Posts in category: Blog

As the leaves fall this autumn and the chore list piles up to get your home ready for the cold months ahead, one thing many don’t think about is the physical toll winterizing a home can take on your body. Inevitably, with the colder months approaching fast we see more and more preventable injuries at OPTI.  Prevention is such a large part of what we help our patients with in the recovery process, and we have many helpful tips as you set out to complete your chore list this autumn:

Cleaning Gutters

Before the worst of the cold snap sets in, many clean out their gutters to prepare for the ice and snow. From the physical therapy side, we see many ankle, wrist, and hip injury patients as a result of people falling off ladders, roofs, or grabbing on to a gutter that gives way. Some easy safety tips to prevent injuries cleaning gutters:

• Use a clean, dry ladder set up on firm ground. Have someone hold the bottom of the ladder for extra safety and certainty.
• Wear gloves to maximize grip and protect hands from injuries.
• Have someone nearby to hand you tools, hold the hose, and help if necessary.

Raking Leaves

This one may come as a surprise, but even seemingly harmless tasks like raking up leaves can result in injury. Save your back with these tips:

• Warm up your body before beginning, just as you would with exercise. Warming up muscles in the back, hips, and torso will improve circulation and flexibility, preventing injury.
• Get the rake that is right for you. Using a rake with a handle that is too short can cause unnecessary strain on the back, hips, and torso.
• Take breaks when you need it, or break the task up into smaller jobs if you have a very large area to clear.
• Keep the rake close to your body, and switch hands often to prevent one side of your body from becoming more strained.
• When lifting large bags of leaves, bend with the knees and hips while keeping your back in a straight, upright position.

Roof Maintenance

Need to climb up on the roof but want to do it safely? Follow this advice:

• Choose the correct ladder: for second story homes us an extension ladder, for first story use a stepladder on solid (and level) ground. Have someone hold the ladder and spot you.
• Never use or step above the second to last rung on the ladder.
• Consider using a roof harness.
• Consider weather conditions before heading up: work on the roof on a clear, dry day with good visibility.

Ice Melt

Fall is not too early to prepare for icy conditions in our area. With freezing temperatures comes frozen sidewalks and driveway, and the inevitable trip to the store for ice melt.

• Lift with the hips and legs, never the back when picking up a large bag or package.
• When spreading ice melt, don’t bend with your back. Keeping your back straight and core engaged, bend at the hips.
• Be constantly aware of your surroundings, treading carefully and wearing shoes with good grip to prevent slipping.

Preventing Falls

Speaking of ice, falls are always something we teach our patients how to avoid. We see an uptick in fall injuries as weather gets colder, outdoor tasks get heavier, and streets and sidewalks get icy. Our top ways to prevent falls:

• Wear the right shoes! Look for shoes that have good tread and grip and make sure they are tied all the way.
• Work on strength and balance. a strong, flexible body will greatly reduce the likelihood for falls, especially falls resulting in injury.
• Consider using helpful tools such as a cane or walker for added safety.

Fall Yard Maintenance

Trimming trees, cleaning up debris, or moving outdoor furniture can be sneaky culprits for injury. Don’t let an injury sneak up on you with these tips:

• As always, lift safely with your legs and not your back. If something is too awkward or heavy to safely lift by yourself, wait for help.
• When using equipment like a chainsaw, keep your core engaged and the equipment close to your body. Reaching away from your body, especially with heavy equipment in hand can strain the back, neck, or shoulders as well as instability.
• Always use recommended safety measures and equipment.

Use the Right Tools for The Job

Consider upgrading to tools that make heavy labor jobs easier and safer. Maybe this is the year to get a leaf blower as you remember the back pain that always sets in around this time. Start saving up for a snow blower to make the upcoming months easier on your body. Using safe, effective, and easy tools can greatly reduce the chance of injury. Come to think of it, so does finally taking the neighbor kid up on his offer to clean up leaves for you!

Maintain Equipment or Tools Properly

            Rake has a broken handle? Time for a new one. Maintain equipment well and replace missing or faulty parts before you set to work to prevent injury and save time.

Get a Check Up

Fall is a great time to check in with your doctor and get a clean bill of health before the holiday season. Facing an orthopedic injury? Schedule with our team of Orthopedic Surgeons and specialists at OSSM, or walk in to our Urgent Care to get checked out.

Schedule with OPTI

Whether you are trying to tune up your body, help an old injury, or are in the active stages of recovery, our team of Physical and Occupational Therapists is just a call away. We see patients through every aspect of recovery (and emphasize prevention) our state of the art facilities. Let OPTI get you on the road to healing this fall! Call us at (208)966-4476 or visit at one of our locations:

Coeur d’Alene

1812 N. Lakewood Dr.
Ste 100
Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83814

Post Falls

1160 E Polston Ave
Post Falls, Idaho 83854

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Throughout the summer Olympics you may have noticed that many of the athletes were sporting what looked like bandages or athletic tape, even though they weren’t necessarily nursing an injury. These “bandages” weren’t bandages at all, but a therapeutic tape designed to mimic the skin’s elasticity while providing added support. At OPTI, our therapists know what Olympic atheletes and trainers do: kinesio tape is an amazing tool to help the body function, perform, and recover well.

Kinesio Tape is something we use for our patients at OPTI both for injury prevention and recovery. Our therapists have the knowledge, training, and expertise to use adjunctive tools like kinesio tape on patients for maximum success and effectiveness. There is a multitude of ways to use kinesio tape, and many benefits, but first it helps to understand what exactly kinesio tape is:

What is Kinesio Tape?

“Kinesio” is short for kinesiology, which means the study of the way the body moves. Kinesio tape was invented in the 1970’s by a chiropractor in Japan named Dr. Kenzo Kase[1]. He noticed that athletic tape could provide support to certain areas on the body that needed it, but greatly restricted movement and normal use of that body part or function. Hence, the invention of Kinesio Tape: a super stretchy, strong, water resistant, medical grade tape designed to strategically support any area on the body that needs it.

Kinesio Tape Uses:

There are many uses and benefits of kinesio tape. The main way that kinesio tape works, to break down the broad claim of “added support”, is to gently lift the skin away from the tissue underneath it. This can create added space in joints, which allows for more free movement and less pain and inflammation. Kinesio tape can increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage, aid in releasing muscle tension, and reduce pain. These benefits make using kinesio tape on our patients a no brainer, and we often use it in these ways:

Injury Recovery:

The added support, as well as increased lymphatic drainage and blood flow make kinesio tape a great addition to an injury recovery treatment plan. Our therapists use kinesio tape on joints, muscles, or trigger points to facilitate healing and lessen pain. There is even some evidence to suggest that kinesio tape can reduce the appearance of scars, although should never be used over an open or healing wound. We have the training to safely and effectively apply kinesio tape, and an added benefit: it lasts for several days after application!

Athletic Performance:

All of the benefits listed above make kinesio tape an amazing option for athletes trying to enhance their performance and help their body maintain optimal function through difficult or repetitive tasks.

Pain Management and Support:

Increased blood flow, decreased pain, and support of weak areas mean kinesio tape is not limited to injury recovery or athletic performance. The benefits and uses are endless. The strong yet flexible design of the tape can help stabilize joints, or retrain areas where the muscles are weak or not working the way they should.

Why You Need It Now:

Kinesio tape is a risk free, non-invasive way to greatly improve mechanical function of the body. Our team at OPTI can help many musculoskeletal issues with correct application and use of kinesio tape, which is why it is such a valuable tool our physical and occupational therapists utilize in the clinic. Whether you are recovering from surgery, nursing and active injury, or working hard to get back on the field, our therapists can utilize this amazing tool in your treatment plan to help you achieve your health goals. Call OPTI today at (208)966-4476 to schedule an appointment!

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[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/kinesiology-tape#benefits

6 Benefits of Cupping Therapy at OPTI

Our Physical Therapists at OPTI are trained to offer cupping therapy to our patients as an additional help for healing as well as overall health benefits to our patients. Cupping has become more recognized in the US as high profile athletes have been pictured with telltale signs of the therapy, and as the summer Olympics approach spectators will be sure to see more. Cupping therapy, however, is not a new technique used only for athletes, but actually an ancient therapy that has many benefits to overall health.

            Our patients love cupping, and our therapists see firsthand the added help it provides to the healing process. Before we address the benefits of cupping therapy however, it is helpful to understand what cupping is and does:

What is Cupping?

At OPTI, a therapist places a silicone pod on the skin and uses suction to create a vacuum effect in the cup. The skin gently rises, increasing blood flow to the area and instigating myofascial release.  Our therapists are trained to use “cupping” in specific areas based on the patient needs to get the most benefit out of the therapy.

There is a reason this alternative therapy has existed for thousands of years: the benefits of cupping are many, and we get to see the difference it can make to our patients first hand. Here are just the top 6:

Cupping Benefit 1: Safe and Non Invasive

Cupping therapy is a safe, easy, effective treatment for patients. The skin barrier is not broken, and the round circles the cups leave behind on the skin for some patients are harmless and go away.

Cupping Benefit 2: Increased and Improved Blood Flow

Many of the benefits of cupping can be attributed to the fact that it increases blood flow to the area. Increased blood flow also means increased lymphatic drainage and elimination of toxins. The benefits of improved blood flow also make cupping a great therapeutic option for a wide range of people facing different injuries, health challenges, or just seeking to improve health in general.

Cupping Benefit 3: Pain Relief

Cupping therapy can greatly reduce pain in many patients. Myofascial release can greatly reduce back, neck, and muscular pain in patients along with increased blood flow to injured areas.

Cupping Benefit 4: Reduces Inflammation

Cupping can reduce inflammation from injuries or soreness. Scar tissue adhesion has been known to improve along with the benefit of lymphatic drainage and the increased blood flow that lowers inflammation.

Cupping Benefit 5: Improve Overall Health

Cupping can improve respiratory and skin health, and even aid in digestion as well. The overall health benefits of this ancient technique are many, and Western medical practitioners are studying the benefits and effects of cupping more thoroughly while using it as a complementary and alternative practice for many ailments.

Cupping Benefit 6: Improves Healing

Increased blood flow, lowered inflammation, myofascial release and reduction in adhesions speak for themselves: cupping improves healing! At OPTI we are in the business of helping our patients heal and thrive, so this safe and effective treatment option is a no brainer for us to offer to our patients.

No matter the injury you are recovering from, our excellent team of Occupational and Physical Therapists are equipped to help you heal! We have a state of the art facility and offer many treatment options that can make the healing process so much easier, safer, and better for any injury or surgery recovery.

We also see patients as a whole person, not simply an injury in a specific body part. Our team treatment plans based on the injury, yes, but also based on how we can get each patient restored to health and a full life. Get back on the field, get ready to pick up a club, or get back to chasing after the grandkids with physical therapy at OPTI!

To schedule an appointment, call us today at 208-966-4476.

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Shoulder Injury Recovery at OPTI

One of the biggest (and most significant) worries of surgery patients is “Will I get my life back?” For everyone, the question has different meanings. Getting back to playing sports, chasing after grandkids, or the career you love is all possible through proper recovery with our physical and occupational therapist team at Orthopedic Physical Therapy Institute (OPTI). This month we are focusing on shoulder injury and recovery at OPTI, a common complaint we help our patients with every day at the clinic.

Shoulder Injury and Surgery Recovery

There are many ways to injure the shoulder, but all injuries have one thing in common: pain and loss of function in one of the most used and important joints of the body. If you have had experienced a shoulder injury, you know just how much it can affect every tiny aspect of daily life. Because the shoulder is a complex ball and socket joint the loss of even a small amount of mobility can be devastating.

Another factor in shoulder injuries: the amount of muscle and tendon attachment as well as the number of bones involved. As you can see in the picture above, there is much anatomy involved in the shoulder joint, which makes recovery a complex process. Some of the most common shoulder injuries we see and treat are:

• Any and all Rotator Cuff injuries
• Biceps Tendonitis
• Shoulder Bursitis
• AC Joint Sprains
• Scapular Dysfunction
• Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Repetitive Use Injuries
• Total or Partial Shoulder Joint Replacement
• Repaired Labral Tear
• Shoulder SLAP Tear Repair

 Our job as physical therapists in shoulder surgery or injury recovery does not simply involve the exact tissue or joint injured, but stabilizing the entire muscle group surrounding the joint as well. The body is an interactive machine: it works best when every part is harmonious. Our team of physical and occupational therapists have spent years learning and understanding body mechanics, injury recovery, and the physiological processes of the body in order to help our patients fully heal.

Our PTs and OTs have advanced training with the safest, most effective recovery treatments and plans including the newest technology. Shoulder recovery is as unique every patient, and we have the facilities and expertise to help each patient recover with a treatment plan unique to them.

Why OPTI?

At OPTI we have the unique opportunity to work closely with our team of orthopedic surgeons at OSSM as well: this allows us to know every detail of our patient’s cases and consult with the surgeons who actually performed the shoulder surgery. Our surgery patients have better outcomes and faster recoveries, as they get the benefits of having a full team of medical professionals in their corner.

Our physical therapists have training and experience that goes above and beyond their degrees. Many have worked for professional and collegiate athletic teams, gaining experience in the most state of the art and advanced PT clinics in the country. Our team also consistently focuses on education: whether that is sharing knowledge and research with each other or seeking out new techniques or information to learn.

Every single physical therapist on our team is trained and equipped to treat shoulder injury and post surgery recovery, so no matter which therapist you work with you get the same level of care. We also include further injury prevention in our treatment plans for every patient. Our goal is to have every patient that walks out our doors after their last treatment be fully equipped to live pain and injury free, and resume the activities they love. Learning how to keep the body strong and functioning well, along with techniques to prevent injuries, is a vital aspect of patient care.

No matter the injury, our team of physical and occupational therapists can help! Reach us at (208)966-4476 to schedule today.

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As we continue to learn more about Covid-19 and its impact on our community, providers and staff, we will periodically update our office requirements.

Please take a moment to review the requirements as of May 16, 2021:

• Masks are required to be worn by staff, patients and visitors in our clinics. 
• Although the CDC has updated their recommendations on when vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask, this guidance is not yet intended for healthcare settings.
• Please do not come to your appointment if you are feeling ill or have a fever.

We will continue to monitor and follow the guidelines set forth by the official health organizations, including Panhandle Health, CDC, and OSHA as it relates to Covid-19.

Have you ever noticed how much you use your hands in a normal day? Now imagine not having the use of one of your hands for regular tasks. It’s a daunting thought, but a reality for people who suffer an injury or dysfunction to the upper extremity. At OPTI, we have a team of hand and upper extremity specialists that know just how imperative “normal” hand function is to quality of life. Whether the goal is to get back to work, return to an active lifestyle, or pursue a passion again, our hand therapists at OPTI can help you get back to everyday living on your terms.