Symmetry Physical Therapy

"Symmetry is great! Nice facility, good equipment, and well run. I'm getting therapy for my knee with Kelsy. You can tell when a person truly cares about people,and she does. I selected Symmetry from my ortho surgeon's recommended PT list, then read the reviews and gave them a try. Couldn't be happier, they do an excellent job."

Thanks for sharing your experience in a Google review, Alan! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I have only been twice, but it seems that the staff is very professional and the room is immaculate. I am very impressed with Julie, my therapist. She seems to be very knowledgeable and concerned. She explains all the exercises, which I think is already helping me."

Great to hear about your progress, Roseanne, and thanks for taking the time to write a Google review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Happy Halloween Season from the gang at Symmetry! Also - best wishes to our current student physical therapist resident (back center), as he sets off next week for his next clinical rotation. Thanks, Seth, for all of your hard work and positive energy!

"Professional, personal care. I'm very impressed with the quality of staff and spacious, clean clinic. I'm seeing results and know the care is tailored for what I need. Highly recommend."

Thank you, Debbie. Our five-star reputation is built purely on the feedback of our patients, like you!

"Great experience. I have been to another physical therapy office for two rounds, and this is by far superior. The therapist is either hands-on or able to see you the entire session. It is also a beautiful office with a great view."

Carla, we appreciate you taking the time to write a Google review!

A summertime photo memory: Symmetry’s SSSOs: Staff, Students, and Significant Others at our recent annual ‘Lake Day’ gathering!

"I can tell the PT, Brad, knows what he's doing. He's gentle but tough when he needs to be. I know I'll get back to where I used to be, sooner than later."

We're glad you found Symmetry, and thanks for sharing your feedback, S!

"Adam really listened to my issues, and while he was sympathetic to my pains, he pushed me just the right amount for me to see progress and feel better."

Thank you for sharing your Symmetry experience with a five-star Google review, Karen!

Physical Therapy on the Road with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps

It's marching band season! Recently, Symmetry’s founder, physical therapist & marching-band-mom Julie Mankinen had the opportunity to spend several days on tour with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps – a performance marching band that is traveling across the United States this summer.

To get a sense of the physical rigors of “major league” marching and about how physical therapy can work while taking a show on the road, read more here:

https://symmetryptaustin.com/physical-therapy-on-the-road-with-the-santa-clara-vanguard-drum-bugle-corps/

Physical Therapy on the Road with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps Recently, Symmetry’s founder, physical therapist & marching-band-mom Julie Mankinen had the opportunity to spend several days on tour with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps – a performance marching band that is traveling…

"Julie, who owns the practice, is by far, the best PT I’ve ever worked with. She worked on my knee for quite awhile. After some time, I was in a much better place with movement and pain. The workout room was clean and everyone is very nice and very knowledgeable."

Thanks for sharing your experience with us and on Google, Susan!

Exercise more than the recommended amounts for the longest life, study says | CNN

Just 11 minutes of exercise a day made a difference on life span, according to a 2021 study.

Exercise more than the recommended amounts for the longest life, study says | CNN The World Health Organization has said how often adults should exercise, but now researchers are building onto those recommendations by analyzing how the time span and intensity impacts life span. For your longest life, you may need more than recommended, it says.

"I visited Symmetry Physical Therapy a half-dozen times for--what turned out to be--a relatively minor knee injury. I was seen and attended to by both Julie and her assistant PT's; I could not have been more impressed and comforted by the levels of professionalism, experience, and competence displayed by all. The in-house drills and homework exercises got me back on my feet (literaly) in no time, and I felt fortunate knowing that--with Julie's/Symmetry's guidance--I was doing it right. I would not hesitate to recommend Symmetry to anyone!"

John, we're so glad you're back on your feet, in good standing, and continuing to march ahead! (do you forgive us for these kneedless analogies?) :) Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us.

Is Your Diet Contributing to Your Pain?

You may be surprised to learn that modifying your diet can help to alleviate some of the joint pain and stiffness associated with inflammation.

https://symmetryptaustin.com/is-your-diet-contributing-to-your-pain-2/

Is Your Diet Contributing to Your Pain? Inflammation in the body is a common cause of joint pain and stiffness1.  Unfortunately, the process of aging is accompanied by changes that tend to exacerbate inflammatory processes.3 On a positive note, however, you may…

"I've known Julie for years as a colleague and even live in the same neighborhood. Now, I know her as my physical therapist. I have been in chronic pain for the 1st time in my life for 5 months, which was weighing heavily on me physically & emotionally. In just 2 visits, I am REMARKABLY better. I walked away from more than just improvement but enormous gratitude and hope. Thank you!"

Thank you for the five-star Google review, Bridgett! We're glad you've turned to Julie as a trusted PT to help relieve your pain.

"I began using Symmetry Physical Therapy after a total knee replacement. I could not be more pleased!

My physical therapist, Kelsy Vick, is amazing! She is knowledgeable, personable and encouraging. I walk out every time feeling like I’ve made enormous progress in my recovery.

The office staff is wonderful, the facility is clean and bright and new, and I cannot speak highly enough of Symmetry Physical Therapy and Kelsy Vick!"

Thank YOU, Denise, for sharing your feedback! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Your Physical Therapist Can’t Do Your Exercise For You

What can you do to make sure that you get the most out of your physical therapy treatment plan? Here are a few ideas.

https://symmetryptaustin.com/your-physical-therapist-cant-do-your-exercise-for-you/

Your Physical Therapist Can’t Do Your Exercise For You If you’ve been to see a physical therapist, you’ve likely been given a home exercise program to complement the rehabilitation activities that you have worked on in the clinic. Research says that if you do…

"My whole experience with Symmetry was great. The diagnosis and PT regimen by Lily was spot on to quickly get my ankle back to 100%. After my visit, Becky continued to work with my insurance provider to get my treatment covered. Before my visit the insurance company told me this would be out of network and not covered."

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience in a Google review, Bill!

Sports: Benefits to Participation Throughout a Lifetime

When you were a kid, you probably participated in youth sports, attended school dances, or marched in the high-school band. Why did you do these things? You were probably not thinking at the time about “trying to stay healthy”. You were simply engaging in activities that were fun and which provided a connection to peers. And guess what? You were probably healthy, fit, and close to your ideal body weight.

Why not pick up or continue an activity and reap the benefits of participation?

https://symmetryptaustin.com/sports-benefits-to-participation-throughout-a-lifetime/

Sports: Benefits to Participation Throughout a Lifetime It is common for Symmetry’s therapists to have clients tell us that they “used to be athletes”.  Often, people seem to think that participation in sports as youth athletes has set them up for whatever…

Our Ancestors May Have Held the Secret to Better Brain Health

Researchers at the University of Arizona have found a connection between the highly active lifestyle that was prevalent in those ancient days and the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related diseases.

https://symmetryptaustin.com/our-ancestors-may-have-held-the-secret-to-better-brain-health/

Our Ancestors May Have Held the Secret to Better Brain Health It turns out that while our early ancestors spent their days out in the wilderness hunting and foraging for food, they may also have been keeping their brains sharp. Researchers at the University of Arizona…

What the Fitness Industry Doesn’t Understand

"The limitations of traditional American PE can be evoked pretty tidily with a single phrase: the Presidential Fitness Test."

Interesting article about the stereotypes that exist in exercise, and our learned behaviors around them. Was there something that made you either reluctant to try athletic endeavors, or overly confident in your abilities?

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2022/04/hampton-liu-working-out-pe-exercise/629696/

What the Fitness Industry Doesn’t Understand A new generation of fitness instructors teaches simple skills that make a difference. Why is beginner-level exercise treated like a niche?

Safe Summer Exercise Tips

Temperatures are set to soar in Central Texas this weekend and the rest of the month, so follow these strategies to make your summer outdoor activities a safe and fun experience.

https://symmetryptaustin.com/safe-summer-exercise-tips/

Safe Summer Exercise Tips Summer is officially descending on Central Texas, and it is bringing rising temperatures. This is the time of year where cold AC is a valuable commodity as some people actively avoid the scorching temperatures outside…

"Symmetry Physical Therapy has wonderful physical therapists, equipment, and environment. I feel very well cared for by my current therapist, Kelsey Vick."

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

Sports: Benefits to Participation Throughout a Lifetime

It's common for clients tell us they “used to be athletes”. Often, people seem to think that participation in sports as youth athletes has set them up for whatever musculoskeletal aches and pains that they are experiencing later in life. Someone might say, “all that running must have been bad for my knees”, or “the horseback riding that I did as a kid must have been bad for my back.”

We wholeheartedly reject the myth that physical activity is somehow “bad” for people! Read this post for more about how sports participation can benefit folks of all ages.

https://symmetryptaustin.com/sports-benefits-to-participation-throughout-a-lifetime/

Sports: Benefits to Participation Throughout a Lifetime It is common for Symmetry’s therapists to have clients tell us that they “used to be athletes”.  Often, people seem to think that participation in sports as youth athletes has set them up for whatever…

"Going to Symmetry has been incredibly helpful for my recovery and thanks to Kelsy Vick I am almost at 100% again and accomplishing more every day. She has been exceedingly kind, knowledgeable and effective in my ankle recovery. 10/10 would recommend to anyone. Thank you to everyone at Symmetry."

Thanks for the five-star Google review, Dalton!

Lily Swann, one of Symmetry’s physical therapists, climbed her way to a 2nd Place finish in the Women’s Open Division at the Limestoner Rock Climbing Competition at Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park in Dripping Springs on April 24rd. Impressive work!

Rock on, Lily!!

"I got the best of care at Symmetry. Their facility is brand new with state-of-the-art equipment. Even better, their PTs are attentive, caring, and very knowledgeable. Lily really helped me regain my range of motion and strength in my right arm after I broke my collar bone. She is the perfect combination of knowledgeable and caring, and explains everything so clearly."

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

Symmetry’s founder and owner, Julie Mankinen, along with the rest of her “Soccer Tribe” were second place finishers in the Over-40 Division at the South Texas Women’s State Cup tournament in Round Rock this past weekend. Soccer Moms - literally!

The “RICE” method—Rest Ice Compression Elevation—for treating acute injury has been around for decades, and many use it with success. In this post, Daniel Hernandez, a doctoral student currently finishing his final clinical rotation at Symmetry, discusses a newer method of managing soft tissue injuries that utilizes the acronym “PEACE & LOVE”.

https://symmetryptaustin.com/to-rice-or-not-to-rice/

Congratulations to Symmetry’s most recent Doctoral PT Student Resident, Daniel (far left)! He’s finishing up in the clinic this week and will then be graduating in May and moving to New Mexico.

Thanks for all of your hard work at Symmetry, Daniel. Our best to you as you launch your professional career!

Update to Mask Wearing Policies at Symmetry

We have updated the mask-wearing policies for our clinic in conjunction with the City of Austin and Travis County Health Department’s recommendations and adjustments to county-wide policies.

Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to strive to provide a healthy and comfortable environment for everyone! https://symmetryptaustin.com/update-to-mask-wearing-policies-at-symmetry/

Update to Mask Wearing Policies at Symmetry As of Monday, March 28th Symmetry has updated the mask-wearing policies for the clinic. This policy change has been made in conjunction with the City of Austin and the Travis County Health Department’s recommendations and…

"My therapist is Kelsey Vick and she is awesome!! Super nice and personable. Gets me in on time and directly into PT. She makes the visit enjoyable, rather than something you need to grind through. I highly recommend her specifically, and Symmetry in general. The facility is neat, clean, and well organized. The front desk staff is also super nice and friendly. Great place and I highly recommend it."

Thanks for the five-star Google review, Chris!

To "RICE" or Not to "RICE"? Also - Updated Mask Wearing Policies at Symmetry

It's starting to feel as if spring has really sprung! We opened March with Mardi Gras, and we're closing the month with the emergence of bluebonnets and other wildflowers. Daylight is becoming more plentiful, and the general mood around town seems elevated. Perhaps some of you attended SXSW events, or perhaps the Austin Rodeo. Whatever you've been up to, we hope that it's been enjoyable!

We hope you'll take a look at our newsletter this month, and we appreciate each of you as a part of our community!
https://mailchi.mp/symmetryptaustin/yysmli4p4m-6061270?e=eaeaafe594

To "RICE" or Not to "RICE"? Also - Updated Mask Wearing Policies at Symmetry In this issue, we're talking about what current science says about the "RICE" method of injury management, and announcing updates to mask wearing policies at Symmetry.

Don’t like exercise? Your brain can change, study suggests

A new study suggests you can learn to love the gym, thanks to long-term adaptations in how your brain processes mood-altering chemicals.

tgam.ca/3IM7YGq

Don’t like exercise? Your brain can change, study suggests Just as your body adapts to a new exercise routine, so too does your brain. A new study of the brain’s signalling networks offers an optimistic perspective on the prospects for learning to love the gym

"I was in so much pain before my first appointment, I couldn’t sit still or get comfortable. After my first appointment I felt so much better. Kelsy is amazing. Less pain every day doing the exercises she showed me how to do. I wish I would have done this years ago!

It’s been a wonderful and healing experience for me!"

Thank you for the five-star Google review, Gail! We're glad you found your way to Symmetry and Kelsy.

Elevate Your Heart Rate with Physical Therapy

The American Heart Association recommends that adults and get at least 150 minutes of “heart pumping exercise” each week – preferably spread out over the course of multiple days.

If you’d like to get started or renew your commitment to exercise for health, your physical therapist may be just the person to help you.

https://symmetryptaustin.com/elevate-your-heart-rate-with-physical-therapy/

Elevate Your Heart Rate with Physical Therapy Heart disease is a leading cause of death and disability. This shouldn’t be a surprise – it’s been at the top of the list for years. You know that taking care of your heart is…

February flew by, didn't it! While the month was short, it packed in plenty of events of significance. In Central Texas, we had an ice storm AND record heat. The world watched the Winter Olympics and now follows the crisis in Ukraine. Life keeps serving up circumstances that prompt tumultuous emotions and physical reactions.

Tending the mind and the body can help to promote resilience in the face of such pendulous swings of situation. And small efforts can yield large effects. As we move forward through whatever March will bring, we offer our monthly newsletter as a means by which to take a "brain break" and to consider how our health care habits and decisions can affect us on an individual level.

Read our March newsletter here 🌼: https://bit.ly/3pzY3gy
Or subscribe here ➡️: https://symmetryptaustin.com/

How Simple Exercises May Save Your Lower Back

Back pain is common and complicated. But altering your workout to build control and stability can help prevent it.

How Simple Exercises May Save Your Lower Back Back pain is common and complicated. But altering your workout to build control and stability can help prevent it.