Carefree Physical Therapy

WE'VE MADE SOME CHANGES

2010-02-28T17:29:00.000-08:00

Our therapist, Gail Gallagher, became Gail Zitterkopf in December and has moved to Texas. We wish Gail and her husband Andrew all the very best. To replace Gail's talents, we have hired two caliber therapists. We are proud to welcome Linda Roberts, PT and Kristan Hardison, PT to Carefree Physical Therapy.

LINDA ROBERTS, PT
AZ License #6549

Linda received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Oklahoma Health Services Center in 1992 with an emphasis on Exercise Science. She is a Certified Pilates instructor with over 1,000 studio hours, and is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor.

KRISTAN (KRIS) HARDISON, PT
AZ License #3989

Kris received her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from North Georgia College and State University in 1997. Her recent advanced training focuses on Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spine issues. Kris has previously served as a Clinic Director and the 2nd Vice –President for the Arizona Physical Therapy Association.

October is National Physical Therapy Month

2009-10-04T15:56:00.001-07:00

October is National Physical Therapy Month, a great opportunity to learn more about physical therapy and how it can help you “move forward”. Here is a brief Q & A about physical therapy.

What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a health care specialty provided by a licensed physical therapist, and involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to restore functional independence to patients with many different medical disorders, injuries, neurological and muscular illness, as well as cardiopulmonary diseases.

What is a Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist is an expert in restoring and improving the motion that is critical to your well-being. For instance, when you have pain, daily activities such as picking up a child, grocery shopping, or just enjoying an evening walk can be challenging. Physical therapists evaluate, diagnose, and manage the physical therapy treatment plan, customizing it to each individual’s needs. It is good to know that physical therapists are the experts on whom you can depend to help you move forward.

Who Needs Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is generally required for those with post surgical pain and stiffness, permanent disabilities, neurological disorders, balance and gait issues, joint and muscle pain, and back pain. Apart from this, physical therapy also helps in significantly improving the overall health and fitness of an individual.

If you are in our area, please stop in for a guided tour of our spacious and state-of-the-art facility and more information on how physical therapy can improve your overall functional status. If you are not in our area, please feel free to email us at info@carefreephysicaltherapy.com about your interest in physical therapy treatment and we can help you locate a qualified physical therapist in your area.

PHYSICAL THERAPY – HELPING YOU MOVE FORWARD!

September 21, 2009 Kicks Off Fall Prevention Awareness Week

2009-09-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Have you fallen in the past year, or know someone who has fallen? Do you feel "off balance"? Are you afraid of falling? If you have answered yes to just one of these questions, then you could benefit from a Fall Risk Assessment.

All seniors want to live independent lives. Unfortunately, many will experience a fall that will lead to a serious injury, hospitalization, or assisted living. One-third of seniors over 65 will fall this year with one-half of those falling again within the next year. Because of the high number of seniors falling, communities are offering programs to screen and educate seniors about the risks of falling and what can be done to prevent falls.

Activities such as strength and balance exercises, medical and vision checks, and making your home a safer place to live are just a few of the every-day prevention methods that can be taken to reduce the risk.

To learn more about Fall Prevention or Fall Risk Assessments, please feel free to contact us at (480) 488-9095, or by email at info@carefreephysicaltherapy.com. Even if you aren't in our immediate area, we can assist you in finding someone in your area to help.

Full-Time Staff Therapist Position Available

2009-09-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

We're hiring! Carefree Physical Therapy is a great place for you to work because your distinctive experience and skills are valued and rewarded through competitive salary, continuing education & training allowance, health insurance, paid time off, and more.

We are looking for a full-time staff therapist. Orthopedic experience a plus, but not required.

Please submit your resume by email at info@carefreephysicaltherapy.com, or by fax at (480) 488-2862. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

Julie Bass Receives Prestigious Board Certification

2009-09-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

The American Board of Physical Therapy recently certified our therapist, Julie Bass DPT, for her advanced clinical knowledge and skills in Orthopedic physical therapy rehabilitation.

To obtain Board certification, Julie proved over 2,000 hours of required clinical practice and successfully completed a rigorous written examination.

Demonstrating her specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency, Julie has become a vital resource to the public in promoting fitness and wellness oriented treatment and programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

To learn more about Julie Bass DPT, OCS, CSCS, visit our website at www.carefreephysicaltherapy.com.

CONGRATULATIONS, JENNIE & TODD

2009-09-01T12:25:00.001-07:00

Our therapist, Jennie Otanicar, and her husband Todd welcomed Claire Otanicar into their family unit on July 24, 2009. Immediately after, the family relocated to California for Todd to start his new job.

We will miss Jennie and wish her and the family the very best. Keep watching www.theotaniclan.com for pictures of the new family coming soon.

FALLS : ARE YOU AT RISK?

2009-01-02T10:34:00.001-08:00

Falls among the elderly are prevalent, dangerous, and can diminish their ability to lead an active life. About one in three seniors above age 65, and nearly one in two seniors over age 80, will fall at least once this year, many times with disastrous consequences. Of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries that make it hard for them to get around and live independently. Older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes.

The most critical action seniors can take to prevent falls is to maintain physical activity. Activities suitable for any fitness level such as walking, gardening, yoga, or dancing will help to improve balance and movement.

Carefree Physical Therapy specializes in fall risk assessments, participating with Medicare’s quality reporting initiative. A licensed physical therapist will complete a thorough physical assessment, review your medical history, and perform special tests to determine your fall risk factor.

Based on your risk level, your physical therapist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs to help reduce the risk of future falls. Your individualized plan will include exercise to improve strength, mobility, and balance, home safety tips, proper instruction with assistive devices, and access to valuable resources.

You are at risk for falls if you have one or more of the following conditions:

Decreased physical activity

Difficulty with balance

Difficulty with walking

Poor vision

Leg or trunk weakness

Pre-existing medical condition such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or diabetes

Taking multiple medications

Improper footwear

Improper use of an assistive walking device

Unsafe home environment such as poor lighting, slippery floors, and throw rugs

A past history of falls

SCHEDULE A FALL RISK ASSESSMENT WITH ONE OF OUR PROFESSIONALS

A NEW YEAR, A NEW BLOG AND A NEW WEBSITE

2009-01-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2009, the new Carefree Physical Therapy blog and the new Carefree Physical Therapy website. If you've not already seen it, visit www.CarefreePhysicalTherapy.com.Between the site and this blog, we plan to keep you up-to-date with news about the practice, events we're involved with, tips and health advice. You can also check the site for our business hours, staff and contact information. So, please bookmark this page or post a comment. We'd love to hear back from you.