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Optimized Movement, Pittsburgh, PA (2025)

04/22/2022

Happy Earth Day!

Protecting the earth means protecting our health - now & for future generations.

Water and air pollution are two major global threats that can have a significant impact on our health.

The World Health Organization estimates 12.6 million deaths a year can be attributed to environmental risks and that around 1 in 8 global deaths can be attributed to air pollution exposure!

Easy ways to participate in a greener future include: reducing single-use item usage, recycling, prioritizing purchasing items in plastic-free containers, using energy efficient light-bulbs, turning off lights when not in use, using “green cleaners,” composting waste food, reducing water use, enhancing wildlife habitats, educating yourself on sustainability and learning how interrelated all the choices you make really are!

For the sake of our health and the future of our planet, it’s time we start treating every day like it is 🌍

02/27/2022

Are you still spending time agonizing over a foam roll to "roll out your IT Band?"

No pain, no gain... right?

I hate to break it to ya, but your time is better spent counting the cloudy days in Pittsburgh.

Your IT Band (short for iliotibial band) is a long band of fascia (connective tissue) that stems from your hip to your knee along your lateral thigh. Unlike muscle tissue, fascia does not stretch or lengthen. If your IT Band is already aggravated, the last thing you want to do is apply more friction and irritation!

Instead, it's best to address the root of the problem. Typically, IT Band pain occurs at the lateral aspect of your knee or hip. This pain is often caused by movement pattern dysfunctions, either above or below the source of the pain. A physical therapist is trained movement specialist and can help you identify muscle imbalances or dysfunction to help you fix the problem at the source.

Let's end this torture ritual once and for all.

Questions? Let me know!

02/18/2022

Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day!

Did you know that science suggests that performing Random Acts of Kindness is good for your health?

Research shows that performing Random Acts of Kindness can boost energy, induce calmness, lower blood pressure, extend lifespan, decrease anxiety, and increase happiness!

"How do we change the world? One Random Act of Kindness at a time."

02/15/2022

February is not only the month to celebrate love but it is the perfect time to learn about your heart health!

Nearly 50% of all Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease...

Making small changes to your daily life can improve your health and lower your risk of heart disease such as prioritizing physical activity and incorporating heart-healthy foods.

Did you know that studies show that the antioxidants in red wine and dark chocolate (when consumed in moderation) can be beneficial for your heart?! Red wine has been found to contain antioxidants and resveratrol which may help lower cholesterol and prevent blood clots while dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) contains polyphenols that may help to reduce blood pressure and inflammation.

This makes Valentine's Day a great time to start thinking about your heart health! 🖤

Optimized Movement can help you formulate a specific program to prioritize your health and live an active life!

01/16/2022

You've been having back pain. It came seemingly out of nowhere.

It hurts to sleep.
It hurts to bend over.
It hurts to sit in your desk chair.

Is your first thought that you need an X-ray or MRI? Maybe you need an injection, medication, or worse - surgery?

Research shows that unfortunately, those who obtain imaging as a first line of care for back pain tend to have worse outcomes.

"Clinical guidelines recommend that new episodes of non-specific low back pain not complicated by red flag conditions should be treated with conservative therapy."

Bodies are strong. Bodies are resilient. More research reviews to come that supports the recommendation for early physical therapy to treat low back pain for better outcomes.

12/10/2021

Corticosteroid injections are often used for short-term pain relief in musculoskeletal injuries...but they don’t come without risks.

A recent systematic review of 50 articles revealed detrimental effects on local tendon tissues including increased collegian necrosis (death/disease), decreased collagen organization, reduced cell viability (ability to work successfully), lower cell proliferation (growth/reproduction), and decreased collagen synthesis after 6-12 months!

What does this mean for you? While injections can be beneficial for relieving symptoms in the short term, healthcare providers might want to think twice before handing them out to every individual who walks through the door with pain.

Is brief relief worth potential long term tissue damage? This is a conversation that all patients deserve to have to weigh their options and make decisions for their future.

Unfortunately, I’ve yet to meet a patient who learned any of this prior to receiving their injection.

Patients deserve better. Patients deserve to be active in deciding their future in healthcare.

11/30/2021

We only get one go around with our body in this lifetime. Will your future self thank you for the decisions you made today?

It's time to prioritize health and wellness.

Instead of: "I can't afford to live healthier"
Insert: "I chose not to prioritize living healthier"
How does that reality feel?

We make choices every day that impact our future. Make sure the decisions you make today are enabling your future body to spend time running around with you grandchildren and exploring the world with your spouse.

You only get one body.
Treat it well.

11/26/2021

Not sure what to buy your family for the upcoming holiday season? Tired of spending money on gadgets that are collecting in the closet? Or giving yet another generic gift card...?

What could be better than giving the gift of health?!

It's been a long year for everyone. A wellness voucher will help your loved one get back to feeling their best.

Optimized Movement brings all of the best services to your family without them needing to drive anywhere - who doesn't love that?

Sessions vary and are individualized to each specific recipient which can include massage, dry needling, cupping, stretching, exercise... or a combination of all of the above to get your loved one feeling 100%!

Black Friday Sale: 10% off any Optimized Movement Service or Package!
Offer Good: 11/26/21-11/28/21

11/22/2021

This week as I was working with a client, they asked the reasoning behind the manual technique I was performing on their shoulder. I explained the anatomy, biomechanics, and reasoning behind the approach.

They responded with this quote.

It started an engaging conversation about the dynamics of pain and rehab.

Humans seek immediate gratification.
We seek the path of least resistance.
Unfortunately, it's a rare case where the shorter, faster, option is the best option.

Healing takes time.
Getting better takes time.

Wouldn't you rather learn the how and why behind your pain?

You deserve a healthcare provider who is willing to take the time to teach you and answer your questions. You deserve more than a quick diagnosis that gets slapped on everyone that walks through the door.

Pain is multi-faceted and so should be your care.

11/06/2021

☆ You're more than just a number. You deserve a healthcare provider that recognizes that!

11/05/2021

Did you know that in all 50 states you can go directly to physical therapy for pain and injury without having to see a doctor first?

A "Direct Access" license in a specialized license obtained by seasoned physical therapists that are qualified to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage a patient's care.

Studies have shown that patients who see physical therapists first via report improved satisfaction, earlier symptomatic relief, lesser unnecessary imaging, decreased opioid use, fewer healthcare appointments, and decreased overall patient cost.

So.. whether you tweaked your back lifting an awkward object from your car trunk, twisted your ankle playing hoops on the weekend, or your shoulder that you thought would have been feeling better by now is still bothering you... find a physical therapist near you and start feeling better soon!

10/27/2021

☆ If I’ve learned one thing in my years of practice, it’s that people don’t know what the heck physical therapists do.

•Do we help you rehab from start to finish after a knee surgery? Yep. •Do we work with athletes to maximize optimal capacity to excel at their sport? Yep. •Do we work at your bedside in the ICU to keep you moving and help your nervous system recover to potential? Yep. •Do we work on motor function with your toddler? Yep. •Do we help you learn how to walk again after suffering a stroke? Yep.

Physical therapists work in many settings and specialize in various aspects of care. We meet you where you are. We evaluate your needs without judgment and recognize that everyone has different needs. Our general goal is to maximize movement, function, and quality of life!

☆

10/03/2021

October is National Physical Therapy Month!

The more time I have under my belt as a physical therapist the more I learn that people have no idea what the heck physical therapists do!

Physical therapists have clinical doctorate degrees and are considered experts in anatomy, movement analysis and biomechanics.

In fact, a study comparing musculoskeletal knowledge between physicians and physical therapists revealed that physical therapists knowledge exceeded most physicians in managing musculoskeletal conditions!

Physical therapists can help increase mobility, manage pain, maximize strength, correct muscle balances, improve movement patterns, decrease injury risk, aid in activity recovery and most importantly, give you the confidence to live your life without limitations!

Can physical therapy help you? DM me with any pain, function, or recovery questions you may have.. let’s chat!

10/03/2021

Optimized Movement - Physical Therapy and Wellness offers concierge services in the Greater Pittsburgh Area to help you, quite literally, live your best life.

My ultimate goal is to change the way you see healthcare by providing you with the optimal care you deserve.

Optimized Movement follows a cash-based payment model. By electing to remain out of network with major insurance providers, I am able to provide you with the highest level of individualized care with your best interest in mind.

I believe that care should not be dictated by an insurance company determining what services you deserve based on an algorithm - that's a decision between you and your physical therapist.

Health insurance is a multi-billion dollar industry for a reason. In 2019, insurance companies profited over $35 billion in revenue. In 2020, net premiums totaled $1.28 trillion. 1.28 TRILLION DOLLARS in one year... but they're going to deny your request for treatment because your pain numbers "aren't high enough" or your measurements are "good enough" by their standards...

Unfortunately, it's true. It's a conversation I've had time and time again with insurance companies where I'm begging someone behind a desk to approve treatment for patients in need. Patients are paying an arm and leg for premiums but are still constantly denied care.. It's not okay.

By choosing Optimized Movement, you can effectively eliminate the middleman standing in the way of your optimal health - no doctor referral, no excessive testing, no insurance approval. With Optimized Movement, you'll receive quality on-on-one services in the comfort of your home without distractions of a busy clinic and needless insurance hoops to jump through.

I believe your body's health is truly one of your greatest investments.

The ultimate goal: helping you to live your best life, without restrictions.

☆ More information to come, but until then, please reach out with any questions!

09/04/2021

☆ Growth. Health. Healing.

The best things in life take time.

Healing is not linear.

Some days will be better than others.

Stick to the course and keep going.
☆

09/04/2021

September is Healthy Aging Month ☆

What does healthy aging mean to you?

No matter our age, we strive to maintain a certain level of function and capability. Our goals may change but our expectations of health shouldn't!

It's been a tough 1.5 years for everyone but studies show that as we age we become psychologically more resilient!

Simple tips for healthy aging:
☆ stay active and socially engaged
☆ maintain a well-rounded diet
☆ regular physical health assessments
☆ be your own advocate for health and happiness
☆ modify life as necessary
☆ try new things!

Move better. Feel better. Live better.

09/04/2021

☆
The world of social media
- it's full of craziness

A new workout every day.
A 15-step exercise to workout every body part.
The newest fad equipment that you NEED to own.

Why?

Growth and progress most often come from simplicity coupled with consistency.

Whether your goal is strength, aesthetics, or function - stick with the basics and maintain consistency.

Life can be hard. Let's not make activity harder than it needs to be.
☆

Optimized Movement

04/22/2022

02/27/2022

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