Okay, it’s time to come clean. Who fell off the wagon over the holidays? So maybe you didn’t fall off entirely. Perhaps it was more like your wagon had a broken wheel and the entire month of December felt like one insanely bumpy ride.

We get it! It’s easy for the hustle and bustle of the holidays to catch up with us by the time the new year rolls around. Our back and shoulders are sore from lugging the shopping bags, our jeans fit a bit more snug after sampling the various cheese logs and homemade treats at holiday parties, and let’s face it—all motivation to do anything productive has flown out the window (those of you who still have your holiday decorations up can probably relate).

But the new year is here and it’s time to begin writing a new chapter in this book we call life. What’s it going to be…the same old story? Or will it be filled with excitement and adventure? Thinking of taking up a new hobby or trying a new sport? Or maybe starting an exercise program, perhaps? Whatever your goals happen to be for 2017, Excel Therapy can help you get off to the right start.

Physical therapy is so much more than simply treating injuries after they occur. Our goal is to address your current aches and pains while simultaneously identifying areas that may need strengthening. Addressing these issues prior to a new sport or activity is crutial to reduce your risk of injury in the future. Don’t make the mistake of doing too much, too soon, with too little information. Make Excel Therapy part of YOUR New Year’s resolution. Our highly trained physical therapists are just a phone call away.

And the best part? There’s no physician referral required!

It’s time to rejuvenate your health and set those fitness goals for 2017. At Excel Therapy, we celebrate “Power to the GIRL in 2017”. Women have the ability to transform dreams into reality with one simple quality: Determination. Unfortunately, this determination can also lead to injury if you progress your activity level too vigorously, too soon.

Women have a wider pelvis than men, which results in a large angle (known as the Q angle) at the knee. This alignment creates extra stress on joints and tissues, predisposing women for specific injuries. Typical injuries in women include:

ACL Tears: Women are 5-8 times more likely than men to tear their ACL. In addition to the increased Q angle, women are prone to be more quadriceps dominant. For ACL tear prevention, women need to balance muscle control for the knee with increased hamstring strengthening, core strengthening, stretching, and agility exercises.

Ankle Sprains: Women are 2 times more prone than men to sprain their ankle. This can be combatted with emphasis on balance and agility exercises.

Patellofemoral Pain: Anterior knee pain caused by maltracking of the kneecap which results in grinding of the posterior kneecap against the thigh bone. This can be addressed with emphasis on strengthening the inner quadriceps (VMO) and stretching of the outer thigh tissues (ITB).

Stress Fractures: Small hairline fractures caused by repetitive impact. Women are 3 times more likely than men to experience stress fractures due to lower bone density. Proper rest is a key component in reducing risk of stress fractures.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Pain at the outside of the knee due to repetitive friction of the IT Band rubbing over the lateral epicondyle of the femur (thigh bone). The Q angle is a large contributing factor and ITB tightness can be prevented with the correct regime of stretching and balanced thigh/gluteal strengthening.

Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the connective tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. This is most painful in the morning when taking first few steps. Women have a lower center of gravity which affects foot mechanics and tissue stress. Stretching, proper footwear, and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening are key factors to reduce risk of plantar fasciitis.

It’s no surprise that there are differences between men and women that influence training approach. In general, women are naturally more flexible and have better endurance than men. Women recover quicker and can take shorter breaks between sets of exercises. Therefore, it’s a good idea for women to emphasize strength and muscle development, while still including flexibility and endurance. Have a physical therapist help you discover your strengths and weaknesses and address accordingly.

As you launch 2017 as your strongest year ever–Keep the Determination, Add the Savvy. Come see a physical therapist at Excel Therapy Specialists where we can create a personalized fitness plan that is fun, effective, and safe. Achieve your 2017 goals with confidence and power, while reducing the risk of injury. At Excel Therapy, no physician referral is needed. Contact one of our 16 locations to get started today!

— Molly Manuel, PT, DPT at Excel Therapy Chickasha, OK

If you’ve ever struggled with chronic pain, then you understand just how debilitating it can be. It can negatively impact physical and mental well-being, and can be a drain on personal relationships and overall satisfaction with life. Desperate for a cure, many sufferers are turning to prescription pain medication for relief. While this decision is most definitely warranted in many instances, the addition of physical therapy can also be very beneficial

Research shows that opioids may in fact increase a patient’s sensitivity to pain, making it even more likely to become dependent on them. It is for these reasons that Excel Therapy encourages and empowers patients to take control of their bodies by seeking alternatives for chronic pain management. At Excel Therapy, we employ a variety of techniques to treat chronic pain, ranging from manual therapy to more specialized treatment through dry needling and ASTYM therapy.

Are you experiencing pain and feel like you’ve tried everything under the sun? If you are prescribed prescription medication, we encourage you to also give physical therapy a try. Our innovative, highly trained therapists are standing by to answer your questions, provide a through examination, and offer a wide range of treatments to fit your needs.

The choice is in your hands. Choose PT!