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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

Valley Physical Therapy

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United States
Missoula, MT
Valley Physical Therapy

Our goal is to promote optimal function returning individuals to an active lifestyle.

Valley Physical Therapy is a locally owned and independent private practice that has been serving our local community since 1984. We are also physical therapist-owned and that means we value quality, personalized care for our patients. Our team consists of talented employees - both clinical and non-clinical - who have a strong reputation for clinical quality, effective outcomes and positive customer service. Our mission is to provide quality, comprehensive physical therapy services through growing knowledge and skills, empowerment of clients, and promotion of health and wellness. We emphasize individual client evaluation and treatment to help clients meet their personal goals.

05/20/2024

As the weather starts to get nice, being outdoors is more enticing. Jumping into a new outdoor routine - such as jogging - can be refreshing and have many health benefits. However, overuse injuries may occur for various reasons. Here are some pointers to reduce your risk:

- Warm up
- Increase miles by about 10% per week
- Complement your routine with strength training - train muscles of the core, hips, knees and lower legs, such as the gluteal muscles
- Ensure your shoes are relatively new and offer you the right support
- Don’t “overstride” - the further in front of your body your foot lands, the greater your risk for injury
- Take small, frequent steps - you can use a metronome or find a song with cadence for running, usually around 180 steps/min

Come see your physical therapist for a biomechanical gait analysis and personal recommendations for treating or preventing overuse injuries!

05/18/2024

Thanks to Justin Philbrick with Old Farm Kennels for getting this clip!

03/19/2024

Diabetes affects many parts of the body - such as the eyes, kidneys, and heart. It can also lead to issues with our feet, such as peripheral neuropathy. Here are just a few things to consider when trying to optimize your health and function.

***Foot checks

Get regular foot checks. If you have diabetes, your body may not heal as effectively, and even little wounds pose a greater threat if left untreated.

Have regular foot checks at least once per year. If you have a hard time checking your feet, consider seeing a podiatrist or another professional.

Did you know? PTs can check for wounds, use monofilament or 2 point discrimination to check sensation, temperature, reflexes and vibration perception and help you learn about better footwear or further referral recommendations.

***Exercise

The American Diabetes Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week. One way to know if you are achieving moderate intensity is the talk test - if you can work out and talk, but not sing. Also get started with resistance training - building muscle improves metabolism and helps blood glucose management.

***Don’t forget balance!
We use sensation for balance. Peripheral neuropathy limits our sensation.

We can improve balance with practice in a safe environment. See your PT for help developing a program that is right for you!

*** Be active with your doctor to appropriately manage your blood glucose levels and specifics of your diabetes.

02/15/2024

Plantar fasciitis is often experienced as pain on the bottom of the foot, involving the heel and arch. The pain can be worse in the morning with your first few steps.

Pain can start because of recent changes in time spent walking, running, or standing. Many people go for months with pain before seeking treatment. Treatment may include manual therapy, stretching, taping, night splints, orthotics, and other various modalities. Here are some examples of exercises that may help:

1. Calf stretch: Stand with your feet staggered. Keep your back leg straight, and your heel on the ground. Bend your front knee as you lean forward, supporting yourself on a countertop, wall, or steady chair. Hold for at least 30 seconds, up to 2 minutes. You should feel a stretch in the back of your lower leg. Repeat this with your back knee bent. You may need to bring your back foot closer to your front leg to feel the stretch.

2. Plantar fascia stretch: Sitting with your foot placed on the opposite knee, pull your toes back until you feel stretch on the bottom of the foot. Alternatively, you can stand and place the ball of your foot on the wall or step with your heel on the floor. Lean forward for a deeper stretch. Hold for 30 seconds, up to 2 minutes.

3. Roll the arch of your foot on a frozen plastic water bottle for a couple minutes each day.

Other exercises often aim to strengthen the muscles of the foot, ankle, knee and hip. Come see us for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan!

***Disclaimer: This material is educational only, and not intended to substitute formal medical evaluation and/or treatment.

01/17/2024

The new year inspires many to create goals - or resolutions - but we believe anytime of year is a good time to start. Here are some pointers to help you cultivate new habits to reach your goals during 2024.

1. Make the goal
**Make it valuable**
If you want to be strong enough to pick up your grandchild, that can motivate your goal to start a gym routine. If you want to be a healthier individual, that can motivate your goal to run a 5k this summer.

**Make it easy**
If you want to go to the gym 5 days per week, but right now you are going 0 days, your first goal may be to go 2 days per week. Trust that you can build on this foundation.

2. Develop the habit
Getting stronger requires you to participate in some form of resistance training. Getting ready for that 5k requires you to start running.

***Make it specific***
Include what day, what time, and where.
Example: I will workout at my gym for 45 minutes, starting at 6am on Monday and Wednesday.

***Make a supportive environment***
Spend more time with others who value the same activity. Set your packed gym bag by the door the night before. Include the gym in your route to work.

3. Maintain the habit
**Positive reinforcement**
Reward yourself when you perform the habit regularly. It's an added bonus if your reward supports your habit - such as new gym shoes, or a massage.

Practice self compassion. Perfection is not required for progress!

**Talk with your local PT about your goal!**
We can help you build reinforce habits. If your habit is related to exercise, we can help you start a routine that's safe for you and tailored to your goals.

12/10/2023

Winter is here, and it is beautiful! However, ice and snow are also here, sometimes making common walking areas hazardous. A fall can result in serious injury. Here are some tips to help reduce your fall risk this winter.

1) Be cautious: Be aware of your environment. There may be slick spots that are hard to see. If you use an assistive device (cane, trekking pole, walker, etc.), take it with you. If you are unsure if you should be using an assistive device, talk with your physical therapist to find a good option for you. “Walk like a penguin” - wider, slower and smaller steps can make you more steady on potentially slick surfaces. Take a bag of kitty litter or sand with you to spread on suspicious ground you encounter. Ask for help if you are having a hard time clearing your walk and driveway.

2) Footwear: Wear shoes that fit well and have good traction, such as snow boots or sneakers with heavy tread. You can consider adding ice grippers to your shoes.

3) Come see your physical therapist: They can help you identify personal factors to reduce your fall risk. Your vision, medical history, and balance issues can all play a role in your fall risk. Your physical therapist can help you understand what you can modify for improved safety. They can also help you get active in an exercise routine. Being active can improve your balance and overall function, making it easier to get around.

Address

1001 Southwest Higgins Avenue
Missoula, MT
59803

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

http://www.valleyphysicaltherapymt.com/

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