EvO Physical Therapy and Wellness, Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

08/16/2023

Here is a follow-up to our last post💪

TRAIN YOUR VO2 MAX!!

08/08/2023

Zone 2 aerobic training…

08/03/2023

How does an understanding of torque fit in to your exercise program?

07/15/2023

BLOG #4

Medicine 3.0 and the Multifaceted Approach to Physical Therapy

Introduction:

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, it is essential to embrace new paradigms that prioritize disease prevention and holistic well-being. Let’s explore the concept of Medicine 3.0, as popularized by Peter Attia, MD, in his book “Outlive” - highlighting the shift towards proactive strategies for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. Additionally, let’s delve into the significance of adopting a multifaceted approach in physical therapy to align with the principles of Medicine 3.0.

A Proactive Approach to Healthcare:

Peter Attia's insights on Medicine 3.0 represent a paradigm shift from reactive healthcare (Medicine 2.0) to a more proactive and preventive approach. Unlike the current model of healthcare, which primarily focuses on treating individuals after the onset of disease, this new perspective aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to significantly reduce the risk of common chronic diseases that come with age. By emphasizing lifestyle modifications and implementing behavioral changes, Medicine 3.0 revolutionizes the way we approach healthcare.

The Role of a Multifaceted Approach in Physical Therapy:

While Peter Attia did not specifically discuss the multifaceted approach in physical therapy, we can apply the principles of Medicine 3.0 to highlight the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach within this field. Physical therapy plays a vital role in restoring and enhancing physical function, but to truly optimize outcomes, therapists need to address various aspects of an individual's life.
A holistic perspective in physical therapy acknowledges the interconnectedness of an individual's life, recognizing the profound impact of lifestyle factors on overall well-being. By integrating a multifaceted approach, physical therapists can consider factors such as behavior, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and overall lifestyle. This comprehensive outlook enables therapists to provide personalized and holistic care that addresses the unique needs and goals of each individual.

Adopting a Multifaceted Approach in Physical Therapy:

Adopting a multifaceted approach in physical therapy requires a collaborative and individualized effort. By providing clients with tools, resources, and evidence-based recommendations, therapists empower them to take an active role in their own well-being and facilitate a comprehensive transformation.

Conclusion:

Peter Attia's understanding of Medicine 3.0 emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies for disease prevention and holistic well-being. While he did not specifically discuss the multifaceted approach in physical therapy, we can apply the principles of Medicine 3.0 to highlight the significance of adopting a comprehensive approach within this field. By embracing a holistic perspective, empowering behavioral changes, and integrating personalized strategies, physical therapists can optimize outcomes and pave the way for comprehensive care. We encourage everyone to explore Peter Attia's work, particularly "Outlive", to gain further insights into Medicine 3.0 and its implications for healthcare.

07/07/2023

We pride ourselves in providing the best treatments and making the most of your time!

07/06/2023

BLOG #3

Improving Exercise Programs for Better Results

Introduction:

In this blog post, we delve into the concerns surrounding exercise programming in physical therapy and highlight the importance of enhancing prescription and progression.

Lack of Progression and Overemphasis on Open Chain Exercises:

One major concern is the overreliance on open chain exercises. Open chain exercises involve freely moving the distal part of the body. Though beneficial, these movements may not adequately address an individual’s functional goals. The issue arises when the entirety of an individual’s rehabilitation program focuses on these exercises, without progressing to more functional and closed chain movements.

The lack of exercise progression in physical therapy can be attributed to various factors…

Education Limitations:

Some therapists may not have received adequate training or education on exercise prescription and progression during their formal education (I know my program didn’t prioritize this), leading to uncertainty about how to effectively optimize patient outcomes.

Fear of Progression:

Physical therapists, being responsible for their patients' well-being, may err on the side of caution and avoid advancing exercises “too quickly”. However, this cautious approach might unintentionally limit the potential for patients to make meaningful progress.

Monetary Considerations:

The mention of monetary gain in relation to exercise programming raises concerns about profit-driven motives potentially influencing treatment plans. If therapists prioritize maximizing revenue by prolonging patient care, rather than focusing on patient outcomes, it compromises the quality of the therapy provided.

The Importance of Exercise Prescription and Load Progression:

Our bodies have an incredible capacity to adapt and respond positively to targeted programs. By understanding the principles of exercise prescription and load progression, physical therapists can leverage this adaptability to enhance patient outcomes.

Improving Exercise Prescription and Load Progression in Physical Therapy:

1. Ongoing Education and Training: Physical therapy programs should emphasize comprehensive education on exercise prescription and progression, equipping therapists with the knowledge and skills needed to optimize patient outcomes.
2. Evidence-Based Practice: It is essential for physical therapists to stay up-to-date with the latest research and evidence in exercise science and rehabilitation. By incorporating evidence-based practices into their treatment plans, therapists can provide the most effective and efficient care to their patients.
3. Individualized Treatment Plans: Each patient is unique, with specific needs and goals. Physical therapists should focus on tailoring exercise prescriptions to the individual, considering their current abilities, limitations, and desired outcomes. A personalized approach allows for more effective load progression and functional improvement.

Conclusion:

Physical therapy is a valuable profession that aids individuals in regaining strength and mobility. However, there is room for improvement in exercise prescription and load progression. By addressing the concerns raised and implementing strategies such as ongoing education, evidence-based practice, and individualized treatment plans, physical therapists can enhance their practices and optimize patient outcomes.

06/30/2023

BLOG #2

The Fiscal Paradox of the American Healthcare Professional

Introduction:

The financial trajectory of a healthcare professional in the United States, particularly those involved in physical therapy, is burdened by an intriguing yet concerning cycle of government funding, debt, and reimbursement. This cycle, compounded by stagnating wages and challenging patient care conditions, raises significant questions about the fairness and sustainability of this system.

The Burden of Student Loans:

For many healthcare professionals, their journey begins with a heavy dependence on the government, notably in the form of subsidized or unsubsidized federal student loans from the Department of Education. This financial aid is necessary due to the high cost of tertiary education, often resulting in a debt burden that can reach into six figures. This debt, often associated with high-interest rates and strict repayment conditions, sets up graduates for an extended period of financial commitment, effectively binding them to the government.

Employment and Government Reimbursements:

Upon completing their education and receiving their professional licenses, healthcare workers commonly find themselves treating patients insured through government programs such as Medicare. These patients, often of the geriatric population, use Medicare Part A and Part B to cover their inpatient hospital, home health, and outpatient services. As a result, the majority of a healthcare worker's income indirectly originates from these federal reimbursements, creating a financial loop where the government both provides and recoups funds.

The Disparity in Wages and Care:

Despite this cyclic flow of money, healthcare wages are not rising proportionately to match those in other industries, leading to a sense of financial stagnation for many healthcare workers. Coupled with this, there is a perceived decrease in the quality of care and continuity for patients, implying that these financial pressures may negatively impact the healthcare service delivery itself.

Questioning Fairness:

This cycle of loans for education, taxes, Medicare-based income, and loan repayments creates a flow where healthcare professionals are both significantly funded by and indebted to the government, often for extended periods. Given the stagnating wages and the implications on patient care, it is essential to question the fairness and sustainability of this system. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of this complex fiscal paradox and the implementation of necessary reforms.

06/28/2023

Discover the benefits of dry needling when utilized as an adjunct to your rehabilitative care.

Dry needling is known to provide pain relief, promote muscle relaxation, and facilitate healing/tissue repair.

We supply dry needling directly to you in the greater Phoenix area. Message us to learn if you would be a good candidate!

06/26/2023

BLOG #1

Hands-on Therapy: Understanding How It Helps Movement and Function

Introduction:

Hands-on therapy (manual therapy) can be a valuable addition to movement-based interventions in physical therapy. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of mechanotransduction and how it relates to manual therapy, while emphasizing the importance of functional exercise. By understanding how manual therapy works and dismissing common misconceptions, we can make the most of it alongside functional intervention.

Understanding Mechanotransduction:

Mechanotransduction is a fancy way of describing how our bodies respond to physical force. In manual therapy, when a therapist applies pressure or movement to your body, it sets off a series of reactions in your cells. Research conducted by Langevin et al. (2009) sheds light on how physical force triggers fibroblasts to remodel the extracellular matrix, contributing to connective tissue tension and potential therapeutic benefits. This remodeling process, driven by mechanotransduction, is hypothesized to remodel tissues, adapt them to new demands, and aid in the healing process.

Dispelling Myths and Being Cautious:

To make the most of manual therapy, it's important to clear up some common misconceptions AND to approach mechanotransduction with caution…
1. IGNORE ideas like "breaking adhesion" or "tearing fascia" – there's no evidence to support them.
2. Now… mechanotransduction is complex, and we still have much to learn. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. By relying on evidence-based practices and critical thinking skills, we can improve our understanding of manual therapy and use it more effectively in patient care.

The Role of Manual Therapy in Managing Symptoms:

In our practice, we primarily utilize manual therapy to manage symptoms. It can provide relief from pain and discomfort. Research by Kodama et al. (2023) has shown that manual therapy is effective in reducing symptoms - our takeaway. Rather than addressing the underlying cause directly (for most presentations), manual therapy helps to alleviate symptoms, making it easier for patients to MOVE.

Conclusion:

By understanding how mechanotransduction works and dispelling myths, we can make the most of manual therapy. With a cautious approach and by combining it with functional exercise, we can provide comprehensive care to address pain, improve tissue function, and enhance functional outcomes.

References:

1. Langevin, H. M., Bouffard, N. A., Fox, J. R., Palmer, B. M., Wu, J., Iatridis, J. C., Barnes, W. D., Badger, G. J., Howe, A. K. (2011). Fibroblast cytoskeletal remodeling contributes to connective tissue tension.
2. Kodama, Y., Masuda, S., Ohmori, T., Kanamaru, A., Tanaka, M., Sakaguchi, T., & Nakagawa, M. (2023). Response to Mechanical Properties and Physiological Challenges of Fascia: Diagnosis and Rehabilitative Therapeutic Intervention for Myofascial System Disorders.

06/26/2023

💭 This attitude can partly be attributed to patient expectations and experience, especially in PT mills.

If the only time a patient spends with their PT is during soft tissue massage or a passive modality, why would they call that person a doctor?

If a PT had more time to provide education specific to their patient’s problem, their patient may be more inclined to consider that person a doctor.

06/22/2023

Meet James Weigel, PT, DPT (.weigel_dpt)

Through his experience as a collegiate athlete, James possesses an intimate understanding of the challenges that come with the journey of recovery.

James’s firsthand encounter with injury fuels his unwavering commitment to support and guide individuals on their own path to recovery and peak physical performance.

With a deep-rooted passion for helping others, James is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those he serves.

As a doctor of physical therapy, he brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to his practice, ensuring that his clients receive quality care tailored to their specific needs.

06/20/2023

Meet Austin Barton, PT, DPT ()

Austin has spent over a decade working with others in the context of exercise and physical activity, starting with himself. After having a real-life experience with discovering the significance of physical activity for both the body and the mind, he began working as a personal trainer and redirected his career path towards physical therapy.

He believes that providing quality healthcare should not come at the expense of the provider, which is why he gravitated away from working as an outpatient PT. He discovered early on that he could not give efficient, quality and patient-centered care to every single person while working in the typical PT setting due to the high productivity demands placed on all PTs.

His goal is to help anyone suffering through a loss of control with their body get back to what they love doing.

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