Your Annual Musculoskeletal Exam

Place a New Emphasis on Your Musculoskeletal Health in 2015!

Many people make resolutions focused on losing weight, taking up a new sport, or just becoming more physically fit. But many also do not know where to start.

How about your physical therapist?

A physical therapist is well trained in the evaluation of the musculoskeletal system, including your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. They will be able to evaluate your areas of strengths and weaknesses as well as gauge your overall fitness level. Your physical therapist will then be able to guide you towards a safe and beneficial place to begin your program with a focus on optimal gains and injury prevention to allow you to reach your goals quickly and safely.

Our therapists are Doctors of Physical Therapy and are certified in the Selective Functional Movement Assessment.  This is advanced screening system is used to identify minor abnormalities in movement quality that can predispose you to injury.  Contact us today to have them perform an annual wellness exam focused on your movement system to keep you healthy and active this year.

541-779-1041  |  medfordpt@taiweb.com

Meet Our New Physical Therapist

Nate Spence PT, DPT

Physical Therapist

We are happy to welcome Nate Spence PT, DPT to Therapeutic Associates Medford Physical Therapy! Nate graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Idaho State University in 2012. With his unique approach to patient care, Nate helps expand our diverse team to better serve our current and future patients.

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

About Nate Spence PT, DPT

Nate was born and raised in Texas, but had the privilege of also living in Arizona, California, and Iowa before moving to Medford after graduating High School. He served a 2-year LDS mission in McAllen Tx, where he learned Spanish. Nate earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University-Idaho and from there attended Idaho State University receiving his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2012. While at ISU Nate had the unique opportunity to expand his knowledge by working in a clinic specializing in vestibular and balance dysfunction. In addition, he participated in a therapeutic lifestyle change out reach program for people in the community, helping them to develop aerobic and resistance exercise programs. He also taught a Diabetes education class at the community center.

Upon graduation, Nate worked in a skilled nursing facility where he assisted people of all ages transitioning back into the community, but focused on the geriatric population and treated people with conditions including post-op joint replacements, stroke, Parkinson’s, amputation, and cardiopulmonary disorders. He also provided outpatient services to employees suffering from work related and over-use injuries.

Nate is currently pursuing certification in manual therapy through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT) and plans on becoming an Orthopedic Certified Specialist.

Outside the clinic, Nate is focused on spending time with his wife Kelly, and 4 energetic children. He also enjoys outdoor activities beautiful Southern Oregon has to offer including camping, rafting, and coaching his kids’ sports teams.

Spring Gardening Health

Spring has Sprung…..and so have the Weeds!

Well it’s that time again here in the Pacific NW. Sure it’s still raining and stormy, it’s spring after all, but we also have that elusive sun visiting us much more often. Flowers are starting to peek out after their winter hibernation, weeds are multiplying, trees and shrubs are overgrown. What will you do? Of course! You have to take control of that jungle you call a yard and get to work.

That is where we come in. Around this time of year we see an influx of the injured yard warriors. We see everything from knee to low back to hand injuries, simply because Spring is here and you have to answer the call to be out in your garden. But this year will be different, this year you will take care of your body so that your yard looks as good as you feel.

Here are our suggestions to keep you safe, healthy and enjoying your Spring gardening season.

1. DO NOT BEND AT THE WAIST. This is the #1 cause of gardening injuries. Sure every now and then it’s okay to pick up a leaf, but for gardening sake you want to used your legs.

2. Bend at your knees or kneel on the ground if you are going to be weeding or working low for more than 10-20 minutes

3. Take breaks from bending and stand up tall or even extend your back a few times

4. If you are lifting bags of fertilizer or shoveling, again use your legs. Pivot your feet, bend your knees. Don’t twist your back.

1. If deep squatting or kneeling hurts, get a small bench or gardening pad you can use to protect your joints.

2. Take breaks if you are squatting and walking around a little bit to keep your joint lubricated and keep them from feeling stiff.

3. If your knee is a little sore from a day in the garden, try ice that night 15-20 minutes to decrease the likelihood of inflammation.

Visit our Spring Health Gardening webpage for these additional resources:

- Good Form with Gardening Activites (middle of page)

- Suggested Gardening Relief Exercises (middle/bottom of page)

- Injury Prevention and Triage (bottom of page)

Click here to visit our Spring Gardening Health website >

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