If your child is older and your family is not accustomed to regular exercise start slowly. You might consider taking a walk around the neighborhood a few times per week, or you could bring football or Frisbee to picnic at the park on weekends. Gradually making fitness a regular part of your child's life will likely increase his or her interest in other sports as well.

When your child begins exercising regularly, it is important to incorporate activities that put stress on the bones to help build cone strength. Encourage your child to try some of the following exercises even if he or she is already involved in a sport:

Dancing - Jogging - Jumping Rope - Skateboarding - Soccer - Tennis - Weightlifting

"Weight-bearing" exercises are great for improving or maintaining healthy bone density, especially in children whose bones are still growing. Strength training is also important to help improve muscular strength and coordination and it has positive impact on bone formation.

He's finally here! 

Jack Ell was born on March 23, 2011 weighing 7 lbs 12 oz and surprised both parents and the doctors with his full head of blonde hair!  He is a prettyeasy going baby and loves to read, sing, and go on walks outside.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I enjoy the Colorado outdoors in every season-hiking, camping, mountain biking, snowboarding, as well as traveling, culinary arts, and spending time with family and friends. 

What do you like most about being a PT?
I love helping people in any capacity.  It brings me great joy to help someone achieve or return to their highest level of functioning. I also like a challenge and to learn new things. I love being back at work but it was hard leaving my sweet, little baby!

How do you think pregnancy has helped in you in your PT work?

Having recently experienced the physical changes associated with pregnancy, I can more effectively relate to and help my pre-natal and post-partum patients. 

What one thing do you think your patients and fellow staff would be shocked to learn about you?

I am a pretty boring, open-book sort of person!  No secrets here!  

Learn more about Kari Ell

Lifting and carrying a child, picking up toys off of the floor, and pushing a stroller are normal daily tasks for mothers. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers these tips to help moms and other caregivers accomplish these daily feats without aches and pains. Read more.....

PTIS Says Goodbye and Good Luck to Yvonne Howell

We are very sad to announce that Yvonne Howell has departed PTIS to continue with her physicians assistant program in Oregon. She will be greatly missed by our staff as well as her faithful patients. We wish her the best and look forward to seeing her in the future!

Balance Classes

The second series of our Balance classes will begin June 20^th. Pre-registration and payment is required. For more info click here.

Cyndi Jensen, one of our massage therapist/pilates instructors and PT aide, will be doing the Elbert county Relay For Life this year. The event will be held June 24^th and 25^th. What is Relay For Life? Find out more here.

Avoid Aches and Pains While Gardening

Common gardening tasks, such as digging, planting, weeding, mulching and raking can cause stress and strain on muscles and joints, especially for seniors or those who are normally sedentary. The shoulders, back, neck and knees are prime targets. Following these tips can help you minimize the risk of injury:

• Warm up before you begin. Get your heart rate up by taking a 10-minute walk followed by some stretches for your upper and lower back, neck, arms and legs. Roll your shoulders back in a circular motion and slowly move your head from side to side a few times to loosen up.
• Don't over do it. Be mindful of how the body feels. If you experience an aching back or neck, slow down and stretch or stop and switch to a different task.
• Use a garden cart or wheelbarrow to move tools and heavy planting materials.
• Don't kneel on both knees. Keep one foot on the ground to give your back more stability. If you have to kneel use knee pads or a pillow to absorb some of the pressure.
• Change positions frequently to avoid stiffness or cramping.
• Practice proper body mechanics. Bend at your knees when you grab something or pull a weed, bend your knees and contract your abdominal muscles to avoid straining your back.
• End your gardening session with a short walk or some light stretching. Take a warm bath or shower to help prevent next-day soreness.
• If you experience pain, contact your physical therapist.