Over the past couple of years I have had the great fortune to connect with an inspiring community working tirelessly to improve healthcare outcomes known as: THE LEVEL UP INITIATIVE. I cannot say enough positive things about these folks’ hard work, community. mindset, and overall high moral convictions. This month I have the great pleasure…
Physical Therapy Residency: Tips for Applying and Interviews
Please see my first post for general information on physical therapy residency programs: “What are Physical Therapy Residencies All About” In this post, I would like to continue the discussion of physical therapy (PT) residency programs and add some more specific tips for the application and interview process. I will share some advice from my…
What are Physical Therapy Residencies All About: Lessons Learned from Ohio University Alumni Experiences in Residency
The intent of this blog post is to share the experiences of four Ohio University Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program graduates who have pursued physical therapy residencies (Orthopedic, Neurologic, Sports, Women’s Health). We wish to provide resources and a discussion of each of our experiences for those contemplating physical therapy residency programs. Here is…
You are NOT Your X-Ray
In our Western culture and media, we are very focused on image and outward appearance. Even in the wellness industry that claims to promote health, there is a stereotyped image and the implicit message that obtaining this look is what it means to be “healthy” (i.e., low body fat, blemish-free skin, muscle definition etc.). However,…
An Honest Look At PATIENT-CENTERED Care
I went to the dentist the other day for a routine exam and cleaning and it reminded me what being a patient is all about. In a physical therapy clinic, just like in any work environment, it is easy to become habituated to your setting and think that it is perfectly normal to… Use terms…
CHECKLISTS for PHYSICAL THERAPISTS! Re-visited…
I’ve written about the usefulness of checklists before, so I won’t rehash what I’ve already said (spoiler alert: they can really UP YOUR GAME as a new physical therapist or physical therapy student!): “Performance Hacks for Physical Therapy Evaluations: The Power of The Checklist” However, I wanted to revisit this idea and share the…
What is “Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome”? …And how should we treat it?
I have been hearing more and more people referring to lateral hip pain with the diagnostic label of “Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome” (GTPS). This got me curious about when this was first described as a “syndrome” and what the diagnosis of GTPS is all about. I am not sure who first used this label, but…
Leda’s Interview with Dr. Karen Litzy, PT, DPT
I was so honored to chat with physical therapist and podcast host, Dr. Karen Litzy, PT, DPT on a recent episode of her podcast Healthy, Wealthy, & Smart (episode #446)! Check out the episode here: Healthy Wealthy & Smart: Episode 446: Dr. Leda McDaniel: Holistic Approach to CRPS Thanks Karen for the opportunity to share…
Tips for Treating Lower Extremity Tendinopathies: Part 3: INDIVIDUALIZING TREATMENT (CASE EXAMPLES)
Welcome to Part 3 of my blog series on lower extremity tendinopathies. If you missed Parts 1 and 2 on assessment and treatment principles that set the foundation for these cases, check those out: Part 1: ASSESSMENT Part 2: EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION In this post, I want to discuss treatment progressions for two hypothetical patient cases…
Tips for Treating Lower Extremity Tendinopathies: Part 2: EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION
Welcome to Part 2: Exercise Prescription for Lower Extremity Tendinopathy. If you missed Part 1 on Assessment check that out! Also, Part 3 on Individualizing Treatment to Patient Cases Tendons, just like all the tissues in our body, feel different mechanical forces depending upon what movements we engage in (or not). In response to these…
Tips for Treating Lower Extremity Tendinopathies: Part 1: ASSESSMENT
Over the last year or so, I have really delved into the research literature on tendinopathy assessment and treatment. This was motivated in part thanks to an excellent continuing education course that I took from tendinopathy expert Dr. Peter Malliaras, PT, PhD called: “Mastering Lower Limb Tendinopathy 2nd Edition.”1 I have also been interested in…
Conversation with The Level UP Initiative: Emotional Components of Treating Pain
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Zak Gabor, DPT, CSCS and founder of The Level UP Initiative regarding chronic pain and how to best serve this patient population. Give our conversation a listen and please feel free to share your thoughts/experiences/insights regarding working with those in pain and what you’ve found helpful…