Optimized Movement

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Pittsburgh, PA
Optimized Movement

Concierge physical therapy and wellness services focused to help you live your best life without limitations.

Free consultation phone call to see if Optimized Movement can help you reach your goals!

04/22/2022

Happy Earth Day!

Protecting the earth means protecting our health - now & for future generations.

Water and air pollution are two major global threats that can have a significant impact on our health.

The World Health Organization estimates 12.6 million deaths a year can be attributed to environmental risks and that around 1 in 8 global deaths can be attributed to air pollution exposure!

Easy ways to participate in a greener future include: reducing single-use item usage, recycling, prioritizing purchasing items in plastic-free containers, using energy efficient light-bulbs, turning off lights when not in use, using “green cleaners,” composting waste food, reducing water use, enhancing wildlife habitats, educating yourself on sustainability and learning how interrelated all the choices you make really are!

For the sake of our health and the future of our planet, it’s time we start treating every day like it is 🌍

02/27/2022

Are you still spending time agonizing over a foam roll to "roll out your IT Band?"

No pain, no gain... right?

I hate to break it to ya, but your time is better spent counting the cloudy days in Pittsburgh.

Your IT Band (short for iliotibial band) is a long band of fascia (connective tissue) that stems from your hip to your knee along your lateral thigh. Unlike muscle tissue, fascia does not stretch or lengthen. If your IT Band is already aggravated, the last thing you want to do is apply more friction and irritation!

Instead, it's best to address the root of the problem. Typically, IT Band pain occurs at the lateral aspect of your knee or hip. This pain is often caused by movement pattern dysfunctions, either above or below the source of the pain. A physical therapist is trained movement specialist and can help you identify muscle imbalances or dysfunction to help you fix the problem at the source.

Let's end this torture ritual once and for all.

Questions? Let me know!

02/18/2022

Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day!

Did you know that science suggests that performing Random Acts of Kindness is good for your health?

Research shows that performing Random Acts of Kindness can boost energy, induce calmness, lower blood pressure, extend lifespan, decrease anxiety, and increase happiness!

"How do we change the world? One Random Act of Kindness at a time."

02/15/2022

February is not only the month to celebrate love but it is the perfect time to learn about your heart health!

Nearly 50% of all Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease...

Making small changes to your daily life can improve your health and lower your risk of heart disease such as prioritizing physical activity and incorporating heart-healthy foods.

Did you know that studies show that the antioxidants in red wine and dark chocolate (when consumed in moderation) can be beneficial for your heart?! Red wine has been found to contain antioxidants and resveratrol which may help lower cholesterol and prevent blood clots while dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) contains polyphenols that may help to reduce blood pressure and inflammation.

This makes Valentine's Day a great time to start thinking about your heart health! 🖤

Optimized Movement can help you formulate a specific program to prioritize your health and live an active life!

01/16/2022

You've been having back pain. It came seemingly out of nowhere.

It hurts to sleep.
It hurts to bend over.
It hurts to sit in your desk chair.

Is your first thought that you need an X-ray or MRI? Maybe you need an injection, medication, or worse - surgery?

Research shows that unfortunately, those who obtain imaging as a first line of care for back pain tend to have worse outcomes.

"Clinical guidelines recommend that new episodes of non-specific low back pain not complicated by red flag conditions should be treated with conservative therapy."

Bodies are strong. Bodies are resilient. More research reviews to come that supports the recommendation for early physical therapy to treat low back pain for better outcomes.

12/10/2021

Corticosteroid injections are often used for short-term pain relief in musculoskeletal injuries...but they don’t come without risks.

A recent systematic review of 50 articles revealed detrimental effects on local tendon tissues including increased collegian necrosis (death/disease), decreased collagen organization, reduced cell viability (ability to work successfully), lower cell proliferation (growth/reproduction), and decreased collagen synthesis after 6-12 months!

What does this mean for you? While injections can be beneficial for relieving symptoms in the short term, healthcare providers might want to think twice before handing them out to every individual who walks through the door with pain.

Is brief relief worth potential long term tissue damage? This is a conversation that all patients deserve to have to weigh their options and make decisions for their future.

Unfortunately, I’ve yet to meet a patient who learned any of this prior to receiving their injection.

Patients deserve better. Patients deserve to be active in deciding their future in healthcare.

11/30/2021

We only get one go around with our body in this lifetime. Will your future self thank you for the decisions you made today?

It's time to prioritize health and wellness.

Instead of: "I can't afford to live healthier"
Insert: "I chose not to prioritize living healthier"
How does that reality feel?

We make choices every day that impact our future. Make sure the decisions you make today are enabling your future body to spend time running around with you grandchildren and exploring the world with your spouse.

You only get one body.
Treat it well.

11/26/2021

Not sure what to buy your family for the upcoming holiday season? Tired of spending money on gadgets that are collecting in the closet? Or giving yet another generic gift card...?

What could be better than giving the gift of health?!

It's been a long year for everyone. A wellness voucher will help your loved one get back to feeling their best.

Optimized Movement brings all of the best services to your family without them needing to drive anywhere - who doesn't love that?

Sessions vary and are individualized to each specific recipient which can include massage, dry needling, cupping, stretching, exercise... or a combination of all of the above to get your loved one feeling 100%!

Black Friday Sale: 10% off any Optimized Movement Service or Package!
Offer Good: 11/26/21-11/28/21

11/22/2021

This week as I was working with a client, they asked the reasoning behind the manual technique I was performing on their shoulder. I explained the anatomy, biomechanics, and reasoning behind the approach.

They responded with this quote.

It started an engaging conversation about the dynamics of pain and rehab.

Humans seek immediate gratification.
We seek the path of least resistance.
Unfortunately, it's a rare case where the shorter, faster, option is the best option.

Healing takes time.
Getting better takes time.

Wouldn't you rather learn the how and why behind your pain?

You deserve a healthcare provider who is willing to take the time to teach you and answer your questions. You deserve more than a quick diagnosis that gets slapped on everyone that walks through the door.

Pain is multi-faceted and so should be your care.

11/06/2021

☆ You're more than just a number. You deserve a healthcare provider that recognizes that!

11/05/2021

Did you know that in all 50 states you can go directly to physical therapy for pain and injury without having to see a doctor first?

A "Direct Access" license in a specialized license obtained by seasoned physical therapists that are qualified to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage a patient's care.

Studies have shown that patients who see physical therapists first via report improved satisfaction, earlier symptomatic relief, lesser unnecessary imaging, decreased opioid use, fewer healthcare appointments, and decreased overall patient cost.

So.. whether you tweaked your back lifting an awkward object from your car trunk, twisted your ankle playing hoops on the weekend, or your shoulder that you thought would have been feeling better by now is still bothering you... find a physical therapist near you and start feeling better soon!

10/27/2021

☆ If I’ve learned one thing in my years of practice, it’s that people don’t know what the heck physical therapists do.

•Do we help you rehab from start to finish after a knee surgery? Yep. •Do we work with athletes to maximize optimal capacity to excel at their sport? Yep. •Do we work at your bedside in the ICU to keep you moving and help your nervous system recover to potential? Yep. •Do we work on motor function with your toddler? Yep. •Do we help you learn how to walk again after suffering a stroke? Yep.

Physical therapists work in many settings and specialize in various aspects of care. We meet you where you are. We evaluate your needs without judgment and recognize that everyone has different needs. Our general goal is to maximize movement, function, and quality of life!

☆

Address

Pittsburgh, PA

Telephone

+14124048383

Website

https://linktr.ee/OptimizedMovementPGHco

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