30Sep 2019 by Patrick Donovan
6 Physical Therapy Myths during National PT Month

6 Physical Therapy Myths during National PT Month

Health content
 October is National Physical Therapy month, a time when physical therapists like Dr. Patrick Donovan of Denver not only celebrate their profession, but also educate others about the role physical therapy plays in improving the health and vitality of their patients … and of health care in general.  While a physical therapist’s roles are both broad and diverse, Dr. Donovan says several misconceptions still exist about what physical therapy is, what it isn’t, and the various ways it can help people improve the health and lives of people at all stages in life.  “When a lot of people think about physical therapy, they think rehabilitation. But that’s just part of what we do,” said Dr. Donovan, owner of Heather Lane Physical Therapy in Denver. “Physical therapists can improve the lives of people of all ages dealing with several common ailments, and even people with no ailments…
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04Sep 2019 by Patrick Donovan
Save the RICE for First-Aid, Not Healing & Recovery

Save the RICE for First-Aid, Not Healing & Recovery

Health content
For decades, the standard and recommended response to an injured muscle, tendon or ligament was to “apply RICE,” an acronym that stands for a protocol of rest, ice, compression and elevation.  Yet these days, according to Denver physical therapist Patrick Donovan, the application of RICE as a treatment for these sports-type soft-tissue injuries isn’t 100 percent supported by science.  “Multiple studies have come out over the years that question the wisdom behind our reliance of RICE as a treatment for injuries, specifically as it relates to rest and the application of ice to the injured area,” said Donovan, owner of Heather Lane Physical Therapy in Denver. “Because of this, the role of RICE has changed in recent years.”  RICE was coined in 1978 by Gabe Mirkin M.D., a legendary sports physician who introduced the procedure as author of “The Sports Medicine Book.”…
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06Aug 2019 by Patrick Donovan
Concussion Symptoms can Improve with Managed Exercise, Physical Therapy

Concussion Symptoms can Improve with Managed Exercise, Physical Therapy

Health content
With high school sports starting up soon and NFL training camps in full swing, concussions are certain to ramp up within the mainstream consciousness.  And, while talk will often point to conventional wisdom which states that “time and rest” are the best and only options for recovery from concussion, Denver physical therapist Patrick Donovan says that studies now suggest managed exercise and movement can hasten recovery.  Concussion Treatment “It wasn’t very long ago when concussion sufferers were told not to move – to rest, with no exercise, until symptoms improved,” said Donovan, owner of Heather Lane Physical Therapy in Denver. “Today, while rest remains important, it’s become increasingly important to get moving with a careful, managed exercise program that can benefit recovery.”  In 2010, researchers at the University of Buffalo were the first to show that specialized exercise regimens can relieve…
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10Jul 2019 by Patrick Donovan
 Local PT Debunks 6 Common Back Pain Myths

 Local PT Debunks 6 Common Back Pain Myths

Uncategorized
Despite being one of the top causes of disability in the U.S., affecting around eight in 10 people in their lifetimes, back pain is an ailment often misunderstood by those affected, says Denver physical therapist Patrick Donovan.   Such misconceptions, Dr. Donovan adds, can cause those suffering from back pain to seek solutions, potential treatment paths, and even lifestyle alterations that aren’t necessarily in their best interests.   “Back pain can be as frustrating. It can become debilitating and we quickly seek out any and all treatments,” said Dr. Donovan, owner of Heather Lane Physical Therapy in Denver. “This can lead a person down paths that don’t result in the best outcomes and most necessary evidence-based treatments.”   Such paths, Dr. Donovan points out, can sometimes lead to treatments that are more expensive or personally invasive – and perhaps even unnecessary – such as MRIs and surgery.   “MRIs, surgery, medication … these are last resort-type treatments,” Dr. Donovan says. “Most common back pain issues will go away on their own in a few days. And even when they don’t, most remaining cases can be successfully resolved less…
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05Jun 2019 by Patrick Donovan
Denver Wellness: 7 Fitness Tips for Summer Vacation Travel

Denver Wellness: 7 Fitness Tips for Summer Vacation Travel

Exercise
It’s vacation season, and for many that means visiting faraway friends, exploring new places and possibly even crossing some things of the ol’ bucket list. Unfortunately, traveling often also means lots of sitting, interrupted sleep patterns due to time zone changes, unhealthy eating, and workout routines that are sporadic, if not nonexistent. According to Denver physical therapist Dr. Patrick Donovan, however, travel doesn’t have to be synonymous with unhealthy habits and a lack of exercise. “Vacations are a time to reboot mentally while reconnecting with friends and family, but this doesn’t have to happen at the expense of your health,” said Dr. Donovan, owner of Heather Lane Physical Therapy in Denver. “With just a little forethought and planning, you can stay active and healthy throughout your trip, whether it ‘s…
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10May 2019 by Patrick Donovan
Denver Wellness: Tips for Reducing, Managing Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Denver Wellness: Tips for Reducing, Managing Plantar Fasciitis Pain

foot
Studies show about three-quarters of all Americans will experience foot pain at some point in their lives. Of them, more than 2 million people who seek treatment each year will learn they suffer from an overuse condition called plantar fasciitis.  Fortunately, according to Denver physical therapist Dr. Patrick Donovan, most cases of plantar fasciitis are both manageable and treatable.  “Plantar fasciitis will typically present itself as sharp pain in the heel or in the arch of the foot, most often when you’re taking the first steps of the day,” said Dr. Donovan, owner of Heather Lane Physical Therapy in Denver. “The pain is the result of your plantar fascia – the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to the ball of your foot – becoming inflamed due to overuse.”  The inflammation that causes plantar fasciitis can come from a sudden…
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02Apr 2019 by Patrick Donovan
Denver Wellness: How to Talk Positively About Exercise with Your Kids

Denver Wellness: How to Talk Positively About Exercise with Your Kids

Exercise
All kids need exercise. Stacks of scientific research through the years support the myriad ways exercise helps young bodies and minds as they develop and grow. It’s important, then, for parents to encourage their children to be active and develop healthful habits as they grow and develop. During such conversations, Denver physical therapist Dr. Patrick Donovan says setting a positive tone is paramount. “Learning the values of good fitness and nutrition should be a confidence-building exercise for kids and adolescents,” said Dr. Donovan, owner of Heather Lane Physical Therapy in Denver. “We don’t want them to feel like they’re being shamed or criticized. Rather, the goal should be to focus on the positive – on health, on fun, on long-term benefits and on being part of the journey together.” Such…
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05Mar 2019 by Patrick Donovan
Jump into March Madness Mindful of Jumper’s Knee, says Denver PT

Jump into March Madness Mindful of Jumper’s Knee, says Denver PT

Uncategorized
As a large portion of the nation’s attention turns to the “March Madness” NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in the coming days, Denver physical therapist Patrick Donovan says now is an ideal time to educate fans, young competitors and even blue-collar workers about an injury prevalent in jump-heavy activities: jumper’s knee. Among the most common injuries in sports, jumper’s knee is an overuse injury that can develop when one repeatedly jumps and lands heavily. Known in the medical community as patellar tendonitis, it affects 25 to 32 percent of basketball players and 30 to 51 percent of all volleyball players, according to a 2009 review. “Jumper’s knee develops when the patella tendon – the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone – becomes overstressed,” said Dr. Donovan, owner of Heather…
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05Feb 2019 by Patrick Donovan
5 Exercise Myths for People 55 and Older, according to Denver PT

5 Exercise Myths for People 55 and Older, according to Denver PT

Uncategorized
While it’s proven that older people tend to slow down with age, the notion that seniors should trade in their active lifestyles for bingo and rocking chairs is definitely antiquated, says Denver Physical Therapist Patrick Donovan. And yet, when it comes to exercise for the active aging adult, plenty of myths continue to drive people’s actions – or rater, inactions – when it comes to putting in the right amount of sweat equity to stay healthy and active. “From a purely physiological perspective, sure, you’re going to start to slow down a little here and there as you get older, but that doesn’t mean you should accept the consequences of your age,” said Dr. Donovan, owner of Heather Lane Physical Therapy in Denver. “We all have a biological age and…
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09Jan 2019 by Patrick Donovan
5 Fitness Tips For Introverts

5 Fitness Tips For Introverts

Health content
Finding a workout routine that fits your personality is one of the key ways to achieve optimal results, says Denver physical therapist Dr. Patrick Donovan. And, that holds particularly true for introverts – those who may be uneasy about joining a gym or a fitness class due to crowds of people, loud music, or the prying eyes of other gym members. “If you have a more introverted personality, joining a gym, exercise class or workout group may not be your cup of tea, but that doesn’t have to hold you back from achieving fitness or weight-loss goals,” said Dr. Donovan, owner of Heather Lane Physical Therapy in Denver. “Fitness opportunities are everywhere, and it’s important you commit to a path that’s comfortable and successful for you.” It’s been estimated that…
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