Performance Physical Therapy

Lorraine Jackson
I was treated for my neck and shoulders, primarily by Jennifer. I also saw a few other therapists, but not once did I have to repeat my story. The environment of PPT and the friendliness of all the staff made my visits enjoyable! I can’t believe how pain free I am! I’ve been to other therapy places; PPT is TOPS!
Joseph Ford
Always helpful professional knowledgeable. Just an all out great experience.
Eva Dreyer
Before coming to PPT I saw another physical therapist about hip pain. After seven weeks there wasn’t any improvement. A friend recommended PPT and the results were phenomenal! Sean thoroughly tested my range of motion and prescribed several stretching and strengthening exercises. He progressed these weekly. He re-tested my ROM after six weeks and the improvements were remarkable. Plus the pain was gone! Sean will be my PT for life!
linda bradford
From the start of my PT everyone I encountered was very friendly and pleasant. I was impressed with the interaction between staff and how knowledgeable Taylor (PT) as well as the techs were when I asked questions. I would recommend this office!!!
barbara brockett
I came to Performance Physical Therapy several years ago because I had heard good things about them, having been disappointed in other PT practices I had used over the years. Most recently, the last two sets of therapy have been with Jordan Morris, who is an outstanding diagnostician and therapist. He carefully evaluated my aches and pains and the exercises he used and therapies he applied succeeded in vastly improving my strength and flexibility. I would most definitely work with him again if I have any other issues. He is an asset to the practice.
Gary Rose
Knowledgeable, friendly, and great staff well organized.
Karen Riordan
Highly Recommend! I was extremely impressed w/the quality of care I received. The Physical therapist, Sam Bachman, had her Doctorate in Physical Therapy - was up to date on the latest treatments and had me 100% for a shoulder issue in just a few short weeks, after months of pain. I would definatly go back to PPT for any future needs!

WE HELP YOU QUICKLY REGAIN THE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE YOU LOVE.

Hills and Exercise

Slip-Sliding Away…

Hills and ExerciseI live on a hill. Well, to be more accurate, I live on the side of a hill. It was a dream my wife and I had for many years to have a home on a hill. We wanted to enjoy a birds’ eye perspective of our property, and there was something exciting and pleasing about looking at a hilly piece of ground with its wavy contours and the way sunlight plays around the slopes of the land.

We were euphoric when we moved into this house, and perhaps in our excitement, we ignored the extra physical effort it takes to negotiate even simple walking about our property. I guess we should have gotten a hint on moving day when we saw six movers heaving as they were carrying the piano up the slope of the front yard to bring it in the house. Even to this day, we remain sheepishly silent when guests grunt and groan during a “stroll” through the yard. We try to remain positive by telling them such things as “just think, you’ll pick up some speed on the way down!”

A recent yard project brought all this to light. I took on the job of clearing a steep bank which fronts the road. The bank is easily a 45 degree slope, and was covered with nasty brush and weeds. My plan was to use a weed-whacker to take down the brush, and then we could start to replant the bank to keep soil from eroding. It sounded simple enough. Soon after I started, it was apparent how demanding this work was. I was struggling to keep my foothold by leaning into the bank while moving the weed-whacker back and forth. I could feel my calf muscles stretching to the maximum, and my upper back muscles were getting quite a workout with the extra reaching forward to control the machine. Not to mention the challenge of keeping balance and avoid rolling down the hill into the road below.

This got me thinking about the muscles I was using, and how you really need to be prepared to do this kind of work (I was thinking about this, because I realized that once the bank was cleared, it would need to be planted). So, if you are facing work on a hill doing some landscaping, or perhaps just doing some hiking when you go on vacation this year, here is some advice to prepare you.

Start conditioning these muscles now so you are ready and in shape for this very different type of physical challenge:

1. Your calf muscles really need to be flexible. This will allow you to lean into the hill to maintain your footing. Place both hands on a wall or counter; keep one foot back, flat on the floor. Lean forward by bending the forward knee until you feel a stretch in the calf of the rear leg. Hold this for 30 seconds and do 4 times on each leg. Then, in the same position, stretch the lower part of your calf by bending the knee of the rear leg as if you were trying to kneel down with that knee. Again, hold for 30 seconds, 4 times.

2. To strengthen your upper back muscles to do all of that forward reaching, try this. While standing, lean back against a door jamb so it is against your spine. Pull your shoulder blades together, as if you were trying to pinch the jamb with the shoulder blades. Hold for 5 seconds. Do this 20 times.

3. Try this great hip muscle stretch. Your hip muscles are critical to provide you with support and flexibility to manage walking or standing on a slope. Sit in a straight backed chair. Cross one leg over the other so the ankle of one leg rests on the knee of the other. Gently pull the knee of the top leg toward the opposite shoulder until you feel a good stretch in the buttock area. Hold this for 30 seconds. Do 4 times on each leg.

These simple drills will go a long way to helping you stay vertical on hills and slopes (especially on my property!).