FREE LASER CLINIC

Its that time of month again to take advantage of our free laser clinic. Here at Ascent Physical Therapy we use low level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as cold laser to help treat a variety of conditions including carpal tunnel, arthritis, muscle and joint pain, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, heel spurs and swelling. It works by stimulating and energizing the cells in the injured area, to repair and strengthen at a remarkably fast rate.
The benefits include:

- It can relieve acute and chronic pain
- Increases the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair
- Increases blood supply
- Stimulates the immune system
- Stimulates nerve function
- Helps generate new and healthy cells and tissue
- Promotes faster wound healing
- Reduces inflammation

This month the clinic is being held on Tuesday, Feb 23rd 2010, from 4pm-7pm. Call (970) 949-9966 today to schedule a free ML830 laser treatment.

EXERCISE OF THE WEEK - Modified Superman

This is a great exercise to encourage thoracic extension, while also strengthening the extensor muscles of the back.

- Lie on the exercise ball, with the legs extended, and feet about hip width apart for balance. Rest your chin on the ball


- With a smooth movement, draw the shoulder blades back, while turning the palms up towards the ceiling, extending the arms

- Hold this position for the count of 5, and slowly return to the starting position

- Repeat 10-15 times, 1-3 sets

Stop if you experience pain.

CONGRATULATIONS OPEN HOUSE WINNERS

Our 5th Anniversary Open House event was a great success. Thanks to so many people for showing up and participating in our fun competitions!

We had many winners and we just wanted to acknowledge them and say a big congratulations!!



Elizabeth Berg was the lucky winner of a pair of custom foot orthotics from Sole Supports!!



Rebecca Ruck, Ray Maddison, Sheena Lee, Lori Turner and Dr. Kerry Ferguson all won a Physical Therapy or Fitness Session. While Lilian Myers and Ellie Mallon were the lucky winners of the free massage with our great massage therapist Abbie Kirscher!

Loren Dumont won the gift certificate to Avon Liquors.

Don Frye won the foam roller, while David Tucholke won the Exercise Ball.

Thanks once again to everyone who came, we really appreciate your support!

EXERCISE OF THE WEEK - Thoracic rotation and Extension

Continuing on from last weeks exercise for thoracic mobility, this week we are looking specifically at thoracic rotation and extension - two movements that can become very restricted in individuals who sit at computers all day, or have a poor posture.

Check out this video showing the exercise:Thoracic rotation and Extension Exercise

- Get into the quadruped position (on your hands and knees, spine level like a table top).

- Place your left hand on your head, elbow flexed, so you are balancing on your right hand and knees. Move your left elbow up towards the ceiling

- In a controlled movement, drive the elbow down and underneath your chest towards the right knee. Slowly return to the starting position.

- Repeat 10 times, then swap sides!

Stop if you experience pain!

OPEN HOUSE

Ascent Physical Therapy cordially invites you to an Open House to celebrate our 5th Anniversary!

There will be competitions and raffles to enter for your chance to win some great prizes including:

- Physical therapy or fitness performance sessions
- Gift certificates to Avon Liquors
- Therapeutic foam roller
- Custom foot orthotics (valued at $250)
- Exercise Ball
- Massages

We will also be providing great food from Kirby Cosmos Barbeque and drinks.

So if you are in the area, pop by from 4-8pm on Tuesday 9th February!

We are located in the Lodge at Avon Center, 100W. Beaver Creek Blvd, Suite 204, Avon, CO, 81620 or call 970.949.9966 for more information.

EXERCISE OF THE WEEK - Thoracic mobility

Every week we will be bringing you a new exercise to try which is related to the topic of the month. This month the topic is thoracic spine!

Foam rollers are a great adjunct to traditional exercise therapy. They can be used for stretching, self myofascial release, core stability and balance training. The following exercise, with the use of the foam roller, is great for improving thoracic spine mobility because it encourages movement at each thoracic segment.



Place the roller perpendicular to your spine. Lie on the roller around mid back level - just below your shoulder blades. Bend your knees and lift your hips up, supporting your head with your hands.

Roll back and forth from the top of the shoulders down to the bottom of the rib cage - avoid rolling up your neck.

Start with doing this for 20 seconds, repeating 3 times; progressing to a minute as able.

If you are interested in purchasing a foam roller, contact (970) 949-9966 for more information.