heel and arch pain, elbow pain, and Achilles tendon issues, to name a few.

The weak link also needs help from its neighbors.

The tissues at the heel and arch are the proverbial weak link that degenerates over time. This degeneration occurs because those tissues repeatedly accept more physical stress than they should, and that’s often the fault of neighboring joints and muscles. While using Astym treatments to help the tissues remodel and regenerate is essential, enhancing the movement of the entire kinetic chain is also critical to prevent this painful condition from reoccurring.

A physical therapist helps you identify important movement skills for you to balance the physical stressors on your legs so that all tissues work together to accomplish the important task of bearing weight so that you can walk, run, jump, and dance comfortably again.

Troy Vander Molen, Doctor of Physical Therapy

If you’d like to learn more about your body and why you might be experiencing heel and arch pain, email us to get scheduled for a free assessment with one of our physical therapy movement experts. This free assessment has no costs or obligations and requires only 20 minutes of your time.

Your feet just might thank you.

Learning about how people accomplish things that seem impossible fascinates Matt Scotton. This likely explains why he loves being a physical therapist and athletic trainer for Kinetic Edge, but it also begins to explain his decision to run 100 miles… twice.

Matt Leadman 2 Matt Leadman 4

This 100 mile run is part of something called the Leadville Race Series. If you visit their website, you’ll be greeted by a quote from Founder Ken Chlouber, “Dig deep into that inexhaustible well of grit, guts, and determination.” If that doesn’t scare you away, you’ll go on to discover a series of six endurance races on foot and mountain bike above 10,000 feet altitude in Leadville, Colorado.

To become a “Leadman,” five races have to be completed in the short summer race season. The races include a marathon, 50 mile mountain bike race or 50 mile run, 100 mile mountain bike race, a 10K, and finally, the 100 mile run through the Colorado Rockies from elevations of 9,200 to 12,600 feet. Crazy, right?

Scotton has done this twice. Matt Leadman 3

“What makes this all especially difficult is that the race routes are all crazy steep and the races all take place within a two-month period of time, and there is a designated cut off time that you have to complete each event within,” shared Scotton. “There are several sections that you can’t ride a bike or run through, so you have to push your bike at about one mile per hour.”

Scotton was the second Iowan to become a Leadman; two more Iowans have accomplished this feat since. However, he’s the only Iowan to date to accomplish it twice.

“I receive a lot of odd looks from people when they find out what I have done,” commented Scotton.

But for Scotton, being active makes him feel great physically and mentally. Additionally, his background as a physical therapist has helped him understand how the human body can adapt to training and prescriptive exercise.

“I have been witness to many amazing accomplishments by my clients in the past 22 years as a physical therapist,” said Scotton. “These people and experiences have inspired me to see what I can accomplish through these races and events.”

Training for this race series consists of Scotton running 20-40 miles per week, along with biking for 8-15 hours and 2-4 strength and conditioning sessions. Scotton hasn’t always been at this level of competition though; in fact, it wasn’t until a friend invited him to do a triathlon at age 34 that he got in to competitive races.

For those interested in starting competitive racing, Scotton shared this piece of advice: “Start with short manageable races and build your mileage up gradually, otherwise it is a recipe for overuse injuries.”

Scotton is currently training for the Rival Game Relay on September 9 with four friends. He’s also looking forward to the Buffalo 105, a 105 mile gravel road bike race in Jasper County, as well as the Prairie 101, a gravel road bike race that starts near Perry, Iowa.

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If you’re a runner or an aspiring runner, Kinetic Edge’s Runner’s Edge Assessment proactively prepares you to avoid injury and maximize your running potential. Call 866-588-0230 or email us for more information.

Back to school season seems to be hurled upon us earlier and earlier each year, assimilating many of the other major holidays. For some, seeing school supplies return front and center in local stores conjures up feelings of excitement and joy, while for others the thought of picking out a new school folder and returning to school brings upon anxiety.

Many of us assume that children are excited about seeing their friends again and getting back into the routine of school. And hopefully, this is the case for most kids. But unfortunately, going back to school can spur on fear and nervousness for some children.

Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk specializes in pediatric therapy and is sharing six ideas for a successful school year for kids who are anxious about the new school year:

Stop asking kids if they are ready for school a month before it’s the first day of school. As adults, we are quick to ask school-aged children “Are you ready for school?” We don’t necessarily think about the weight of our question. Consider how you feel when people ask if you’re “ready for Christmas” before Thanksgiving. Rather than contributing to the speed at which life seems to be passing us by, help slow it down by allowing kids to enjoy summer.
Make a list of what will be the same next school year and what will be different. Often times, the unknown is what causes children to worry. However, when they begin to see a list of what will be consistent, this can ease their minds.
Visit the classroom and meet the teacher. Ask the new teacher if you can arrange a quieter time (or when the quieter time of open house is) to see the new classroom and meet the teacher if your child struggles with louder, busy environments.
Stop telling your child to just calm down. Consider what is calming from a sensory standpoint and incorporate that into your morning/daily routine. In considering your own stress, how often does it work to just tell yourself to calm down? Most likely you are using other strategies to help in your own stress-relief plan. Do the same for your child. Sucking on something sweet is very calming for our sensory system, so consider sending a water bottle to school and sucking your morning beverage through a straw. Deep pressure, like a massage is also calming so add some extra squeezes (hand hugs) up and down your child’s arms and legs when hugging him or her goodbye in the morning.
Teach your child deep breathing techniques including inhaling through the nose and exhaling through mouth when he or she feels worried. Deep breathing increases oxygen to the brain and stimulates the part of the brain (parasympathetic nervous system) to promote calmness. To make this more fun and teach proper breathing, have your child lie on his back with his favorite stuffed animal on his belly. When breathing correctly, the stuffed animal should rise, but the chest will not. Hold the breath a few seconds and then blow it out. Repeat until the child feels more relaxed.
Consider reflex integration exercises, if appropriate. There are several reflexes that we are born with, which not integrated later in infancy can contribute to anxiety. These include the Moro (or Startle) Reflex, and the Fear Paralysis Reflex. Challenges with the neural chassis (brain stem, midbrain, RAS) can also contribute to anxiety. Exercises can be prescribed to integrate the reflexes and assist in decreasing anxiety.

Elise Spronk

Consider tapping into the expertise of others if you feel your child’s anxiety about school (or other things) is limiting his or her ability to participate. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent; your child might just require a little extra help to overcome their anxiety. You likely wouldn’t consider attacking strep throat alone, so why should anxiety be any different? Counselors and occupational therapists can offer additional child-specific interventions to help in this journey.

Our hope at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is that children and parents can approach this school year with a healthy attitude and big, genuine smiles, eagerly awaiting all that the school year has to offer. Our occupational therapy team specializes in pediatric therapy and can offer additional information on these six steps to help your child learn how to regulate and keep calm for the school year ahead.

Call us at 866-588-0230 or email us for more information on this article or our pediatric therapy services.

Get Your Life Back

by Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Do you suffer with back pain or leg pain when you stand or walk?
Do you have pain when you sit for long periods or drive?
Do you experience pain, numbness, or tingling in your butt, groin, or down your leg?
Does your back ever “go out” if you move the wrong way?
Are you afraid your pain will get worse if you don’t do anything about it?

If you have answered YES to any of the above questions, then you know how debilitating lower back problems can be. I understand it too because I once dealt with this condition too.

I had experienced lower back pain on left side for 14 months. I had used acupuncture and chiropractic treatments with no relief. A pain doctor recommend physical therapy, and in nine visits, I am so much better.

– Charles May

Back pain and sciatica can completely ruin your life – I’ve seen it many times.

It can make you lean on the shopping cart when walking through the grocery store.
It can take your focus away from enjoying life… Like spending time with your children or grandchildren.
It can mess up your work or force you to do a job you didn’t want to do.
It can ruin your travel plans.
And it can take away your ability to live life… having to rely on others… Or making others wait for you while you sit down for a minute.

And less movement and less enjoyment of life can lead to depression, increased stress and a sedentary lifestyle (mostly sitting… not moving much) which leads to bigger health problems and bigger life problems.

Yes, lower back pain is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be your common experience. Too many people seek answers but are unable to restore their health, happiness, and hope because they don’t get to the root of the problem. The sciatica and lower back pain specialists at Kinetic Edge have literally helped hundreds and hundreds of people right here in our communities get their lives back, and we can help you too!

If you’re confused about what to do about your pain and are looking for answers, please plan on attending this free workshop. If you choose to come, here’s some of what you’ll learn:

The single biggest #1 mistake back pain and sciatica sufferers make which actually stops them from healing
The three most common causes of lower back pain and sciatica
A sure-fire way to pick the right treatment for the cause of your pain (and save you a ton of time and money)
How a problem in your back can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your leg
What successful treatment and permanent relief looks like without the side effects of medications, injections, or surgery

We’re offering this FREE event at our Des Moines location on:

Tuesday, June 27 from 6:00-7:00 PM

Kinetic Edge in Des Moines – 516 3rd Street, Suite 100

How do you register for the Lower Back Pain and Sciatica workshop?

Email us or call our office to register using our toll-free number, 866-588-0230. Don’t hesitate to sign up. Space is limited as we only have 30 seats available for this event.

So if you would like to attend, register now! Call 866-588-0230 or email us.

Don’t accept your pain any more. Learn how to do something about it. Get the help you need to move better, feel better, and function better now, and learn what so many others have learned from Kinetic Edge about getting better and staying better.

Looking forward to seeing you here,

Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT

Sciatica and Lower Back Specialist at Kinetic Edge

Troy Vander Molen

National RTS Day is July 3

A tiny little plus sign changes everything. If you’re a parent, you know what I’m talking about. But for Todd and Denise Schemper, that little plus sign wasn’t going to be the only little thing that transformed their world with the birth of their daughter, Kate.

Denise experienced a healthy pregnancy with baby number two and went into labor on January 8, 2009. The doctors joyfully announced, “It’s a girl!” marking little Miss Kate’s triumphant entry to the world at five pounds, two ounces. For a moment, all seemed well.

But shortly after Kate’s arrival, the doctors started to suspect something wasn’t quite right and three little letters were about to transform their world: RTS.

“A couple days after she was born, a doctor in the NICU told us that Kate might have RTS,” shared Todd Schemper, father of Kate and physical therapist at Kinetic Edge in Des Moines.

If you haven’t heard of RTS before, you’re not alone. It stands for Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, and only occurs in an estimated 1 in 100,000 to 125,000 newborns. In fact, the Schempers only know of two other kids in the entire state of Iowa that share Kate’s diagnosis. This rare genetic syndrome is characterized by wide toes and thumbs, distinct facial features, developmental delay, and various medical issues.

“When her diagnosis was confirmed, we were overwhelmed and grieved the daughter we thought we were going to have,” shared Todd, “But then we embraced the wonderful daughter God has given us.”

After six weeks in the NICU at Blank Children’s Hospital, Kate finally got to go home, and the Schempers began to adjust not only to life with two kids but to life with a child with special needs.

Fast forward seven years to present day, you’ll find Kate thriving and the Schemper family feeling blessed to have Kate as a part of their family.

“RTS is a part of who Kate is, but it does not define her,” shared Kate’s mom Denise. “She has a very unique and magnetic personality. She draws people to her with her genuine joy and love, without judgement or condition, and is a light to those around her.”

Kate 5 For the most part, Kate’s life is pretty normal. She enjoyed this past school year at Moore Elementary in Des Moines, and like many other first graders, she loves to read, dance, watch movies (her current favorite is the latest version of “Annie”), play on her iPad, dance, play at parks, and spend time with her friends. When at home, Kate loves playing with her older brother Zach and younger sister Sarah. One of her favorite family activities is going on bike rides in the ‘WeeHoo’.

The Schempers look forward to seeing how Kate continues to learn and develop and use her God-given talents to shine in this world. They know she will bless many people throughout her life because of the beautiful, kind and smart person she is. Todd and Denise pray she will always be seen for who she truly is, and that she will be loved and accepted for all she has to offer.

We wanted to introduce you to Kate because July 3 is national RTS awareness day and this little princess is a part of our Kinetic Edge family. We asked Todd and Denise what they wanted others to know about their daughter or RTS, and they shared three requests:

Take time to get to know those with disabilities; your life will be truly blessed.
Don’t see people for the limits or differences they have, but for the gift that they are.
Adore those with special needs because God created us all unique.

“It’s not like God made a mistake on Kate. She has a really important purpose in the world, like all of us do,” shared Denise. “That’s not based on how intelligent she is or how accomplished or beautiful she is. It’s all based innately on who she is as a person, and that’s true for all of us. Every single person has worth and value and purpose.”

So in honor of National RTS day and Kate, we ask you to intentionally appreciate someone’s differences on July 3. It doesn’t have to be a person with special needs; it could be your co-worker or neighbor who you continually butt heads with. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from having Kate as part of our Kinetic Edge family, it’s that the world is a much brighter place when we embrace what makes us unique.

by Troy Vander Molen, CEO and doctor of physical therapy

MRI As a physical therapist with 20 years of clinical experience, I have seen a LOT of patients with lower back pain. In fact, it’s the most common condition for which my clients – and those of my teammates at Kinetic Edge – seek treatment on a daily basis.

Of the plethora of clients with which I’ve consulted, I wish I had a dime for every time I’ve heard:

I don’t know why I hurt. I haven’t done anything different than normal recently.
Don’t I need an MRI? How else will you know what to do?

My response to the first statement is nearly always the same. Though your lower back pain may come on suddenly, it is almost always a cumulative process that has been developing under the surface for years that eventually led to the pain you are experiencing now. The problem is that our movement dysfunctions – the limitations and compensations we make as a result of them – have occurred so gradually that they feel normal. We no longer know what it feels like to move ideally and efficiently.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad that the body can make compensations or we would experience pain far more often than we do now. However, the fact that we make compensations means that other areas often suffer as a result of that adjustment. Therefore, the real solution to your lower back problem is to find and fix the movement issue so that the area in the lower back that has experienced the physical stress no longer gets punished.

My response to needing an MRI is a bit more direct. No. In almost every case, you do not need an MRI. You probably don’t even need an X-ray. In fact, these internal pictures often provide you unnecessary information that is detrimental to your healing process and your pocketbook. Studies show that on average outcomes are worse and more costly for those who have these diagnostic tests early in the process.

Let’s take a quick look at the statistics and research behind MRIs specifically for disc herniation. Studies show that 60% of people that are given an MRI for any reason will have a disc bulge or disc herniation. The odds are slightly lower for younger people and slightly higher for older people. However, the presence of a disc bulge is hardly a rare occurrence regardless of your age. Despite its prevalence, of the 60% who have a diagnosed disc bulge, only 10% have pain!

Basically, what that means is that the MRI often times can actually confuse the provider and make someone think that they have a disc herniation or a disc bulge – which is completely accurate and objectively true by the way – without understanding and fixing what caused it and without even being assured that the pain is coming from that particular finding.

We also know that there is a big cost associated with MRIs – over $2,000 on average – and they are only valid for about a year. They just don’t help as much as most think they will. In fact, unless you are experiencing foot drop or loss of bowel/bladder continence, the results are unlikely to impact your treatment plan. Most physicians will still recommend conservative physical therapy care first.

There are health providers such as Physical Therapists, Orthopedic Surgeons, and Physiatrists that use simple and inexpensive special tests, which are movement or positional tests that will easily tell you the condition you’re suffering from. Research has shown that these simple tests have a high level of specificity and sensitivity and therefore can identify the source of lower back pain.

For instance, I can quickly determine if someone has stenosis in the lower back by giving them a verbal questionnaire which has been proven to be 97% accurate. The questionnaire includes three simple questions:

Are you over the age of 55?
Do you have lower back pain with standing and walking?
Does your lower back pain go away with sitting?

If you answered “yes” to all 3 of these questions, then there is a 97% chance that you have lumbar stenosis. That has been proven by research, and it is more accurate than an MRI or an X-ray.

MRI 2

Lower back pain treatment experts also use special tests for disc herniations and disc bulges like a Straight Leg Raise or a Dural Stretch Test (which stretches the sciatic nerve). If those tests are positive, there is a 90% chance that the person has a disc herniation or a disc bulge.

We also determine that pretty quickly by simply asking the patient, do you have increased pain down your leg with coughing, laughing, or sneezing? If you do, that’s a very strong indicator that you have a disc herniation or disc bulge. This test is much more accurate – and much less expensive – than an MRI.

So, as you can see, the problem with these diagnostic tests is that, though they might tell you that you have stenosis, a disc bulge, or sacroiliac (SI) pain (which typically doesn’t show up on an MRI or an X-ray), the idea that an MRI or an X-ray is going to help the provider fix your lower back pain is usually false. There’s a quicker, simpler, and more cost-effective way to get the valuable information necessary to make you move better, feel better, and function better

The reason that I say this is because all three of those lower back conditions – stenosis, disc bulge, and SI pain – are a result of a different problem, something that we refer to as the root cause. The root cause is what is actually causing damage to the lower back.

MRI 4 I like to use the analogy of an iceberg. What you see above the water is only 10% of the ice. Below the water is the other 90%. To understand lower back pain, you must realize that it is not the lower back’s fault that it has a disc herniation or SI inflammation or stenosis. There’s a bigger, deeper issue. It is the areas around the lower back that ultimately aren’t moving properly that shift the stress to another area, and the lower back is often the victim.

In fact, all of the conditions of lower back pain are ultimately a stress response. Yes, the lower back does have some damaged tissue. And yes, this damage is caused by physical stress. So yes, an MRI or X-ray helps identify which type of lower back pain you might have, but it doesn’t help you find the treatment or the solution for your lower back pain.

In my opinion, in most cases an X-ray or an MRI should be used as a pre-surgical tool. If all else fails and a surgeon is going to open you up, he needs to have an MRI or X-ray to determine what part of the spine he is going to surgically alter. You may have noticed that I didn’t use the word “fix” because the surgeon is almost always dealing with a secondary issue, not the root cause. Any and all lower back surgeries don’t fix the root cause. The surgery just alters the resulting problem that is caused by the root issue. The root issue is what caused the compensation and the cumulative stress that resulted in tissue damage at the other painful area.

I recently spoke with a physical therapy friend that practices in the beautiful northern Michigan town of Traverse City. Andrew Gorecki is a phenomenal physical therapist and a lower back expert. He had the opportunity to work with a local physician who had developed severe sciatica and lower back pain on the right side of his body. He was hardly able to walk. He happened to see Superior Physical Therapy’s advertisement in the local paper for a lower back pain and sciatica workshop, and he showed up the night of the event.

After the workshop, the physician came up to Andrew to tell him his personal lower back pain story. The physician had recently gone to his primary care physician who offered him pain medications for his symptoms, but he was struggling because he wasn’t legally allowed to take pain medications during his work hours. So, he had recently gotten an MRI which showed he had a disc bulge on the left side of his spine, and he immediately consulted with a neurosurgeon who recommend he have surgery immediately. In fact, at the time of the workshop, he was scheduled to have a surgery the following week.

His question to Andrew was this: “How can a disc bulge on the left side of my spine cause pain down my right leg and in my right lower back?” The answer Andrew gave him was simple: It can’t.

The physician was actually relieved with that answer. Since he was a physician, he was slightly embarrassed that he didn’t know the answer or believe the neurosurgeon expert. But deep down inside he knew that it was not plausible, and something didn’t feel right about surgery.

So, after speaking with Andrew, the physician chose to postpone his surgery and committed to 15 physical therapy visits. Every visit he was able to stand a little straighter and walk with less pain. Eventually he was pain free, moving well, and functioning normally again without the need for pain medications or surgery.

The reason the physician was able to find success was because Andrew’s physical therapy team found and treated his root problem. The client’s real issue was a loss of hip mobility – a pretty common finding, by the way – which was causing increased stress in his lower back. His disc bulge was only a secondary development that wouldn’t have gotten better with surgery unless he found a way to solve the real, primary problem.

I often have patients who come in with their imaging results. Sometimes they tell me that they aren’t sure if their symptoms fit with the image they have in their hand. If you are one of these people, don’t worry about it. You’re not alone. Move forward and seek to find the solution to your problem.

If you are one of those people who think you need an MRI or X-ray, please reconsider. Unless you have one of a very few major findings, it is an unnecessary expense. You can be confident in avoiding the diagnostic testing because the research shows that what the image shows you may be very misleading. Trust me, I have seen this happen hundreds and hundreds of time in the past. I’m here to tell you that the MRI and the X-ray often lie to you. These tests are not the most accurate way to identify lower back pain, and they are very unlikely to help you find your solution.

An MRI or X-ray does not tell anyone what to do about it, what the cause is, or what the treatment should be. That image is simply another tool, one that should be used only when somebody is about to have surgery so that the surgeon knows the exact level to go to when he is going to alter the structure of the lower back.

If you’re suffering from back pain and considering an MRI, why not give physical therapy a try first? In fact, we’ll even give you a free 20 minute screen so you can get our expert advice with no costs and no obligations. What do you have to lose? Screens are limited, so email us today or call 866-588-0230 to reserve your spot.

KINETIC EDGE SUPPORTS OK200 IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

by Lindsey Klyn, Marketing Manager for Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy

What would you do if your family was starving? If you’re a parent in America, you might work extra-long hours or pick up a second job to put food on the table. If you’re a parent in Nepal, you might have to sell your daughter’s body to those who are willing to pay for it.

You may pull up your nose in disgust thinking, “What sort of father could do that to his daughter?” But in a country where unemployment rates reach 75% and few means of making money exist, trafficking appears as the only way to make ends meet. The value of one person who’s been trafficked is $150,000-$300,000 per year in cash. In Nepal and across the world, the vulnerable are being used and profited on by people of power.

But thanks to a non-profit started in Des Moines, Iowa, these realities are starting to change. Okoboji 200 (OK200) started in 2011 as a group of four men who wondered if they could conquer an amazing self-feat by biking 200 miles in one day. Now, OK200 has evolved into a movement of people using cycling as a means to fight human trafficking.

“None of us expected this much of a movement,” shared co-founder of OK200 Rocky Vest. “But we’ve discovered that our influence in our communities plus riding a bike for 200 miles equals making a difference in the world.”

The United Nations estimates roughly 27-30 million people live in slavery today, with sexual exploitation making up 79% of human trafficking. Statistics say that 99.99% of the girls and boys who are brought into trafficking will die as a result either from abuse or disease. Becoming a sex slave is essentially a death sentence, but OK200 hopes to change that.

“The organization OK200 works with in Nepal is called Lighthouse,” commented Vest. “They aren’t only supporting girls who survive; they’re also extracting minors out of human trafficking.”

With the support of OK200, the founder of Lighthouse recently went with a Nepali government official to remove children from a brothel. When they arrived at the brothel, they discovered 300 children there. Not only did they shut the entire brothel down, but they also ministered to the woman running the place. She became a Christian and joined the fight against trafficking.

But the funds and awareness raised by OK200 aren’t just saving lives far across the Atlantic; they’re also making a difference in Iowa.

In Iowa, the average age of entry to human trafficking is 11-14 years of age. Most of these teens are runaways and then have the unfortunate luck of running into a trafficker. Human trafficking is a big issue every year with the Iowa State Fair and was also a matter of concern recently with the NCAA tournaments in Des Moines. Additional problems with human trafficking in Iowa stem from being located between major cities where there is a bigger demand for these services, especially when there’s any sort of major event. This causes Iowa to become an exchange state.

“Being a part of OK200 opened my eyes to the extent of trafficking locally,” stated OK200 participant and Kinetic Edge physical therapist Todd Schemper. “The pain we experience on the ride is nothing compared to the pain of those we support.”

At the start of 2016, two homes opened in Des Moines with the sole focus of providing a safe place for teen girls to heal from trafficking. No other organization exists like this in Des Moines, and those against the fight of trafficking in Iowa knew an organization like this was one of the biggest missing pieces in our state’s fight against this injustice. OK200 was thrilled to use a portion of the funds they raised to purchase the land for the home to be built.

“We set our goal to raise awareness and funds to help fight,” said Vest. “We’re accomplishing those things in greater ways than I ever imagined.”

Last year, 38 people participated in the 200 mile ride and $72,000 was raised. This year, OK200 hopes to raise $100,000 for the fight against trafficking. Currently, they’ve raised $36,675 and have 48 participants signed up for the June 24 event.

OK200 - 1

In addition to serving as a corporate sponsor for OK200, Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy selected OK200 for their second quarter charity for their Join the Movement program. This means Kinetic Edge donates $10 for every new client they serve who was referred to them by a friend or family member from the beginning of April until the end of June.

“Kinetic Edge is proud to support OK200 for a variety of reasons,” shared Schemper. “First, it’s supporting a local cause. Second, there is an international piece to the charity, which helps us give to underserved areas of the world. Also, it’s giving towards a cause that encourages active living through biking, which fits our mission of transforming lives and restoring hope through movement.”

The weather is warming up, the tulips are blooming in Pella, and the trees are blossoming. Yes, spring is here! It’s that wonderful time of year where you get out of the house to go for a walk or bike ride and remember that other living beings do exist in Iowa! But with spring and the increased outdoor activity, overuse injuries also begin to spike with the kneecap being one of the most common sites for overuse issues.

Pain in the front of your knee, often referred to as patellofemoral syndrome (PFS) or chondromalacia, is a problem many people experience. If you anterior knee pain and hear noise when you bend it, this might be due to poor kneecap tracking.

At Kinetic Edge, we often refer to the kneecap as a “dumb bone.” It doesn’t have a mind of its own. Like a train, it simply moves where the tracks guide it. If the tracks are off, the pressure on the undersurface of the kneecap is imbalanced, and wear and tear occurs.

By far, the most common tracking problem at the kneecap is lateral tracking, which occurs when the outside portion of the kneecap rubs repeatedly on the groove created by the underlying femur.

How do you know if you have PFS? There’s actually a very easy self-test you can perform in your own home. If your knee makes a lot of noise and hurts when you flex and extend it, do the following:

Sit on a chair.
Push down on your kneecap with your thumbs while you repeatedly extend and bend your knee.
Repeat the same knee motion while lightly pushing the outside of your kneecap inwards.

If you have pain with the first motion (kneecap compression) but not with the second motion (lateral unloading), it is likely that your pain is originating from an irritation on the underside of your kneecap.

For some people, anterior knee pain and joint noise only occurs when they’re on their feet, particularly when ascending and descending stairs. If that’s your experience, you also may be experiencing PFS. A simple taping technique can help us determine the origin of your symptoms.

Thankfully, while this condition is pretty common, it is also an easy fix. It’s amazing how many people unnecessarily suffer from a condition that is so easy to alleviate. Interestingly, the key to long-term comfort and performance is making sure the friends of the knee, its closest neighbors above (hip) and below (ankle/foot), are doing their jobs well and keeping the train centered on the tracks. If you’re a cyclist with this condition, the proper set-up and fit of the bike is essential as well.

Our knee movement experts can help you eliminate the pain and return to your outdoor activity in no time.

I went here because I injured my knee during cross country. I had a hard time jumping before physical therapy.

Since I went, my knee has gotten much better. Now I’m able to participate in sports, and I’m able to run with little to no pain. The people here are very nice and have helped me out a lot.

– Jacob Shepherd

Curious if physical therapy could help you? Call 866-588-0230 or email us today to find out!

If you’re looking for an easy activity with tons of sensory benefits, look no further. Soft sand (also known as cloud dough or moon sand) is the exact thing you’ve been looking for. It’s easy to make, silky, and smells great! We’re not kidding when we say this can keep your kids entertained for hours.

All you need are two common household items to make soft sand: one 5-pound bag of flour and 20-22 ounces of baby oil. You’ll also want a container with a lid to eventually store it in. Sand Slime ingredients

First, pour the flour and baby oil into a bucket or container.

Sand slime mixing 2 Sand slime flour

Next, mix the baby oil into the flour. You can use a pastry cutter or spoon to mix it, but some of the fun and benefit (think tactile input and strengthening) is in the hand mixing, so allow your child to help with this process, even if it might be a little messy.

Finally, pour the soft sand into a box and add some toys. Foam beads are a great item, but all sorts of items, like cups, string, toy cars, bouncy balls, and more, are fun to play with in soft sand.

Sand slime foam beads Sand slime final

Your child will have hours of fun either looking for small items that you hide in the soft sand or just scooping and packing the sand into smaller containers or cups. When your kiddo is done playing, simply put a lid on the container; soft sand will store infinitely in a sealed container!

So now, if you’re wondering what the sensory and motor benefits are for this activity, let me explain the three primary benefits.

Tactile processing: Since this texture is slightly wet but not as slimy as some, it’s perfect for kids who are more apprehensive. This can be a very calming activity due to the softness of the texture, as well as the nice smell from the baby oil.
Tactile discrimination: By adding small beads, you can work on tactile discrimination through activities like having your child find the beads without looking.
Fine motor coordination: When your child places the beads on a string or a small straw (a straw is a good downgrade if the string is too difficult), they’re also developing fine motor coordination.

Want to learn more about how sensory preference might be impacting your child and how occupational therapy at Kinetic Edge can help? Then check out this article by Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk.

Occupational therapy and pediatric services are available in our Pella and Oskaloosa clinics.

by Elise Spronk, Occupational Therapist

My name is Elise, and I hate peas. I don’t like the texture of peas. The thought of skin around the mushy inside is repulsive to me. Thus, I have avoided peas since vomiting over pea soup in Kindergarten. The fear is real… to me.

For those of you who love peas, you don’t understand, and you often try to convince me that I won’t taste them or feel them in my mouth.

You are wrong.

I can detect one pea in a potluck-sized bowl of macaroni salad and in a mouth full of soup. And as a result, I go into a flight, fright, or fight response.

When it comes to peas (and several other things), I am a SENSORY AVOIDER. A sensory avoider is one who doesn’t need a lot of sensory input to react and often manages the environment or the situation to avoid that sensory input. Some ways in which you might see this in your kids includes if they:

Are picky eaters: They might prefer one texture, color, or basic flavors
Cover their ears or make more noise at noise with loud sounds like vacuum, blender, or hand dryer
Avoid touch: They aren’t a “cuddly” or “huggy” kid
Hate tags and seams in clothing
Have a difficult time transitioning clothing between the seasons
Avoid messy activities like playing in the mud or sandbox or painting or playdough
Walk on their toes
Dislike having people too close
Refuse to take a shower or bath
Over-respond to pain: Everything hurts!

Because I’m an adult in charge of my own eating habits, I can avoid peas, and it really doesn’t negatively impact my world anymore. However, that wasn’t always the case, and it’s not always the case for our sensory avoiding kids. Often times, sensory avoiding children are placed into situations that don’t match their sensory preferences. Sometimes that is unavoidable, because there are times when you have to just eat the peas, but other times there are ways to deal with their sensory preferences to avoid an outbreak. For me, that means choosing to make corn for my family and not taking that pea salad at the church potluck.

So now that I’ve told you about one sensory preference, let me share a little about three others. According to the Sensory Profile (Dunn, 1999), there are four sensory preferences:

Sensation Avoiding (That’s me with peas!)
Sensitivity to Stimuli
Low/Poor Registration
Sensory Seeking

SENSITIVITY TO STIMULI: Like sensation avoiders, those scoring in the sensitivity to stimuli category also don’t need much sensory input to generate a response (low neurological threshold). However, in contrast to the avoiders, they are passive in meeting the threshold. This means they aren’t having outbursts or withdrawing, but rather they are drawn to the newest stimulus that presents itself and often appear distracted or hyperactive. They may be cautious to proceed because of fear that they missed something while distracted by new stimuli, or they might become upset either by their own difficulties with tracking tasks or with others who are interrupting them. You might notice this in your children if they:

Notice when the air conditioning kicks in and get distracted by it
Pay attention to everything their desk buddy/neighbor is doing
Can’t complete multiple-step instructions
Fidget with clothing, for example shoe laces, tags, strings
Have a difficult time with worksheets that have a lot of visual information on them

SENSORY SEEKERS: Sensory seekers have a high need for sensory input and make sure that their high threshold is met by actively seeking it out. Behaviors indicative of sensory seeking include being active, continuously engaging, fidgety, and excitable. They may seem to lack consideration for safety when playing. You might notice this in your child through these actions:

Spinning
Climbing on everything or climbing too high
Crashing into things like people, furniture or walls
Licking or chewing inedible things
Playing with food
Eating messily or overstuffing their mouth
Running barefoot
Not sitting still at their desk
Smelling everything, even bad smells
Failing to monitor their own volume

LOW REGISTRATION: Like sensory seekers, those with low registration have a high need for sensory input in order to respond. However, they are passive in the process and don’t seek out input. They may appear tired or disinterested, very likely because their sensory experiences aren’t intense enough for them to notice and respond. Typically, these aren’t the kids causing any problems and Low Registration can often go undetected until preschool or early elementary years when difficulties learning or following directions may appear.

Day dreaming during instructional time at school
Lag behind the group during in physical activities
Don’t dress appropriately for the weather
Incontinence issues
Have a difficult time starting a task

Often times, I meet parents who may think our therapy goal is to either change their child’s sensory preferences or their own. However, that isn’t the case at all. Our goal is to understand each other’s preferences and discover how we can all live somewhat harmoniously under one roof.

Through understanding we can offer the right amount and type of sensory input, providing a healthy, safe environment in which the child has a better opportunity to behave and play appropriately, perform academically, and complete daily living skills.

There is much hope in understanding.

Call now to get more help with sensory issues

1-866-588-0230

Do you suffer from painful knots in your muscles? It’s a common problem that many people try to treat with massages, injections, doctors, medications, and more. Ames resident Steve Kellner suffered from a similar pain after months of running resulted in very painful shin splints. The pain was stopping him from checking running a marathon off his bucket list.

Stretches he found online and his doctor’s medical advice didn’t make even a little bit of difference in his pain, so Kellner went to Tim Vander Wilt, physical therapist at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. At Kellner’s initial evaluation, Vander Wilt examined his symptoms and the source of his pain. He proposed a new plan to Kellner that intrigued him, a plan that included dry needling.

“I had never heard of dry needling before going to Kinetic Edge,” shared Kellner. “But I felt comfortable giving it a try as nothing else seemed to help.”

So like Kellner, you might be thinking:

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a technique practiced by Kinetic Edge’s Physical Therapists Tim Vander Wilt (Ames), Kaity Hall (Des Moines), and Melissa Hansen (Pella) to bring clients relief from pain. The technique uses a “dry” needle, meaning it’s one without medication or injection that’s inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle, known as trigger points.

What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is a taut band of skeletal muscle located within a larger muscle group. Trigger points can be tender to the touch, and touching a trigger point may cause pain to other parts of the body. People often refer to these areas as “knots” in their muscles.

When performing dry needling to the trigger point, a local twitch response is observed. This will stimulate the muscle to perform an involuntary contraction of the affected muscle fiber followed by relaxation of the taut band. This typically allows the muscle to relax and reduce tightness to the trigger point or painful area leading to overall relief from pain.

Who benefits from dry needling?

Dry needling assists in reducing tight and/or taut muscles, improving range of motion due to muscular pain and tightness, and relieving generalized pain to the muscle. Dry needling as part of an overall treatment plan has proven effective for Kinetic Edge clients who suffer from:

Myofascial pain
Tension headaches
Whiplash disorders
Chronic pain
Tendonitis

There are some precautions that would limit treatment, such as those with an aversion to needles, those who are six months or less out from a surgical procedure, anyone with a compromised immune system, and women who are pregnant.

This sounds a lot like acupuncture… How is it different?

Dry needling is not acupuncture, a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine and performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling is a part of modern Western medicine principles, and supported by research.

Although acupuncture needles are used, the technique is different from acupuncture. Acupuncture uses a technique where meridians are used to treat an area on the body. Meridians are not used in dry needling. Dry needling targets specific trigger points in the body.

Steve Kellner 1 “The best comparison I can give is it feels like a very low level electric current traveling through your body where the technique is being applied,” stated Kellner. “Maybe vaguely uncomfortable but certainly not painful. Probably the most bizarre aspect is how you can feel the nerves twitching as the needle is adjusted. For me, there were a few spots that were especially tight which did cause a small amount of pain.”

For Kellner and many other patients at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, dry needling has provided a much desired solution to pain after countless other medical treatments failed.

“After utilizing the dry needling technique as well as having Tim coach me on my running form, I was able to complete my first half marathon,” shared Kellner. “I then realized how much fun it was and signed up for a second, and finally I was able to run a marathon, a goal that I had be trying to achieve for nearly ten years.”

If you are suffering from pain and have tried everything to get rid of it, dry needling might be the perfect solution for you. Call Kinetic Edge at 866-588-0230 or email us to schedule your initial evaluation to see if dry needling could get rid of your pain!

Call now for more info about dry needling

1-866-588-0230

As a mom, sitting in the bleachers is more nerve-wracking than sitting in the dentist’s chair as they’re about to fill a cavity. On one hand, you want your kids to have the freedom to play and enjoy sports, but with training starting younger and younger, you know that their risk of getting injured is becoming greater and greater. No mom wants to see her baby not moving on the middle of the field as a rushed silence falls over the crowd, but’s exactly what happened to middle school mom Melissa Hansen.

“When football season ended for my sixth grade son Keegan, I sighed with relief thinking we’d made it through another season without a concussion,” commented Hansen. “But then it happened during a soccer game. Keegan’s the goalie and went to cover up the ball and ended up being kicked in the jaw. He was down and not getting up. This is the last thing you want to see as a mom.”

After getting him off the field, Hansen thought her son was okay, just a little shaken up. But then he began to complain repeatedly that his head hurt.

“My gut said he had a concussion,” she stated. “As time went on, his symptoms worsened which started the great debate of waiting it out or rushing to the ER.”

Hansen and her husband decided to take their son to Blank Children’s Hospital. By the time they arrived, Keegan could barely keep his eyes open and could count to two but not to ten. When his head CT came back negative, the doctor diagnosed the sixth grader with a concussion.

“After the results came back negative, I questioned our decision to take him to the ER,” noted Hansen. “I came to work Monday and consulted with two of our athletic trainers who both confirmed that taking Keegan to the ER with his symptoms was the right decision.”

It took five days of resting for Keegan to become headache and symptom free, and he missed a week of school in the process. When his symptoms subsided, Hansen let him return to school and begin the return to play protocol. It took almost two weeks from the day of his concussion for him to be able to fully able to participate in basketball practice. During this time Hansen continued to consult athletic trainer Dustin Briggs to make sure Keegan was on the right track with his recovery.

“A concussion is one of the injuries I prayed my boys would never experience, but it happened,” said Hansen. “The message I would give to moms of middle school athletes is to know the signs and symptoms of concussions and also connect with an athletic trainer or certified healthcare provider who’s trained in concussion management. Your child’s brain is so much more important than their desire to play in a certain game, so make sure you follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for returning to their activities and don’t be afraid to take things slow.”

by Dustin Briggs, Health & Injury Management & Prevention Coordinator

Soccer Player with Head Down on Grass Brain injuries in sports are a hot topic right now. With the recent findings on Tyler Sash’s brain and the release of Concussion with actor Will Smith, there are more reasons than ever for a parent to fear the safety of their children in sports. However, you don’t need to immediately wrap your child in bubble wrap or pull them from a game to keep them safe. There are three things that will help you as a parent keep your child safe in the face of brain injury, but first we should identify what a concussion is.

When you hear the word concussion, you likely think of someone knocked unconscious during a game. However, a concussion is defined as a temporary disruption of brain function and can happen to a variety of extremes through a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. Even “getting your bell rung” or what seems to be a mild bump to the head that doesn’t lead to unconsciousness can be serious.

So here are the top three things every parent should know about concussions to keep their child safe and healthy:

Be proactive in preventing concussions: While it’s impossible to predict when a concussion will occur, there are ways to help prevent them from happening.

Know who you’ll go to in the face of a concussion: Ensure your child has direct access to an athletic trainer or other health care professional trained in concussion management. That way, when this unexpected event occurs, you know who to go to right away for help.
Wear proper gear: Making sure your child is wearing the right protective equipment for their activity and checking to make sure it fits properly, is well maintained, and worn to manufacturer’s recommendations is a basic first step.
Follow the rules: Check to make sure your child follows the coaches’ rules for safety and the rules of the sport, and encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times. Rules help keep all kids safe!

Understand the signs and symptoms of concussions: Signs and symptoms of a concussion can show up right after the injury or you might not notice them until days after the injury. If your child reports even one symptom of a concussion from the list below or if you notice the symptoms yourself, keep your child out of physical activities and seek medical attention right away.

Headache or “pressure” in head
Balance problems or dizziness
Sensitivity to light or noise
Concentration or memory problems
Just not “feeling right” or is “feeling down”
Nausea or vomiting
Double or blurry vision
Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
Confusion
Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)

Know how to respond: In the unfortunate event that you believe your child has experienced a concussion, do not let your child return to play or to practice. Go to your athletic trainer or licensed health care provider who’s trained in concussion management to have your child evaluated on the same day the injury occurs.

Kinetic Edge currently has seven licensed athletic trainers on their team. Read more about them here.

After medical clearance by a licensed health care provider as defined in Iowa Code Section 280.13C, the timeline for your child getting back to their activity should follow a stepwise protocol, but you must understand that this process is delayed upon return of any signs or symptoms. The following protocol will assist you in determining your child’s readiness to return to the classroom first and foremost followed by the playing field.

Your child should be without symptoms at rest, with exertion (including mental exertion in school), AND have written clearance from physician, physician’s assistant, chiropractor, advanced registered nurse practitioner, nurse, physical therapist or licensed athletic trainer .

*Written clearance to return by one of these licensed medical professionals is REQUIRED by Iowa Code Section 280.13C.

Once these are met, your child can progress back to full activity following the stepwise process detailed below, but be sure that your licensed health care provider closely supervises this progression.

Step 1: Complete physical and cognitive rest. No exertional activity until asymptomatic. This may include staying home from school or limiting school hours (and studying) for several days. Activities requiring concentration and attention may worsen symptoms and delay recovery. (We know your child will be so disappointed to have to skip out on homework! Or maybe not…)

Step 2: Return to school full-time. Have your child start easing back into the normal routine slowly.
Step 3: Begin low impact, light aerobic exercise. This step should not begin until the student is no longer having concussion symptoms and is cleared by the treating licensed health care provider. At this point the student may begin brisk walking, light jogging, swimming or riding an exercise bike at less than 70% maximum performance heart rate. Maximum heart rate can be figured by subtracting your child’s age from 220 and then multiply by .7 to find the 70% threshold. No weight or resistance training.

Step 4: Begin basic exercise. For example, running in the gym or on the field. Do not wear a helmet or other equipment.

Step 5: Non-contact, sport-specific training drills. This includes dribbling, ball handling, batting, fielding (with discretion), running drills, and more in full equipment. Weight-training can begin.

Step 6: Following medical clearance, full contact practice or training.
Step 7: Normal competition in a contest.

Please note that progression to return is individualized and should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors that may affect the rate of progression include: previous history of concussion, duration and type of symptoms, age and sex of the student, and sport/activity in which the student participates. A student with a history of concussion, one who has had an extended duration of symptoms, or one who is participating in a collision or contact sport may progress more slowly as determined by a licensed health care provider as defined in Iowa Code Section 280.13C, or their designee.

If you have additional questions, Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy employs several athletic trainers who are well versed and licensed in concussion management. Please call us at 866-588-0230 to discuss your child’s unique scenario.

by Troy Vander Molen, CEO and Physical Therapist

Not many groups would unveil their new brand identity on Friday the 13^th, but for some reason that date just seemed right for our bunch. As an entity that has existed since 1998, we have a long history of doing things just a little differently than everyone else, and it’s fun to reflect on our anniversary of one year as Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, as well as the history we have leading up to our rebranding.

Our organization began as a physical therapy practice that didn’t possess a brick and mortar location. Instead, our company was founded to travel onsite to see injured clients at their worksites. In our earliest days, we consulted with employers to develop work injury prevention solutions. The back office was a spare bedroom, simply known as Work Systems, P.C. at the time. That unique approach worked, because as we began to understand, the real business was about developing relationships.

Some of the new friends we’ve made as Kinetic Edge:

I (Troy) was fortunate to join the company in 2001. Things were different than the norm at that time as well, and it gave us the agility to attack emerging issues well. At the dawn of the new millennium, the perfect healthcare storm was just beginning to build with the three thunderheads on the horizon: an aging population, an obesity epidemic, and the rising cost of reactive health care. We knew that we had a unique opportunity to develop relationships to help individuals brace for that storm, but things would need to change.

With a focus on functional health solutions that empower individuals and industries to get well and stay well, we opened our first clinic in Pella in 2002. A few months later we purchased Bos Landen Athletic Club. Initially operating as two entities, Work Systems Rehab, P.C. and Work Systems Fitness, P.C., we merged into Work Systems Rehab & Fitness, P.C. upon the opening of our new 34,000 square foot health care center on the south side of Pella in 2004. During and after, more growth and change occurred as we added therapy clinics in Des Moines (2003), Oskaloosa (2006), Newton (2007), and Ames (2012), as well as adding in occupational therapy services (2005).

Over the course of time, our original and core focus on work injury management and prevention hasn’t changed. It is still the most basic element in our DNA. However, near the end of the first decade of the new millennium, it became clear that our name, Work Systems, wasn’t complete enough to capture our company vision. We needed a new identity to help us continue to develop the relationships that are the life blood of our organization and its mission.

“Work Systems” didn’t speak to our passion for providing therapy services for the entire community, from busy moms to student-athletes to senior citizens. The word “rehab” can be misinterpreted as well. We needed a name that spoke to our passion for restoring hope and transforming lives using our most unique asset as movement scientists.

Sneak peaks leading up to our name release:

KE Name reveal cover photo So, it was on Friday, March 13, 2015 that we officially changed our identity to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. Though I’m sure the change seemed sudden to most, it occurred after years of consideration and months of creative planning. We are extremely thankful that Kinetic Edge is a place where our mission, our purpose, and our vision can thrive. We at Kinetic Edge are humbled to provide a place where your hope is restored and your life is transformed through the unique gifts we offer as friendly and knowledgeable movement experts.

In the year since the name change occurred, most things have remained the same… and that’s a good thing. While developing our clinic services, we continue to be leaders in work injury management and prevention. Our focus continues to be different; we excel at providing functional benefits to those who have not succeeded with traditional therapy services, and we continue to operate in the center of the perfect health care storm.

Kinetic Edge: Transforming lives and restoring hope through movement

No, changing our name on Friday the 13^th wasn’t a bad omen. It was fitting for our group that is committed to making good out of bad. In the year since we became Kinetic Edge, the number of new relationships we’ve gained has been astounding, and the stories of lives changed has been humbling.

Thank you for being a part of the Kinetic Edge story.

FIND OUT HOW HE GOT BACK TO DOING WHAT HE LOVES

by Lindsey Klyn, Marketing Specialist at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy

When it comes to picking a hobby, the world has never had more options to offer. From geocaching to Pinterest projects, there’s plenty of ways to fill your free time. But in a world that continues to become more health conscious, we’ve seen a spike in individuals selecting physical activities for their hobby. From running to disc golf or Zumba to kickboxing, it’s not hard to find a physical activity that suits your personal preferences.

For Jamie Dunsbergen, weight lifting was how he chose to spend his free time in an effort to stay in shape for his passion: playing baseball. After his career as a baseball pitcher at Iowa State ended, Jamie continues to be involved with his passion by playing baseball with his two sons and coaching youth teams.

In February 2014, Dunsbergen was at the peak of his lifting abilities and pushing himself to do a set of deadlifts with the most weight he’d ever lifted, 345 pounds. In the process, he ripped his trapezius. This injury put a sudden halt to his passion, causing him to experience pain every time he threw a baseball or swung a bat. Like most people, he figured the problem would go away over time. When that didn’t work, Dunsbergen turned to a chiropractor.

“I went to a chiropractor numerous times,” stated Dunsbergen. “The adjustments always helped, but my chiropractor and I both knew my injury required another alternative to fully resolve the pain I was experiencing.”

Dunsbergen’s first alternative came through Game On Performance, a semi-private training facility where his two sons were already going to work out. It was there where Brad Rolffs, founder and CEO of Game On, personally oversaw Dunsbergen’s lifting and ultimately recommended he give Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy a try.

“As a personal trainer and a strength coach, I always stay within my scope of expertise,” said Rolffs. “I recommended he try Kinetic Edge because I thought physical therapy could get him exactly what he needed to heal his injury. Jamie had never done physical therapy before, so I know he was a bit hesitant and unsure of what to expect.”

After a year and a half of living with shoulder pain, Dunsbergen decided to give physical therapy a try and checked in for his initial evaluation at Kinetic Edge with physical therapist Joel Watters. After discussion and evaluation, Watters and Dunsbergen agreed to a treatment plan which consisted of repositioning, Astym®, and building strength and stability throughout the entire shoulder.

IMG_7634 compressed “When I evaluated Jamie, I had significant concerns regarding his muscle function and overall shoulder performance,” stated Watters. “However, I felt confident that with the use of physical therapy and Astym®, Jamie could get back to living without pain.”

After just nine therapy treatments over the course a month and a half, Dunsbergen graduated from Kinetic Edge. He was stunned with the results of physical therapy and Astym®.

“Physical therapy completely healed my trap,” said Dunsbergen. “I’m back to lifting weights, doing home improvement projects, and throwing a baseball without pain. If Brad at Game On hadn’t helped me make contact with Kinetic Edge, I would probably still be fighting through shoulder pain.”

Dunsbergen’s story, being able to restore his health, happiness, and hope, is what Kinetic Edge works to do on a daily basis. Kinetic Edge views collaborating with other health oriented businesses like Game On Performance as essential for optimizing the health and performance of their clients.

IMG_7726 compressed “He’s back doing the things he loves and now continues to progress under the professional care of Game On Performance,” surmised Watters. “I couldn’t be happier for Jamie and the results he’s gained with physical therapy.”

Dunsbergen offered one piece of advice for those like him who have accepted giving up a hobby because of pain: “Give physical therapy a try. I had never done it before, but now I’m a believer.”

*Astym® is a form of therapy that regenerates healthy muscles and tendons while reducing unwanted scar tissue that may be causing pain or movement restrictions. Many clients of Kinetic Edge have experienced great success with this treatment, even when other approaches routinely failed to solve their pain. If you would like more information on how Astym® could help you, please call 1-866-588-0230.

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably thought through some resolutions for 2016. New Year’s resolutions often focus on improving your health and can come in many forms such as giving up pop or soda, exercising more frequently, training to run a 5K or road race, losing weight, eating better and giving up our carbs. The list could go on and on.

The problem is most of us faithfully follow our resolutions really well at the beginning, but we begin to trail off and cheat as time goes on. The trouble is when we don’t incorporate long-term changes to our health regimen we run at a higher risk for several health problems.

The number one health-related cause of mortality for men and women in the U.S. is cardiovascular disease. Long term participation in cardiovascular activities can help to combat cardiovascular disease. Just one hour of exercise a week burning approximately 1000 kilocalories can reduce mortality by 20% in men, while not performing this activity nearly doubles the mortality rate in middle aged women. However, exercise alone is not the answer. Increasing healthy habits such as quitting smoking, eating more nutritious and lower sodium diets, and avoiding stress are key components with reducing cardiovascular disease.

In addition to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or hypertension and high cholesterol are common disorders that can increase your risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. Increases in blood pressure to 140/90 can increase the risk one fold of developing coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, and even kidney failure. Simple dietary changes such as decreased salt intake and reduced alcohol consumption coupled with weight loss can reduce blood pressure without a huge increase in exercise. However moderate intensity exercise at 40-50% HR max performed at least three times per week for 30-60 minutes can reduce elevated blood pressure values over time.

Diabetes is the third common disease that results from inactivity and unhealthy habits. With physical inactivity, our body’s insulin regulatory mechanisms become weakened, and we are led down the path of increasing blood sugar levels which in turn can result in onset of non-insulin dependent or Type II Diabetes. The proliferation of diabetes is largely due to inactivity and poor diet. Improvement in glucose metabolism can be made through strength training, independent of improvements in body fat density or cardiovascular endurance.

Our list of problems resulting from not practicing healthy habits could go on and on, but let’s take a few moments to talk about some common resolutions for you to implement to improve your health in 2016:

When going grocery shopping, shop around the perimeter of the store to get the most nutritious and least processed foods.
Try to exercise for thirty minutes, three times a week.
Pack a lunch for work the night before. When you proactively plan your meals, you’re able to make better decisions than when you’re hungry and craving junk food.
Limit your screen time. Spend less time on your smartphone or in front of your TV and more time being up and active.
Try to eat six smaller meals over the course of the day, instead of three bigger meals.
Replace a can of pop with a bottle of water.
Sign up for a race! Many people find that having a date and goal of a race helps to keep them committed to their exercise program.

Now, if you’re like most people, some of these ideas will be easy to attain in January, but once February and the winter blues roll in, sticking to your healthier lifestyle becomes a bit trickier. If you would like accountability and guidance in how to live healthier of if you’re interested in exercise but unsure of where to begin, our medical fitness program might be the exact thing you need to make a long-term lifestyle change. Those with a health condition such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and other such conditions, see the most benefit from our program.

With your monthly membership in our medical fitness program, you are entitled to:

One-on-one meetings with our medical fitness program professionals to discuss your data and goals.
A personal exercise program created by your coach to accommodate your health and fitness goals.
Re-evaluations every quarter to track your data and monitor your progress.
Access to a more private gym space.

If you would like more information on our medical fitness program, email us or call 1-866-588-0230.

It seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it? The premise seems absurd that bad posture would be okay for you. Second only to “if you make that face it will stick that way,” we all can recall the voice of our mothers telling us to “sit up straight!”

I’ll admit it. At times I operate from a physical therapy worldview that encourages symmetry and balance, neutral positioning, and postural alignment. Seems natural, doesn’t it? But, as therapy providers focused on evidence-based practice (EBP), we at Kinetic Edge consistently seek confirmation of the benefit of our treatment techniques. So, we need to find the answer to this critical question:

What do well-designed scientific studies find about the connection between posture and pain?

The results from well-designed research studies for the most part do not support the claim that bad posture causes back pain. Todd Hargrove, author of A Guide to Better Movement: The Science and Practice of Moving with More Skill and Less Pain, also has a blog called Better Movement. In September of 2014 he posted the following findings about the link, or lack thereof, between posture and pain (http://www.bettermovement.org/blog/2014/does-bad-posture-cause-back-pain):

There is no association between leg length differences and back pain.
No significant difference in low back posture between people with severe, moderate, and no pain.
There is no association between neck curvature and neck pain.
No significant differences in muscle length (i.e. flexibility) of abdominal, hamstrings, and hip flexor muscles in people with and without back pain.
Teenagers with funky back postures were no more likely to develop back pain in adulthood than those with “better” posture.
Pregnant women with increased low back curve were no more likely to develop back pain.
People who perform work involving frequent exposure to awkward postures do not have higher levels of back pain.

The preponderance of evidence indicates that if any correlation exists between posture and pain, it is weak. And even if a correlation between pain and posture does exist, that does not prove a causal relationship. In other words, it may be that pain causes bad posture, not the other way around.

Why does posture not associate with pain?

Tissues adapt to stress over time – If your muscles get stronger when exposed to the stress of lifting weights, it is plausible that your joints, ligaments, and tendons will as well.
Tissue damage does not equal pain – If you are over 30 years old, an MRI will almost assuredly show cumulative trauma (i.e. arthritis) in a variety of places, even in places that you experience no pain (http://www.bettermovement.org/blog/2012/the-trouble-with-mris-and-my-brother).
Different people are different – Asymmetry is the rule, not the exception. Being irregular is regular. Therefore, what is dysfunctional for one may very well be optimal for another.

With this surprising evidence, what must we do to stay healthy and reduce pain?

Don’t focus on pain or even posture. Instead, focus on moving better. Ergonomics, though important, have limits in value. If your primary focus is in making static postures ideal, you’re missing the boat. However, if you preserve your ability to move to your fullest, you will be able to reduce stress – and therefore wear and tear – on specific body parts.
Pay attention to postures with strenuous activity. Perfect posture isn’t necessary, but keeping your movement near neutral will make you more efficient and enhance your muscular endurance. Yes, posture (or, more specifically, biomechanics) still matters. For this reason, how we land after jumping is critical. Your spinal alignment during a deadlift matters greatly. The angles of and forces on a pitcher’s various body parts can enhance throwing tolerance. When mechanical stress is greater, so too is the need for good alignment.
Change postures often. We’ve all experienced the discomfort after a long plane ride in a cramped seat or waking up on the couch with a kinked neck. For this reason, we regularly preach the value of recovery stretching, which is simply using movement to deliver blood & key nutrients to the tissues that are prone to overuse and overexertion. Make it a habit to do active movement for 10-15 seconds every 10-15 minutes you’re in a static posture.
Dose your stress appropriately. The value of physical therapy, occupational therapy – and even physical fitness – is taking advantage of the body’s ability to adapt to change. It takes advantage of a concept known as Wolff’s Law. At an appropriate time, a broken bone needs to experience weightbearing loads. The right dosage at the right time helps the bone strengthen. We now know that people with osteoporosis do well with walking programs for the same reason. Think about how you work in the garden each spring. With appropriate dosage (and gloves), you’ll develop a callous instead of a blister. Regular movement at the right dosage helps create a physical stress that makes the tissues become stronger.

How can we help?

Call 866-588-0230 with any questions you have about posture or other musculoskeletal problems. We’d love to help you find evidence-based answers so that you can move better, feel better, and function better.

David Halstead went to work on December 3, 2013 like any normal winter day in Iowa. His wife, Jessica, was six months pregnant with their second child at the time. They knew their home would change in three months, but their lives were about to drastically change so much sooner.

Around 11:00 AM, Halstead and the lead man in his department at the foundry were pinned by a railcar in their cupola, which is essentially a large blast furnace, where there were roughly 700 degree flames.

“I was burned on about 28.5% of my body, all of which were third degree burns, from my waist up to my ear,” stated Halstead. “I spent three months in the hospital and had eight surgeries with a guarantee of more in the future.”

SAMSUNG — Halstead prior to physical therapy

Halstead was released from the hospital five days before the birth of his second daughter and started his first day at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy three days afterwards.

“When David first came to us, he had been through a lot physically and emotionally,” said Kinetic Edge Physical Therapist Carol Kelderman. “He couldn’t do most of his daily tasks. We had a long way to go to help him regain his motion, strength, balance, function, and hope.”

The physical therapists at Kinetic Edge played a critical role in Halstead’s recovery process.

Post therapy — Halstead after physical therapy

“I have been to several places for physical therapy, but Kinetic Edge is the best place I have been to. I wouldn’t recommend any other place to go,” commented Halstead. “Yes, the surgeries were important, but without therapy, I would have needed more surgeries. Therapy helped strengthen my muscles and joints that had become stiff and weak from the surgeries and braces I had.”

Looking back to two years ago, David can now handle everyday things that were impossible after the accident. Thanks to physical therapy, simple tasks like picking up his daughters and opening doors are now possible again.

“At Kinetic Edge, this is what we’re all about,” states Kelderman. “It doesn’t always happen in grandiose stories like David’s. More often, we do this by helping a grandmother pick up her grandchild without back pain or a mom keep up with her kids without her knee hurting. Our goal is to transform each life that walks into our clinic and restore their hope through movement.”

Kinetic Edge knew through stories like Halstead’s how hope is lost when a person can’t perform daily tasks because of movement limitations. When they changed their name from Work Systems Rehab & Fitness this past March, they wanted to make sure their new name, mission, and vision reflect what they’ve been doing since they opened in 2002: creating a community of happy, healthy, and hope-filled people through movement.

Did you know that it is scientifically proven that the trait of gratitude is one of the top three strengths that predicts well-being? We challenged our team members to share something special they’re thankful for this year. Here’s what they had to say:

1115 - Amanda's college roommates I’m thankful for my college roommates who have turned into my closest friends. I’m thankful for the sense of humor we share, the baseball we love, and the fun we always have together. We may not be able to see each other often, but when we do it’s like no time has passed at all. I’m also thankful to Apple for the iPhone’s group messaging, so that we can stay in contact with each other always.

– Amanda Enochs, Athletic Trainer

View More: http://hannahwhite.pass.us/watters

On September 28th my wife gave birth to our third child, a baby girl. In my life there have been few moments where I have experienced such a pure joy. We smiled, laughed and cried as we held this little life close. Our hearts were full and so very grateful for this precious gift.

Holding her in our arms, we blessed her with the name Annie Pearl. The name Annie means grace which we experienced as a theme throughout the pregnancy. Again and again, God revealed his grace to us not only in times of joy but during some significant challenges. Through these moments we discovered a newfound hope in Christ and a trust for those in our life who are most important, our children. View More: http://hannahwhite.pass.us/watters We chose the name Pearl from a group of stories from Matthew which speak to the treasure we have found in Christ. We long to offer our lives fully at home, at work and in the community out of a response to the great gift we have received.

Annie has been a wonderful addition to our family. She is sweet and easy going (she must have a sense there are two more children under the age of three in the house) and our children have embraced her as their sister. We have quickly grown quite fond of this little lady and in this season of thanksgiving, could not be more grateful for this blessing of ours.

-Joel Watters, Physical Therapist

IMG_20150225_162153 Meet Captain and Molly. Molly is a puggle and Captain is a Corgi. They are 10 and 11 years old respectively. They are both rescues from when I lived in Texas. Captain is from the SPCA (society for the prevention of cruelty to animals). IMG_20150705_162803089 He was there for over a year because he was heartworm positive. Molly was a stray I adopted from the local pound. She was going to be put down due to overcrowding, and she’s black and black dogs are the least likely to be adopted. I am grateful for them because they think I’m the best person ever and sleep on my head in the winter to keep me warm.

– Kayla Landhuis, Office Assistant

Marjie's thankful I have been a member of St. Mary’s Catholic church all my life. This pew has been there though all the changes in my life. Joyous occasions like marriage, baptisms, confirmation, but also low points in my life like the funeral of my father. I have cried tears of joy in this pew but also tears of sadness. I have knelt before my Lord pouring out my heart and soul, asking for forgiveness, begging for guidance, and offering praise and thanksgiving to Him. I have sat and listened to countless sermons; some touched my heart, some felt like they were directed only to me, some made me laugh, and some caused me to cry.

I am so grateful for living in a country that I can worship without fear, and that I can share my faith with family, co-workers and friends. I am so grateful for my faith!

– Marjie Rinehart, Office Assistant

Elise's thankful I am grateful for the gifts we receive through generations that have gone before us that we can pass down to the generations that come behind us. When Scott, my husband, was first getting to know me and my family 19 years ago, he called my Grandma Bos “one”, my mom “two”, and me “three” because the apples didn’t fall far from the tree. I probably don’t carry as many similarities in looks and mannerisms as my grandma and mom do, but to think that I’d be anything like them is a great honor.

-Elise Spronk, Occupational Therapist

I’ve had two careers before becoming a physical therapist, the first as an editor for a book publisher, the second as an account manager in advertising. The first was fun and rewarding but difficult to pursue here in the Midwest. The second was occasionally fun, but not very rewarding. When I decided to pursue physical therapy, I knew I wanted to do something that permitted me to be directly useful to other people, where at the end of the day, I’d know I’d made a concrete contribution to someone else’s well-being. So this year, I’m grateful for having the opportunity to work at Kinetic Edge and to help people get better.

– Physical Therapist Rick Hill

Lindsey's thankful I have so many things to be grateful for, and November is such a great time to reflect on the many blessings in my life. Since it’s my mother-in-law’s birthday today, I’d like to share why I’m so thankful for her. She gave birth to the boy who turned out to be my favorite person in the world. She prayed over him, protected him, and raised him to love the Lord. She’s selfless, a prayer warrior, and servant-hearted. She’s always up for a good prank and goes out of her way to make people feel loved and special. She shares my love of all things vintage, playing piano, and DIY projects.

So happy birthday to one of my biggest role models and best friends. I’m so thankful for you.

– Marketing Specialist Lindsey Klyn

Each and every day I am beyond thankful for the amazing family that God has blessed me with, but this year I am especially thankful for someone who has done the little things to help Spencer and I begin our new lives at our wedding and in our home: my dad.

Ashley thankful 2 Ashley thankful 3 Ashley thankful 1 He has sacrificed his own time, finances, miles and given extraordinary amounts of hard work selflessly out of love for us. You have shared your many talents with us: landscaping, singing, praying and caring for our dogs; you’ve done it all. Dad your ambition and kindness touches our hearts more deeply than we can explain and we are immensely thankful for everything you do for not just Spencer and I, but for our entire family!

– Occupational Therapy Assistant and Athletic Trainer Ashley Beekman

Abi thankful I am so thankful for my FAMILY!! There is never a dull moment when we are all together, I can always find someone to take on the next big adventure with, and there is never a lack of love and support in anything we do. I am so glad that they are my family.

(We also all love cheering on the Cyclones if you couldn’t tell!)

– Office Assistant Abi Weidemann

dusty's thankful I am thankful for a lot of things, great family, great coworkers, a job that keeps me fulfilled but a unique thing I am thankful for is the opportunity to be a volunteer for the New Sharon Fire & Rescue department. Helping to save lives and property and mitigate loss in times of disaster and emergency are truly inspiring to me. I can remember when I was little and spending a lot of time around the old fire station with my dad as we was a 25 year member of the department and I would go on calls sometimes. As I grew older and got in the health profession I decided to become an EMT and am now director of the ambulance service, a firefighter, and hazmat technician. I have gotten involved in all aspects of the department and enjoy the friendships that have been made in the community as well as other communities. While lots of time is often sacrificed for meetings, training, and going on calls my family has been supportive and my children enjoy going to the fire station and going on fire truck rides in parades. I am thankful for my community and for my “brothers and sisters” on the department and our ability to serve and respond to emergencies in our community.

– Health & Injury Management & Prevention Coordinator Dustin Briggs

Renae thankful I know it’s so cliche, but I’m thankful for my family!

– Office & Billing Manager Renae Oppenhuizen

Matt's thankful - Copy I am very grateful for my teammates and our clients who have made me feel so welcome and supported in my new role with Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. My teammates have trained me and continue to answer my questions. They have shared their knowledge with me and offered support answering phones, scheduling, and doing documentation.

And to my clients, I truly feel grateful and humbled by your trust in us to help restore your health. Thank you for referring your friends and family members. I feel honored to help so many people in Jasper County!

-Physical Therapist Matt Scotton

Heather thankful Although I’m extremely thankful for the 13 people and two buns in the oven in this picture, I am MOST thankful for the memories we’ve made and the love of the ocean and outdoors we share with our parents.

I’m also grateful for the chance to vacation with all of them this past July in Ft. Myers Beach, FL, which is where this picture was taken.

– Physical Therapist Assistant Heather Pilcher

Tim's thankful

I am thankful for my family because of their unconditional love for me, the joy they bring to me, and the way they encourage me.

– Physical Therapist Tim Vander Wilt

Cory's thankful 1 I am very thankful for my family. They have always been there for me and have been excellent role models. They’re very caring and can always make me laugh. This year, I am very thankful for the new addition to my family. Roxy, my Australian shepherd, joined the family about three months ago.

I had been wanting a dog for quite a while. I have always had collies/shelties growing up, but my sister had talked me into an Australian shepherd. My aunt from North Carolina was back home visiting, and we decided on a whim to go check out some Australian shepherd pups outside of Winterset one night. I kind of had my mind made up that I was going to get a male and name him Rocky but decided to let the dog choose me when I got there.

Roxy came right up to me and didn’t leave my side the whole time we were there. She is such a ball of energy and is always so excited to see me when I get home. She has been great to have around and can always cheer me up if I’m having a down day!

– Physical Therapist Cory Horstmann Todd's thankful

I am thankful for our three kids and the many bike rides we’ve enjoyed together.

– Physical Therapist Todd Schemper

Carol's thankful I am incredibly thankful for my FAMILY! My mother is the most amazing woman you’ll ever meet. As the youngest of seven, I have been grateful to watch as a blessed and godly heritage continues to unfold from one generation to the next.

And then there are my three awesome children. I have enjoyed every stage as they have grown and changed over the years. But the teen years have been a favorite so far (not even kidding).

And to top it all off, I’m grateful for my husband. Jeff has been my friend and sweetheart since we were practically kids ourselves.

– Physical Therapist Carol Kelderman

Lisa's thankful collage This year I am thankful for so many things. I think that when we are first asked what we are thankful for, we immediately think of family, friends, health and the basics of life. Sometimes it can be easier, when asked what you are thankful for, to stick to only those things. I guess in reality, that is what is most important things to most of us.

Other than my obvious choices of my wonderful husband of 15 years and my fabulous kids, I am thankful for my mom. She moved to Pella 6 months ago to be closer to us. We are now building a new and different kind of relationship that you don’t have when you live 1000 miles away and you only see each other 1 time a year. I see how my kids love to have her around and have learned so much from her. She is teaching my daughter to play the piano. That is a precious gift itself. We are privileged to hear her play the piano in church and just be part of our daily lives.

I am also thankful for nature and the beauty of the outdoors. Our family loves to go being active with camping, biking and hiking. I am thankful that we enjoy that time together. We also work together on our house and yard. We have a garden, and having food from our own garden and trees is wonderful. I am thankful for the ability to make things with that food and have the abundance to provide nourishing things for my family.

– Office Assistant Lisa Vos

I am thankful for airplanes. I live 1,600 miles away from my family in California and have used airplanes on many different occasions to make it back home. I have lived this far away for about 11 years now and have racked up many miles in the air. During my time away, I have missed many days with them and my dad passed while I was away also, but airplanes have always been able to get me to where I needed to be. Although with the world the way it is, to fly is a bit scary, but it has always been my saving grace. I will be spending this Thanksgiving with my family and am getting there by way of airplane.

– Occupational Health Nurse Becky Richmond

I am thankful for being able to spend time with family in different areas of the US! In March, we flew to the East Coast to get in a little skiing and snowboarding. During that time, we were also able to meet up with family we hadn’t seen in years. It was awesome having a personal tour guide in Boston and able to spend time in Albany, New York!

In August, we traveled to Hot Springs, Arkansas to meet my brother in-law and sister-in-law and their 3 boys. We were able to meet our new nephew who was already 8 months old! Due to complications during pregnancy, he is a true miracle baby! It was a great few days playing in the lakes and relaxing with family.

– Physical Therapist Melissa Hansen

I’m thankful for my wife of 22 years, Stephanie, and my three great children – Kade (15), Ty (11) and Claire (10). I’m also thankful for great teammates at Kinetic Edge who exude health, happiness, and hope, as well as an undefeated Hawkeye football team and unprecedented success for the Royals after three decades of futility.

– CEO & Physical Therapist Troy Vander Molen

by Troy Vander Molen, CEO and Physical Therapist at Kinetic Edge

The year continues to move along, and November, one of my favorite months, is already upon us. It seems that many in our society rush from Halloween to Christmas, ignoring what I consider to be one of the best and most meaningful holiday seasons.

I am particularly fond of Thanksgiving because it is much more difficult to materialize. Sure, maybe you’ll sometimes hear it referred to as “Turkey Day,” and, make no mistake, I love turkey. But that’s not the reason I love Thanksgiving. I love it because it is a season that is most characterized by an attitude and a posture more so than an action or an event.

My teammates at Kinetic Edge know that I usually refer to Thanksgiving in a slightly different way, because it draws attention to the attitude and posture of this season. So, on behalf of Kinetic Edge, I want to wish you a Happy Gratitude Month!

Last year at this time, I received an email that focused on gratitude during the Thanksgiving season from Larry Benz, a strong leader and ambassador for physical therapists in private practice and a friend of our practice. In this email, he gave a summary of gratitude from an academic perspective. Did you know that it is scientifically proven that the trait of gratitude is one of the top three strengths that predicts well-being?

Human beings have a natural tendency to focus on the negative, but a simple blessings exercise has been shown to contribute to positive changes in depressed people. In the rehab world, various levels of depression are extremely common. Therefore, as rehab professionals, we consider it one of our major roles to facilitate a better understanding of the possibilities for health, happiness, and hope. What impact do you think a medical practitioner that models gratefulness can have on the health benefits of his patients?

Check out part of Larry Benz’s message on the medical benefits that accompany gratitude:

Physical therapy is a serving profession, and several researchers have conceptualized gratitude as an emotion that is always directed towards appreciating the helpful actions of other people (McCullough, Kilpatrick, Emmons & Larson, 2001). Grateful people experience more positive emotions, have greater life satisfaction, and are more hopeful about the future compared to ungrateful people (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Furthermore, highly grateful people are more empathetic, forgiving, and supportive, and less likely to be depressed, anxious, and jealous (McCullough, Tsang, & Emmons, 2004). When medical practitioners are grateful, it reaps substantial benefits for their patients that can likely influence clinical outcomes in a positive way.

Throughout history, many cultures have regarded the experience and expression of gratitude as beneficial for individuals and society, as evidenced by its inclusion as a character strength that has been valued across religions and philosophies for centuries (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). In addition, trait gratitude is one of the top three strengths that predicts subjective well-being (Park, Peterson, & Seligman, 2004). The research on gratitude suggests it is a key element for sparking positive change and is an important component of the good life (Bono, Emmons & McCullough, 2004). Not only is gratitude strongly associated with happiness, but experimental manipulations of gratitude have been shown to enhance well-being (Watkins, Van Gelder, & Frias, 2009) as well as creativity and problem solving–two keys to better clinical decision making (Estrada, Isen, & Young, 1994).

There have been many studies exploring the link between gratitude and well-being. For example, participants in one study were asked to write down five things for which they are grateful for once a week for ten weeks. A group was asked to list five daily hassles (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). The results were impressive: relative to the control group, the participants who expressed gratitude felt more optimistic and more satisfied with their lives. Even their health received a boost: they reported fewer physical symptoms (such as headache, acne, coughing or nausea) and more time spent exercising. A study of internet-based interventions showed that participants who were randomized to a group that focused on a “three good things in life exercise” (they were asked to write down three things that went well and their causes every night for a week) increased happiness and decreased depressive symptoms for six months (Seligman, Steen, Park & Peterson, 2005).

Seligman, Rashid and Parks (2006) showed the benefits of the blessings exercise in depressed patients. Human beings are naturally biased toward focusing on and remembering the negative, which is further exacerbated in depression. The aim of the blessings exercise is to re-focus the patients’ attention, memory, and expectations away from the negative and toward the positive. They theorize that the blessings exercise is effective because it counteracts a tendency toward hyperfocusing on negative events, which contributes to depression. Lyubomirsky (2007) describes the numerous ways gratitude boosts happiness: it promotes the savoring of life experiences, it bolsters self-worth, it helps people cope with stress and trauma, it encourages moral behavior, and it can help build social bonds.

At Kinetic Edge, we care about your health, happiness, and hope. Research shows that the action of being grateful will help with all three of these. Over the course of gratitude month, I’d like to challenge you to make your own Top 5 list, recite “three good things in life”, or participate in a blessings exercise – as you enjoy time with your families and friends during this season of gratitude.

Here are three good things in my life that I’m grateful for right now:

1. My wife of 22 years, Stephanie, and my three great children – Kade (15), Ty (11) and Claire (10).

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2. Great teammates at Kinetic Edge who exude health, happiness, and hope.

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3. An undefeated Hawkeye football team and unprecedented success for the Royals after three decades of futility.

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At our clinics, we see many people who have an ankle sprain. It is a very common event that impacts both young and the old. And though it can cause substantial short-term pain, swelling, and functional difficulties, most people consider ankle injuries to be fairly inconsequential for the long-term. But, in the words of College Football Gameday’s Lee Corso, “Not so fast my friend!”

Recent research indicates that even a single ankle sprain could impact how a person moves for the rest of her life! Healthy ankles are essential for efficient movement, and movement inefficiencies tend to have cumulative consequences.

Dr. Tricia Hubbard-Turner, a professor of kinesiology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, has authored three studies on this subject. One study recruited 40 young college students, half with chronic ankle instability and half with healthy ankles. After wearing a pedometer for one week, she found that those with ankle problems moved substantially less – 2,000 fewer steps on average each day!

In another study, Dr. Hubbard-Turner and her colleagues performed a procedure that caused mild ankle sprains in rodents. After allowing time for the injury to heal, the researchers tracked the mice’s activity habits and compared them to healthy mice. The previously-injured mice had worse balance (more slips off a balance beam) and ran significantly less mileage on their wheels – even one year after the injury! Yes, even a single ankle sprain can lead to far more inactivity throughout an individual’s life span.

With this knowledge, Dr. Hubbard-Turner gave the following recommendation to The New York Times: “Don’t ignore an ankle sprain,” she said. Consult a physical therapist about treatment and rehabilitation, and have a PT perform balance testing to better understand the significance of your movement inefficiency. And, most importantly, learn from them some simple exercises that can help you move more efficiently.

The New York Times has a short online video that runs through some simple balance exercises (http://www.nytimes.com/video/magazine/1194841399365/ankles-a-balancing-act.html), but we also encourage you to contact Kinetic Edge today to schedule time with our movement experts so that you can transform your life and experience real gains in health, happiness, and hope!

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

IMG_3643 - Copy No parent wants to hear their child’s name in the same sentence as brain tumor, especially when that brain tumor turns out to be cancerous. But on September 24, 2012, that’s exactly what happened to Todd and Barb Gosselink and their four year old son, Jacob.

“Jacob’s head had started to hurt in late August,” stated Barb Gosselink. “By September, we knew something wasn’t right.”

Todd and Barb brought Jacob to the doctor where a scan revealed a brain tumor behind his cerebellum. Three days later, they were at Mayo Clinic in the operating room where doctors pulled out Jacob’s cerebellum to remove the tumor.

Fortunate for the Gosselinks, a positive prognosis existed for Jacob. His tumor was the most common of tumors; with surgery, chemo, and radiation, the doctors felt optimistic about his future.

Over the course of the next year and a half, the Gosselinks did everything they could to help Jacob get better. They spent seven weeks in Houston experimenting with a newer approach to cancer treatment called proton therapy, in addition to many months of chemotherapy at Blank Children’s Hospital.

On December 12, 2013, six year old Jacob was declared cancer free. With this news came much rejoicing, but the battle hasn’t ended for the Gosselinks.

“It sounds silly, but you just don’t realize all the things the brain controls,” commented Barb. “We still have to deal with so many of the long term effects of Jacob’s cancer and surgery.”

Jacob started physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy shortly after his surgery and continues to do occupational therapy at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy to work on things like coping skills, muscle weakness, and balance issues.

“Jacob experienced sensorimotor delays as a result of his cancer and not being as active as a normal kid his age would have been during that time in his life,” said Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk.

Elise Spronk and the occupational therapy team at Kinetic Edge use fun activities like obstacle courses, puzzles, and games to work on the areas Jacob struggles with. Over the past four months, Jacob’s seen drastic improvement in his visual motor skills and balance as a result of occupational therapy.

At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapist Elise Spronk works on Jacob’s sensorimotor delays with activities like painting himself on a mirror while standing on a Bosu to work on balance and working on a puzzle game while balancing on a tire swing.

“When I think about Jacob, I think of a kid who’s extremely caring and conscientious,” stated Spronk. “While cancer weakened him in some regards, I think it’s made him more aware of how things affect others and their feelings. It’s quite something for a six year old.”

Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is proud to help raise awareness for kids like Jacob during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. For this reason, Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is collecting donations and will donate $10 to Children’s Cancer Connection for every patient referral they receive from a current or previous patient. Children’s Cancer Connection is a non-profit utilized by families who are battling childhood cancer. Jacob’s two siblings went to a weeklong camp organized by Children’s Cancer Connection for siblings of cancer patients. To find out more about this organization, visit their website.

The occupational therapy team at Kinetic Edge specializes in treating patients with hand, wrist, or elbow problems, in addition to pediatric therapy. Occupational therapists are available at their Pella and Oskaloosa clinics. Occupational therapy can benefit a wide variety of children. Some examples include kids struggling with learning, picky eaters, children having difficulty calming down or staying focused, kids with balance and coordination difficulties, and those with delayed fine motor skills.

For more information on how occupational therapy could help you or your loved one, check out our occupational therapy page.

by Joel Watters, Physical Therapist for Kinetic Edge in Pella

What would you say if I told you I just spent five weeks in China? And don’t let me forget to mention that I went with my two year old daughter, one year old son, seven month pregnant wife, and 17 college students.

You might be surprised that I’m living to tell about it, or you might just tell me that I must be absolutely crazy.

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With a young growing family, the thought of going to China felt risky and a bit scary. Many times I knew it would just be easier to say no. However, we had a deep longing to depend on God and to say yes to Him. We wanted so badly to choose to trust and to live our lives for something other than ourselves. So, in July of this year we packed our bags, held onto our kids, and headed across the ocean with 17 wonderful students.

While in China, we participated in a cultural exchange on a college campus where each American student was paired with a Chinese student. They lived together, went to class together, and experienced life together. We had daily topical classes in which each pair would present from the perspective of their culture. These topics ranged from geography to weddings and everything in between. We would have different activities, such as sports or art, in the afternoons, and the evenings were mostly free. Our days were spent building relationships and loving one another.

How we got around in China: all of us on one bike!

The students weren’t the only ones paired off; I had a language partner as well who was a professor my age from the University. He was an incredible man, and we shared many things in common. As our relationship grew, he shared vulnerably about his home life and the difficulties he was having with his wife. I also was able to share challenges in my life with him in return, and through this relationship, I was able to tell him about my faith. One afternoon we went out for tea and read about the Prodigal Son. He could not believe the incredible love of the Father and asked question after question. This was the first time his ears had heard this life-changing Good News.

Our students were fantastic and God did incredible things through them. They loved well, struggled with the culture, and leaned into God. At times, life was really hard, but in the difficulties, they were able to see God’s hand at work. They had many opportunities to share stories of Jesus and to demonstrate the love of God to their roommates. On our trip home we received a picture of six of our Chinese students together; they had all gone to church for the first time.

The Kingdom is moving. To God be the glory.

Watters family Returning home is always a bit bittersweet. I am happy to return to the people and places I love, but I do miss the simplicity of life focused on pointing others to Christ. I long for a significant life here in the United States. Not one for all to see, but in humility serving God. I want to live life passionately for Christ in my workplace. I want my children to see me taking risks and living out the truth that I have placed my faith in.

Yes, spending five weeks in a foreign country with a two and one year old and a pregnant wife had its challenges. However, life over the past month was incredibly simple and so very sweet. We were focused on two things: loving God and loving each other. In this place of pure simplicity, I found life to be incredibly rich. In our act of obedience of saying yes to go, I encountered freedom. In living life for others, I experienced meaningful joy and purpose. In true dependence on God, my faith was deepened and hope in Him solidified. I am grateful for this opportunity and hope my life and the lives of my family, our students, and our Chinese friends will be changed forever.

Want to learn more about Joel? Check out his bio on our team page here!

Do you find yourself massaging your neck throughout the day? Do you try to move your neck as little as possible as not to bother it? At Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, it’s our goal to help people throughout the greater Des Moines, IA area find a neck management plan that can help them achieve lasting relief. Left untreated, pain may travel from the neck, into the shoulder, shoulder blade, back, chest, elbow or hand, causing you further discomfort.

For successful treatment and successful pain relief to occur, we must first find out what is causing the problem.

It is common for physical therapists to first look at how well a person experiencing neck pain can move. To help save time before visiting one of our physical therapy clinic locations, below you will find a simple test you can do at home which can help our team better understand your unique case.

One-minute test for neck pain:

Sit up with your back straight in a chair.
Move your head up as far as you can.
Move your head down as far as you can.
Turn your head to the left as far as you can.
Turn your head to the right as far as you can.
Raise your right arm straight up as high as you can.
Raise your left arm straight up as high as you can.

Most people with neck pain will feel limitation or restriction with one of these six movements. For example, when looking down, many people will feel a tightness at the base of their neck or between their shoulder blades. When turning the head side to side, it may be much easier to turn one direction than the other. If this happens, this usually means there is hope for successful outcomes with the right physical therapy treatment.

If you felt pain during the one minute test, you may be curious what you should do next. If the pain is reproducible (meaning a movement brings on the symptoms), physical therapy can typically be used to reduce your pain. Good treatment begins with restoring the movement, and good physical therapists use various forms of hands-on treatment to achieve this. For instance, at Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, if a client who comes to us with trouble turning their head to the left, a member of our staff will perform a hands-on treatment and then ask the person to try to turn their head to the left again. From there, our team will develop a treatment plan to address the source of the problem. After just one visit, most people will notice better movement and less pain.

So now what?

If you noticed any tightness, pain, tingling, or limited mobility when performing the test at home, consider reaching out to one of our experienced physical therapists for a more in-depth consultation. Offering a wide range of physical therapy services, we’ve worked with clients of varying ages to help them reduce the frequency and severity of their neck pain.

To learn more about how physical therapy can help you, we invite you to call one of our local clinics to schedule a free Kinetic Screen. Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy is proud to have locations in Ames, Centerville, Colfax, Des Moines, Newton, Oskaloosa, Pella, and Waukee, IA.

You can also email us for more information on other exercises. Just send us a message telling us where you experienced the problem, and we’ll send you a simple home exercise that is specifically designed to help you move better, feel better, and function better. To make an appointment, contact us today!

Call now to get more help for your neck pain

1-866-588-0230

Do you have pain in your lower back? Do you ever experience numbness or tingling in your legs or feet?

Are you interested in finding an all natural and permanent solution to these problems that doesn’t require needles or surgery?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from a condition known as sciatica. Sciatica is pain that affects your back, hip, and legs. Numbness or tingling in your legs, feet, buttocks, or lower back can all be indicators of sciatica. This is a common problem. In fact, 80% of the entire population will experience back pain in their lifetime, and 15-30% will experience it each year!

Sciatica is usually caused by one of three problems – herniated discs, arthritis, or SI joint issues – and each of these problems has unique treatment needs. The good news is, when you match the right treatment with the right problem, your symptoms should go away… almost immediately!

Here are two valuable tools to help you find natural and permanent relief from sciatica:

SELF-TEST FOR SCIATICA
1. Sit on a chair and look down.
2. Straighten one leg, with toes in the air.
3. Repeat for the other side.

If your leg has pain, numbness, or tingling and does not go up as high as your other leg, you likely have sciatica.

Your next step is to see what is causing the pressure on your sciatic nerve. Call us to schedule an appointment; we can help you with that!

#1 SINGLE BEST EXERCISE FOR RELIEF FROM SCIATICA: STANDING BACK BEND

The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc. If this exercise does not help, call our office at 866-588-0230 to schedule an appointment.

1. Stand with hands on hips, feet shoulder width apart.
2. Bend backwards until a stretch is felt.
3. Hold for 5 seconds and then repeat 20 times.

If the self-test is positive (i.e. your leg pain is greater on one leg than the other), call us today at 866-588-0230 or email us. We’ll help you understand what is putting pressure on the nerve.

If you get relief from the #1 exercise, keep doing it! There is an entire series of more advanced exercises that may help, so just let us know if you would like to learn about these to help yourself get better more rapidly.

If the exercise doesn’t change your symptoms or you actually feel worse doing it, don’t continue it. Contact us so that we can help you determine the true cause of your symptoms and give you the unique help you require.

by Todd Schemper, PT, DPT

If I told you I biked 200 miles in one day last month, what would you think? Perhaps it puts it in better perspective if I say that I biked from West Des Moines to Okoboji, what takes 3 1/2 hours to drive by car, in one day. Typical responses I’ve gotten are, “You’re crazy,” and “Why are you doing this?” So let me explain my “craziness”.

Four years ago my friend Rocky Vest invited me to meet on his driveway at 5:30 am on Wednesdays to go for a one hour bike ride. An early morning ride was an easy sell, since I have been a cyclist since getting into the sport in eighth grade. Rocky was training for a ride that he helped start the year before, called the Okoboji 200 (OK200). This organization uses cycling for 200 miles as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for human trafficking in Nepal and S.E. Asia.

Our training rides led to my first attempt at the OK200 in 2013. This ride proved to be a challenge with headwinds at up to 37 miles per hour. The group changed course at mile 100 and headed back to Des Moines. My vacation plans did not allow for the turn around so I did not reach my goal.

Fast forward to June 2015. OK200 continues to grow in size and impact for the human trafficking cause, adding a local charity in central Iowa that helps restore victims rescued from sexual slavery. I felt led to commit to the event again and started several months of focused training, including long bike rides, running, and weight lifting.

On June 26, our group of 38 cyclists left Valley Stadium for the 200 mile trek to Okoboji. Our day started with pleasant temps in the 60’s, light rain, and minimal wind. After a few mechanical issues in Waukee, we rode the Raccoon River Valley trail to Dallas Center, before riding some of the lightly travelled county blacktops. I enjoyed conversing with friends and meeting several new people as we journeyed.

Rest stops were planned around every 30 miles with a much needed noon meal at our half way point in Lake City. Mile 100-130 proved to be the toughest part of the ride for me due to stomach cramping and the mental challenge of knowing we still had 100 miles to go.

After our 130 mile break in Fonda, we continued north into a somewhat forgiving north headwind. The route continued through the countryside towards our final destination: Christy’s Point on Minnawashta Lake at 200 miles.

During the day, I found myself in prayer several times for those we ride for; pondering the unimaginable pain they deal with made the pain of our trip seem insignificant. Over $50,000 was raised for the human trafficking cause on behalf of OK200, but the ride and need continue.

Visit okoboji200.org for more on the reason we ride, so they can be free.

Pella, Iowa – On March 13, 2015, locally owned and operated Work Systems Rehab & Fitness changed its name to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. While some may consider announcing a change of this significance on Friday the 13th a bad omen, Kinetic Edge looks forward to the opportunities this new names brings.

“We changed our name because the name we started with 16 years ago no longer fully represented our organization,” stated CEO Troy Vander Molen, PT, DPT. “It resonated well with our work injury clients but missed the mark with others we serve. Kinetic Edge more wholly communicates the variety of proven services we offer that help people move better, feel better, and function better.”

The change of their name does not represent a seismic shift in their focus as an organization, but it does represent a refined vision and direction. Kinetic Edge will continue to focus on work injury management and prevention, but their name better communicates their expertise in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, pediatric therapy, sports medicine, and medical fitness. The common denominator in all of their services is movement, which led to the selection of their new name, Kinetic Edge.

“Our solutions may not always be quick fixes, but they do provide a long term result that help people thrive and excel,” commented Clinic Manager Elise Spronk, MS, OTR/L. “What many people don’t realize is that our services can be utilized with or without a referral, so the choice is really up to you.”

The team at Kinetic Edge is passionate about movement. They believe if people move better, they also feel and function better. The friendly and knowledgeable movement experts at Kinetic Edge help clients rediscover their healthier, happier, and hope-filled lives.

“At Kinetic Edge, we’re starting a movement and inviting others to join in,” said Vander Molen. “This movement is both literal and figurative. Movement helps people feel and function better physically, but this movement is also about not being complacent with your current reality.”

In addition to physical therapy services, Kinetic Edge in Pella offers occupational therapy, pediatric therapy, athletic training, ASTYM treatments, and a medically oriented gym. Kinetic Edge has five offices across Southeast Iowa, including offices in Pella, Newton, Des Moines, and Ames.

Want to try Kinetic Edge for free? Then call 641-621-0230 today to schedule a no-obligation, free Kinetic Screen.

For more information, please contact Troy Vander Molen at 641-780-6330 or via email at troyvm@worksystemspc.com.

Just like we talk about healthy nutrition and exercise, sleep is food for the brain. Many important body functions and brain activity occur during sleep. It is crucial to our well-being, as important as the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.

Tweens and teens require about 9 ¼ hours of sleep each night for optimal functioning. Some can get by with 8 ½ hours. However, some studies find that only 15% of this age group is getting adequate sleep. One factor resulting in not sleeping enough is that they stay up too late on the weekends, thus sleeping in too late also. This affects biological clocks and hurts the quality of sleep. Biological patterns also naturally shift to later sleep times in adolescence. The problem arises when later bed times aren’t followed by later alarm clocks.

The following are consequences of inadequate sleep:

Limited cognitive or brain function. Less than 8-9 hours affects the ability to learn, listen, concentrate, remember and solve problems.
More prone to skin problems including pimples.
More likely to act aggressively with inappropriate behavior toward friends, teachers, and family.
Affects mood, and a depressed mood can lead to a lack of sleep.
Increased likelihood to eat too much or eat unhealthy foods that lead to weight gain.
Unsafe driving: Drowsiness causes more than 100,000 car crashes each year.
More frequent illness.

Solutions to ensure enough, good sleep during adolescence:

Prioritize. Decide what you need to change and do it!
Napping can be good if done early enough in the day and not too long to interrupt night sleep. For the most part, sleeping less than 2 hours and before 3 pm is a good place to start.
Adjust your room for optimal comfort. Keep it cool, quiet, and dark at night. When waking in the morning, open the shades, turn on the lights to give you brain a natural wake up call.
No pills, vitamins, or drinks can replace good sleep. Avoid caffeine close to bedtime.
When you are able to drive, recognize if you are too sleepy to drive, and call for a ride.
Find a good bedtime and wake time and stick to it even on the weekends!
Don’t exercise within a few hours of bedtime.
Don’t leave homework for the last minute. Give your brain an opportunity to relax before hitting the pillow.
Avoid screen time two hours before going to bed. The lights from screens have been known to trick your brain into thinking it is daytime.
Participate in activities that slow your engine down and are calming.

For more information, or to receive a personalized plan to improve your sleep, contact Elise Spronk, OTR/L at EliseS@KineticEdgePT.com or 641-621-0230.

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Whether you enjoy throwing your line in the water, hitting the biking/running trails, catching up on some much needed yardwork, or grabbing your mitt to compete in America’s favorite pastime, there are some things we all need to be aware of for summer. Heat illness is one of them.

Heat illness is prevalent this time of year. According to the CDC, climate change and extreme heat causes more deaths each year than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods combined. That is why it is extremely beneficial for us to know some of the signs and symptoms of various heat related illnesses, as well as management strategies and tips for preventing heat illnesses from happening so we can all enjoy summer a little safer.

Signs & Symptoms

When our body can’t cool itself, heat illnesses can occur. On hot, humid days, our sweat is more challenged to evaporate and dissipate the heat so our normal body processes can function optimally. Three common types of heat illness include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Heat cramps usually result from overexertion and excessive loss of water and electrolytes resulting in painful muscle spasms. To help manage heat cramps, drink plenty of water, gently stretch the muscle as tolerated, and find a cool area to ice the muscle as well.

Heat exhaustion is caused by inadequate replacement of lost fluid through sweating and presentation often includes disorientation, profuse sweating, pale skin, dizziness, and a rapid pulse. Individuals suffering from heat exhaustion need a cool environment where they can ingest plenty of water and occasionally may need an IV for fluid loss.

Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a very serious and potentially life threatening condition. It usually comes on very suddenly and cause people to collapse with loss of consciousness. Signs include flushed and hot skin, decreased sweating compared to heat exhaustion, shallow breathing, headache, and very high body temperatures. These individuals should receive medical attention as soon as possible.

Prevention Tips

Here are some helpful tips to prevent heat illnesses from you and your family this summer:
• Drink plenty of fluids (High quality H2O is best), and don’t wait until you are thirsty
• Gradually acclimate to the environment and take rest breaks in shady areas
• Wear lightweight, loose fitting, and light colored clothing when possible
• Avoid high temp times of the day (usually from 11-5) and check weather alerts
• Avoid highly caffeinated beverages and alcohol
Don’t be afraid of the hot weather! Throw down your cell phones, Netflix, and video games and be active in the great outdoors! Enjoy yourself and be safe and conscious about your environment.

Physical	Cognitive	Emotional
Headache Dizziness Difficulty with balance Nausea/vomiting Fatigue Difficulty sleeping Speech Double or blurred vision Sensitivity to light & sound	Foggy Decreased concentration Decreased memory Confusion Slowed processing	Irritable Anxious Depressed Mood Swings Aggressive Decreased tolerance to stress

Ellie Natelborg