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Tension-Type Headaches

In Headache, Neck Pain by Seth Peterson, Physical Therapist Oro Valley

How Common Are They? Tension-type headaches (TTH) are one of the most common types of headaches, affecting millions of people worldwide. They are characterized by a dull, aching pain on both sides of the head, often described as a tight band around the head. TTH can also be accompanied by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Living with tension-type …

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What Everyone with Sciatica Should Know About “Centralization”

In Back Pain, Hip Pain, Uncategorized by Seth Peterson, Physical Therapist Oro Valley

Low back pain is a common condition that affects many people, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. One phenomenon that is often seen in individuals with low back pain is called “centralization.” What is Centralization? Centralization is the process by which pain and symptoms move from the periphery of the body to the central area, such …

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The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: How to Prevent Common Pickleball Injuries

In Knee Pain, Shoulder Pain by Seth Peterson, Physical Therapist Oro Valley

Pickleball is a sport that’s taking the world by storm, but as the popularity of this fun and fast-paced game continues to grow, so do the number of pickleball injuries. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the game, it’s important to be aware of the most common pickleball injuries and how to prevent them. “Pickleball Elbow” First …

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Around the Curve: Physical Therapy for Scoliosis

In Back Pain, Physical Therapy by Seth Peterson, Physical Therapist Oro Valley

If you’re like me, you remember scoliosis screenings growing up–and you also probably had no idea what they were looking for. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine is abnormally curved, often in the shape of an “S” or “C.” Curves are greater than 10 degrees are classified as scoliosis. The cause of scoliosis is unknown. However, as a …

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The Body System You Didn’t Know You Had

In Physical Therapy by Seth Peterson, Physical Therapist Oro Valley

Growing up, many of you most likely learned about body systems. There is the cardiovascular system, which pumps blood and delivers vital nutrients throughout the body. There is the neurological system, which in a way is like a large computer and electrical system that controls activity of various organs. There is the musculoskeletal system, which allows us to move about …

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Study: Direct Access to Physical Therapy Lowers Cost, Speeds Recovery

In Physical Therapy by Seth Peterson, Physical Therapist Oro Valley

From new patient phone calls to current patients wanting to be seen for another musculoskeletal condition, one of the most common misconceptions we see in our practice is the issue of direct access. If you know that you’ll end up in physical therapy, or that you have a problem that physical therapists treat, can you just go straight to it? …

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COVID-19 is Still Here. Is Telehealth Really an Effective Option?

In Physical Therapy by Seth Peterson, Physical Therapist Oro Valley

In March, we all retreated into our homes as the time of stay-at-home orders and quarantine began. If you’re like me, you thought, “Surely, this will all be over in a month. Everyone will do what’s in the best interest of others, and we’ll get through this – America always does!” Unfortunately, the post is being written nearly half a …

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More Frequent Physical Therapy Reaps Benefits for Spinal Stenosis

In Back Pain, Hip Pain by Seth Peterson, Physical Therapist Oro Valley

We’ve written a lot about spinal stenosis. It’s a condition that we see often and care about improving in our community. In fact, we’re currently running two ongoing research studies on spinal stenosis (send us a message below for more info).   Physical Therapy Can Help Spinal Stenosis? If you have spinal stenosis, you may be wondering how to treat it. …

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Is Low Back Pain in Dancers a Major Problem?

In Uncategorized by Seth Peterson, Physical Therapist Oro Valley

How Common is Low Back Pain? Low back pain is the most common cause of disability worldwide, and the number of people in the United States that report having it in the past month is somewhere near 1 out of 4.  Dancing is a rigorous sport. Male dancers often have to lift females over their heads or in awkward positions, and …

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Which Nerve is Causing Your Pain?

In Uncategorized by Seth Peterson, Physical Therapist Oro Valley

by Kirstin Weible, PT, ScD Neuropathy or Radiculopathy or Radicular Pain? Oh My! Numbness, tingling, burning, and pain in the lower legs and feet or arms and hands can be uncomfortable and interfere with a person’s daily life and activities.  The culprit of these unpleasant symptoms can be difficult to determine without a few subjective answers and clinical tests. Two …