AzOPT, AzOPT.net Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in recent years, with an estimated 13.6 million players in the U.S. in 2023. This sport’s popularity is largely due to its inclusivity, making it accessible to nearly all ages and athletic abilities. However, like any sport, pickleball comes with the risk of injuries—especially among…
Tag: 2 Your Health
April 2025, Features
2 Your Health: Debunking Common Physical Therapy Myths
AzOPT Physical therapy (PT) is an often misunderstood healthcare field, and misconceptions about it can prevent people from seeking the care they need. Many believe PT is only for athletes, equate it to a massage, or think they can find equivalent solutions online. In reality, physical therapy offers specialized, evidence-based care tailored to individual needs…
February 2025, Features
Why Physical Therapy Is More Than Just a Massage
AzOPT If you’re looking for physical therapy, understanding the difference between physical therapy and massage therapy is key to achieving your health and wellness goals. The Role of Massage in Physical Therapy Massage therapy focuses on relaxation, stress relief, and alleviating tightness or pain. It’s an excellent option for self-care or as a complementary treatment…
December 2024, Features
2 Your Health: Say Goodbye to Poor Posture: How to Reverse Creep with Targeted Exercises
AzOPT Physical Therapists When it comes to achieving better posture, understanding how the body adapts over time is key. Contrary to what many believe, poor posture is not something you’re born with; it’s often the result of habits and activities built up over years. This adaptation, known as “creep,” refers to changes in your muscles…
November 2024, Features
2 Your Health: Preventing Falls: Essential Exercises and Tips for Older Adults
AzOPT As the weather cools down and we become more active, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard our health—especially when it comes to preventing falls. Falls are a common risk, particularly for older adults, and can lead to serious injuries. By incorporating balance exercises, cardiovascular activities, and strength training into your routine, you…
Features, October 2024
2 Your Health: Understanding Pain: A Complex and Subjective Experience
AzOPT “It REALLY hurts.” Pain is a tough subject. It is subjective. Not to say that your pain is not real or to say something does not REALLY hurt. However, pain can be perpetuated, magnified, and catastrophized based on your perspective and attitude towards your pain experience. My Personal Experience with Pain as a Physical…
August 2024, Features
2 Your Health: Poor Posture and Pain: What Comes First?
AzOPT Posture refers to your body as it aligns in space and how the alignment of each body part in relationship to one another and your environment is influenced by your joints. While your posture can be influenced by pain and poor posture can contribute to pain, posture is actually related to our own awareness…
July 2024, Features
2 Your Health: Three Must-Try Balance Boosters!
AzOPT Did you know that one of the No. 1 predictors of falls is having a fear of falling? It may seem surprising, but it’s true! There are a variety of ways to address balance issues to enhance stability and confidence on your feet. But first, it’s important to understand how your body works to maintain your…
June 2024, Features
2 Your Health: What Is Osteoarthritis?
AzOPT Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in adults that results from the progressive wearing down of your joint tissue. Arthritis, at its root, is simply inflammation of a joint. Osteoarthritis happens when the soft tissue lining the bones starts to erode over time, leading to the surfaces of the bones rubbing on each other.…
May 2024, Features
2 Your Health: R.I.C.E.—Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
AzOPT R.I.C.E. is a fundamental principle for the management of various injuries, particularly those related to soft tissues like muscles and joints. This approach is commonly employed to address acute injuries such as sprains, strains, and minor fractures. Understanding the benefits of each component provides valuable insight into why the R.I.C.E. method is widely recommended.…