What is Physical Therapy (PT)?

Who are the Physical Therapists that work here?

Wait a minute, there is a Physical Therapy clinic at the Athletic Club of Bend?!

Some Central Oregonians are probably unaware that Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy occupies a space upstairs next to the Administration office. We offer comprehensive outpatient orthopedic PT to Club and non Club members alike in this very building. We can be seen working with patients in the weight room, indoor warm pool, on the basketball and tennis courts, or on the lawn in the courtyard. The diversity of injuries that strike our fellow Central Oregonians makes life as a PT exciting, dynamic, and challenging.

Physical Therapy is a profession that blends physical art with a scientific and research based knowledge of the human neuromusculoskeletal system to rehabilitate a multitude of various injuries, diseases, and conditions. We primarily use manual therapy, movement and biomechanical analysis, exercise prescription, facilitory and mechanical taping techniques and physical modalities (ice, heat, ultrasound, etc) to return patients to maximum function. We utilize 2- and 3-Dimensional state-of-the-art technology to analyze movement as well as the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) to screen the body for movement dysfunction.

There are 4 of us that make up the “regular PT crew” here at the Club: Laura Cooper (the Director), Chris Cooper, Matt Kirchoff and Craig Boswell. Among us we are Doctors of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Certified Golf-Fitness Instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute as well as Certified ASTYM practioners. The ASTYM System is a remarkably effective soft tissue technique that helps the body break down inappropriate scar tissue that can interfere with the timely healing of many types of injuries. To learn more about ASTYM follow this link.  Manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization) as well as proper exercise (stretching/mobility, strengthening/stabilty, balance, plyometrics, yoga) technique are key to helping get patients back to their normal quality of life as quickly as possible after injury.

In addition to treating all general orthopedic conditions we each have special areas of interest, education and passion including aquatic therapy and biomechanical bike fitting (Craig), women’s health issues, therapeutic yoga, and breathing analysis (Laura), orthopedic pediatric and vestibular rehabilitation (Matt) and foot/ankle pathology and golf-specific fitness/performance/rehab (Chris).

A physician’s referral is not necessary to be seen for physical therapy but the majority of our business is referral driven. More and more insurance companies are recognizing our role in primary care for musculoskeletal conditions and cover our services without the need for a physician’s referral. When we do receive a referral, written and verbal communication with the physician to help coordinate care is an utmost priority. We offer a 30% cash-pay discount for those who do not have health insurance or have minimal coverage or wish to continue care after insurance benefits have run out. Check your physical therapy benefit through your insurance company to see what amount of benefit you do receive. As a courtesy we verify this information when you come to our office to be seen.

Please stop by at any time to request additional information on the services we provide, the billing process, or any other question you might have about physical therapy or check us out on the web or on our Facebook page. As you pursue maximal health and fitness and happen to require the services of a PT we will be excited and honored to work with you.

:: UPCOMING SEMINAR ::

Golf Performance Seminar
 

What is the X-Factor?
 

How to assess and improve X-Factor using 3D motion analysis.

Do you have good separation between your hips and torso at the top of your backswing? Can you increase your X-Factor “stretch” during transition?
 

Learn about what these terms mean and its effects on a golfer’s performance at our upcoming educational seminar. Lead by Physical Therapist and certified Titleist Performance Institute Fitness and Medical Professional, Chris Cooper PT, DPT, CSCS, and PGA Professional, Tim Fraley, you will learn what a golfer’s X-Factor is, how it can impact their swing and performance, as well as information on how to have your X-Factor assessed using the 3D motion analysis K-Vest system.

Date: Thursday, February 23rd

Time: 5:30 PM

Where: Awbrey Glen Golf Club

Cost: FREE

Click here for more information >

Therapeutic Yoga

Yoga is a system of aligning the body and mind for healthful, therapeutic change. Yoga postures and techniques offer students the opportunity to transform their bodies with intelligent movement and tools for deep breathing and relaxation. Physical therapy considers injuries and physical limitations, incorporating exercises to bring about healing and the prevention of further pain.

In our Therapeutic Yoga Program, we work with the needs of each individual in a small class setting to create a format that will benefit each student. We believe that yoga can support any healing path by creating strength and space in the body and centering and calming the mind.This class for those who have recently experienced physical trauma from injury or accident and is taught by Physical Therapist Laura Cooper and yoga teacher Paige Robinson.

When

Each series starts the first Tuesday of every month
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM / 4 week series

Pricing

$175 for all 4 sessions
 or
$50 per individual session

For more information, please visit the Shine Studio website here >

Instructors

Laura Cooper PT, DPT, CSCS

Laura clinically focuses on sports medicine, general orthopedics, and Women’s Health. She has manual physical therapy training through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy and has advanced skills in treating pre- and post-postpartum, and other women’s health isssues. Laura has advanced training in the Pranakriya yoga tradition; through her knowledge of the body, physical therapy, yoga principles and practice, she has a unique approach to working with the body and mind in healing from injury. Laura is co-director of Therapeutic Associates Central Oregon and their on-site director at The Athletic Club of Bend.

Paige Robinson LMT, NCBTMB

Paige is a somatic educator and facilitator. Beginning with a foundation in Tai Chi and dance, she became an instructor in the Iyengar Yoga Tradition in 1995 studying yoga therapeutics under Senior Iyengar teachers Manouso Manos, Felicity Green, and Angela Farmer. In 1998 Paige received her certification in massage and bodywork from the Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado and returned to the program 2 years later as an Anatomy Physiology Instructor. She currently teaches advanced neuromuscular therapies, energy work, and aromatherapy in the COCC massage therapy program and maintains a busy bodywork practice. Paige has a unique way of making the journey inward FUN, as well as anatomically accurate and deeply personal through the artful use of natural metaphor, love, and humor in her teachings.

Foam Rolling - Help Regulate Areas of Increased Muscle Tone and Tightness

Why use a Foam Roller?

You can use the foam roller to provide self soft tissue mobilization (SSTM). Benefits of SSTM includes: improving muscle flexibility and tightness, decreasing lactic acid, decreasing muscle fibrosis (adhesions/scar tissue), and decreasing your risk for injury. By using your body weight you will put pressure through your muscles in order to regulate areas of increased muscle tone or tightness.

How to use your Foam Roller:
 

It is important NOT to roll over bony areas (like your knee) or areas where you have an open wound or injury (unless instructed by a medical professional). Always roll in line with the muscles and at a SLOW PACE. When you roll over a tight painful area (muscle knot) slow down the speed and stay on top of this area for about 20-30 seconds or until you feel the area release. If it is too painful to stay on top of this area, then decrease the force by unweighting the area. When you are finished rolling, make sure that you drink plenty of water, just like you would after a massage. Use the foam roller as described at your own risk.

Check out our video library of foam roller activities here >