Symmetry Physical Therapy

Workplace Wellness and Office Ergonomics

Sitting at a desk while using the keyboard for hours on a daily basis can lead to muscle strain – resulting in symptoms such as headache, neck pain, or general feelings of “tension”. These issues can be remedied by taking frequent short breaks, or “micro breaks,” throughout your day.

✅Get out of your chair multiple times a day to move around — even for 30 seconds.
✅Roll your shoulders backwards. Turn your head side to side.
✅Do standing squats or wall push-ups to engage some of your larger muscle groups.
✅Stretch out your forearms and your legs.

Find more tips here: https://symmetryptaustin.com/workplace-wellness-and-office-ergonomics/

Workplace Wellness and Office Ergonomics Working at a computer workstation all day can take a toll on the body — whether you work from home or in an office. Repetitive activities and lack of movement can contribute to aches, pains, and…

Why it could be a good idea to ditch your running watch

What do you think? Do you run with a fitness tracker or without?

Why it could be a good idea to ditch your running watch Some research indicates that ditching your running watch, especially if it's a smartwatch or fitness tracker, could actually improve your workout -- or at least your stress levels and enjoyment of running.

Your Smart Phone Could Be Progressively Straining Your Spine

With each degree that our heads flex forward (as we stare at a screen below eye level), the strain on our spines dramatically increases. Check out this article for more about how your device may be impacting your neck and back. https://symmetryptaustin.com/your-smart-phone-could-be-progressively-straining-your-spine

Your Smart Phone Could Be Progressively Straining Your Spine Chances are that you probably haven’t given much thought to how your neck and back are faring in theera of the smart phone, but studies show that you most certainly should. It’s practically a reflex…

How can you safely return to activity following an extended sabbatical? Stefanie Culp, SPT – a doctoral physical therapy student from Texas State University - Department of Physical Therapy, shares tips in this article: https://symmetryptaustin.com/returning-to-activity-after-weathering-a-pandemic/

Stefanie, pictured here, recently completed a clinical rotation at Symmetry and plans to go on after graduation to begin her career as an orthopedic physical therapist in Anchorage, Alaska!

How can you safely return to activity following an extended sabbatical? Stefanie Culp, SPT – a doctoral physical therapy student from Texas State University - Department of Physical Therapy, shares tips in this article: https://symmetryptaustin.com/returning-to-activity-after-weathering-a-pandemic/

Stefanie, pictured here, recently completed a clinical rotation at Symmetry and plans to go on after graduation to begin her career as an orthopedic physical therapist in Anchorage, Alaska!

[11/02/21]   "Bradley did a great job with Noah. He personalized a.plan for Noah's baseball elbow. He even went outside and threw the baseball with him and helped with throwing mechanics! Thanks!"

Thanks for the five-star Google review, Michael. We're glad to hear your feedback that Bradley hit it out of the park! ⚾️

Happy Halloween from the crew that keeps your bones moving!
🎃

Returning to Activity After Weathering a Pandemic

The last two years have been a whirlwind, and not in the fun, playful way we all would have hoped for. You may not have kept up with staying active throughout quarantines and altered work circumstances and the overall chaos that is the COVID-19 pandemic. But maybe, with life getting back to a “new normal”, you are thinking about getting back into the gym or starting up your previously typical exercise routine.

Read this article - written by Stefanie Culp, SPT, a doctoral physical therapy student From the Texas State University Physical Therapy Program - for information on how to safely resume physical activity after a potentially extended time off.

https://symmetryptaustin.com/returning-to-activity-after-weathering-a-pandemic/

Returning to Activity After Weathering a Pandemic This article was written by Stefanie Culp, SPT – a doctoral physical therapy student from the Texas State University Physical Therapy Program. She recently completed a clinical rotation at Symmetry and plans to go on…

[10/12/21]   “LOVE the care I'm receiving at Symmetry! Kelsy is great, and everyone there is so friendly! " - Ginnifer J.

We greatly appreciate referrals and feedback! Do you know someone who might benefit from our services? Please send them our way. And if you would like to share a review of your experience at Symmetry, you may do so on Facebook, Yelp or Google!

Why Exercise Is More Important Than Weight Loss for a Longer Life

A new review of the relationships between fitness, weight, heart health and longevity adds to mounting evidence that most of us can be healthy at any weight, if we are also active enough.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/29/well/move/exercise-weight-loss-longer-life.html

Why Exercise Is More Important Than Weight Loss for a Longer Life People typically lower their risks of heart disease and premature death far more by gaining fitness than by dropping weight.

We are excited to formally introduce two physical therapists that are new to Symmetry’s clinical staff! Kelsy Vick, PT, DPT started with us in the spring, and Adam Arlitt, PT, DPT joined the team this summer.

Both Kelsy and Adam are graduates of the Texas State University Physical Therapy Doctoral Program, where Julie, Brad and Lily also earned their physical therapy degrees. This common academic background, in combination with shared interests in the pursuit of excellence in the specialty practice of orthopedic manual physical therapy, expands Symmetry’s capacity to provide cohesive high-level rehabilitation services to the Austin community. Kelsy and Adam also both embody the personable, nurturing qualities that further Symmetry’s culture of building collaborative and ongoing partnerships with customers to improve health and wellness.

Check out this post for more about Kelsy and Adam: https://symmetryptaustin.com/welcome-to-new-symmetry-staff-members/

We are excited to formally introduce two physical therapists that are new to Symmetry’s clinical staff! Kelsy Vick, PT, DPT started with us in the spring, and Adam Arlitt, PT, DPT joined the team this summer.

Both Kelsy and Adam are graduates of the Texas State University Physical Therapy Doctoral Program, where Julie, Brad and Lily also earned their physical therapy degrees. This common academic background, in combination with shared interests in the pursuit of excellence in the specialty practice of orthopedic manual physical therapy, expands Symmetry’s capacity to provide cohesive high-level rehabilitation services to the Austin community. Kelsy and Adam also both embody the personable, nurturing qualities that further Symmetry’s culture of building collaborative and ongoing partnerships with customers to improve health and wellness.

Check out this post for more about Kelsy and Adam: https://symmetryptaustin.com/welcome-to-new-symmetry-staff-members/

Workplace Wellness and Office Ergonomics

Working at a computer workstation all day can take a toll on the body — whether you work from home or in an office. Repetitive activities and lack of movement can contribute to aches, pains, and eventual injuries. So can prolonged sitting – or standing - at a workstation that is not set up properly. Read these tips from physical therapists on how to prevent and reduce aches and pains due to office work.

https://symmetryptaustin.com/workplace-wellness-and-office-ergonomics/

Workplace Wellness and Office Ergonomics Working at a computer workstation all day can take a toll on the body — whether you work from home or in an office. Repetitive activities and lack of movement can contribute to aches, pains, and…

[09/10/21]   "Just finished several months of PT from knee surgery. My experience at Symmetry was awesome. I actually looked forward to working with Lily because I experienced progress after visit. Staff was super friendly and professional. I would highly recommend for sure."

Thanks for the five-star Google review, Scott!

Can we help you recover from injury or surgery, or just get back to doing the things you love? Give us a call!

"As a climber, it’s great to have Lily Swann as an option who sees lots of climbers and is a climber herself to help diagnose and treat those weird for normal people but common for climber injuries."

Thanks for the five-star Google review, Brian! Speaking of fives, Lily Swann, PT, DPT, just celebrated her five-year anniversary with Symmetry! We're lucky to have her on our team.

"As a climber, it’s great to have Lily Swann as an option who sees lots of climbers and is a climber herself to help diagnose and treat those weird for normal people but common for climber injuries."

Thanks for the five-star Google review, Brian! Speaking of fives, Lily Swann, PT, DPT, just celebrated her five-year anniversary with Symmetry! We're lucky to have her on our team.

[08/30/21]   "Symmetry Physical Therapy provides warm, professional physical therapy support in a most lovely environment. The physical therapists are excellent, there's open space in-between work areas, and while doing the exercises you look out onto lush green vistas. One is highly motivated to do the important physical therapy work in this environment!"

Thanks for the five-star Google review, Ruth. We're so glad that you're highly motivated, and we're grateful to be part of your PT journey!

The Right Kind of Exercise May Boost Memory and Lower Dementia Risk (Published 2019)

Being physically fit may sharpen our memory and lower our risk of dementia, even if we don't start exercising until we are older.

If you're already exercising, make sure you add some high-intensity intervals, and if you're not, let us help you get started!

The Right Kind of Exercise May Boost Memory and Lower Dementia Risk (Published 2019) Being physically fit may sharpen the memory and lower our risk of dementia, even if we do not start exercising until we are older.

[08/24/21]   "I started PT here around a month ago. I've been recovering from an abdominal strain and was not convinced that it would even help, but I can already see noticeable improvement in my strength and pain reduction. Lily Swann, PT, DPT has been extremely patient, thorough, and communicative. She not only gives me exercises and stretches to work on, but has explained her plan for my recovery and has asked for my comments throughout the process. The other staff I have interacted with are also friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend this practice to anyone looking for a physical therapist."

Thank you for the five-star Google review, Anna!

Exercise Vigorously for 4 Seconds. Repeat. Your Muscles May Thank You.

In short: get up and move throughout the day, sometimes in short intense bursts, and don't be sedentary.

Exercise Vigorously for 4 Seconds. Repeat. Your Muscles May Thank You. High-intensity interval training has surprising benefits for fitness and physical power, but don’t stay seated the rest of the day.

Symmetry’s Healthy Environment – State-of-the-Art Air Flow

Symmetry’s new clinic space at the Park Bend Medical Plaza includes multiple amenities. One of our favorite features is the broad green-space view out of our multiple huge windows! On a more mechanical note, the construction process for Symmetry’s new building allowed us the opportunity to make some upgrades that also enhance environmental health. A significant highlight is our mechanical HVAC system.

Check out this post for an explanation of its features -->> https://symmetryptaustin.com/symmetrys-healthy-environment-state-of-the-art-air-flow/

Symmetry’s Healthy Environment – State-of-the-Art Air Flow Symmetry’s new clinic space at the Park Bend Medical Plaza includes multiple amenities.   One of our favorite features is the broad green-space view out of our multiple huge windows!  Visual connection to the natural outdoor…

[08/12/21]   "Julie is a great therapist! She quickly analyzed my condition and put me in a program that is already showing progress. I like how she did not rush me or push too hard which lets me heal without additional pain. Very happy with my increased range of movement and flexibility."

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience, Heather!

Physical Therapy – Not Just for Pain. It Can Keep You Healthy for Life!

Physical activity is a wonder drug! But even though activity is free, fewer than 25% of Americans meet the recommendations for physical activity published by expert organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine or the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. We clearly need help!

Learn how cultivating a relationship with a physical therapist can help you to stay healthy for a lifetime. https://symmetryptaustin.com/physical-therapy-not-just-for-pain-it-can-keep-you-healthy-for-life/

Physical Therapy – Not Just for Pain. It Can Keep You Healthy for Life! You know that physical activity is good for you. The benefits are well researched and the list is impressive. Here’s just a sampling of what exercise can do: Releases endorphins to make you feel good…

[08/02/21]   "Am very pleased with the care I’ve received. It’s very easy to schedule treatment, nice facilities, and my PT is knowledgeable about the needed rehab."

Thank you for the five-star Google review, Seth!

Sleep Deprivation – A National Emergency?!

Good sleep is a factor that relates to physical function for folks of all ages and levels of activity, but there's also a relationship between sleep and the pain experience.

https://symmetryptaustin.com/sleep-deprivation-a-national-emergency/

Sleep Deprivation – A National Emergency?! The following blog entry was originally published by Louisa Nicola, a clinical neuroscientist and neurophysiologist.  She is the founder of Neuro Athletics – a company that works with athletes to improve performance by training the…

We Answered Extremely Random Questions People Had About The Olympics

Are you watching the Summer Olympics? We are! A couple of fun facts from Tokyo: Did you know that the Olympic medals were made from recycled electronics? Or that 100% renewable energy will be used to power the Olympic & Paralympic venues?

It is fascinating - perhaps particularly to physical therapists who work on improving human movement daily - to watch all of the athletes running, jumping, twirling, flying, and swimming through competition in their own specific and amazing ways.

What's your favorite Olympic sport?

https://www.npr.org/2021/07/28/1021824129/tokyo-summer-olympics-questions-fun-facts-trivia

We Answered Extremely Random Questions People Had About The Olympics As you cheer on sports you didn't think you cared about during the Tokyo Olympics, we're here to answer all those random questions that keep popping up in your brain.

[07/28/21]   "I have been going to Symmetry for several years now. I have a persistent issue with lower back pain, nearly everyone does. The therapists there have been giving me exercises that I can do for myself to help alleviate the pain. I can't say enough nice things about them."

Thank you so much for the five-star Google review, R.A.--we're so glad we've been able to help!

[07/23/21]   "Brad is a fantastic physical therapist. He used treatments that my five other prior healthcare professionals hadn’t even considered to relieve my chronic knee pain post-surgery. I’m so glad I now know the power of dry needling! He’s a pleasure to work with, and I’d highly recommend him to anyone struggling with chronic pain. Now I’m back for a second round to get my chronic shoulder pain/posture addressed!"

Thank you for the five-star Google review, Caroline. We're so glad Brad has helped you address your pain and get back in balance.

How Walking Can Build Up the Brain

Exercise can freshen and renovate the white matter in our brains, potentially improving our ability to think and remember as we age, according to a new study of walking, dancing and brain health.

How Walking Can Build Up the Brain Older men and women who walked for six months showed improvements in white matter and memory, while those who danced or did stretching exercises did not.

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"This has been my 'go-to' place for both me & my husband for years. Everyone there - PTs & staff- are both experienced and compassionate. It's a happy office. Exercises can be emailed to you on your patient portal + they're animated!"

Thank you for the Google review, Denise! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Do you need help getting back in balance? Contact us! https://symmetryptaustin.com/

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