Joint Effort Physical Therapy recently celebrated its second anniversary and the arrival of its new physical therapist, Megan Whitehead.
Originally from St. Louis, Whitehead grew up playing sports her whole life, her favorite being soccer. She attended Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., where she played on the soccer team. There, she was able to train various athletes from first grade through college. She received her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and became a certified exercise physiologist.
Whitehead then attended AT Still University in Phoenix, where she received her doctorate of Physical Therapy. "Hiking in Sedona, Ariz., and finding little local coffee shops were some of her favorite things to do. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, crafting, and reading. If she had to eat one food for the rest of her life, it would be homemade spaghetti and meatballs and her favorite book is 'Tuesdays with Morrie,'" a news release said.
Whitehead has worked with many different people throughout the years. She has extensive experience with Parkinson's Disease, athletes, and people undergoing cancer treatments. "One of her favorite volunteer experiences was at a Parkinson's retreat where she was able to help participants move and exercise. She also worked with doctors and athletic trainers for the Oakland A's during their spring training physicals," the release said.
"Megan loves to work on balance activities with her patients. Falling is not a normal part of getting older and it can lead to many other problems! Frequent falling or stumbling can be due to many reasons including Parkinson's Disease, stroke, neuropathy in the feet, general weakness, and others. Physical therapists are trained to figure out the cause and help prevent falls. Regardless, balance can be improved," it said.
So, what would happen in a balance session?
"A therapist would test your balance in different positions and measure your strength. Then, they would create a program for two or three times a week to practice balance, stretch, and strengthen in fun, different ways. For example, Megan loves to incorporate Tai Chi, boxing, stretching, and dance with her patients to improve their balance and strength," the release said.
Check your balance!
"To check your balance safely at home, you could perform a test called the Timed Up and Go. For this, you need a solid chair, a piece of tape, a measuring tape, a stopwatch, and your regular walking shoes and cane or walker if you use one. To set up the test, place the chair in an open space. Place the tape on the ground three meters or 9.8 feet from the front edge of the seat. You are ready to go! Sit in the chair with your arms on your lap or at your sides and hips all the way at the back of the chair. When you or your timer says "Go," start the watch. Rise from the chair, walk to the tape, turn around and return to the chair to sit down. The timer stops when you sit down! This should be performed as quickly but as safely as you can. It might also be useful to have someone around to help with the stopwatch if needed or if you feel unsteady.
"If it takes longer than 10 seconds to complete the test, you might be at an increased risk for falling. Fear not! Joint Effort Physical Therapy is here to help! Call today to ask for a free consultation and assessment of your balance. Come find out how we can help you Feel Better, Move Better, Live Better," the release said.
Most insurances are accepted and do not require a physician referral. Joint Effort Physical Therapy also offers cash pay options, as well. Call 501-781-2701 to schedule a balance consultation today. Visit http://www.jephysicaltherapy.com or JEPhysicalTherapy on Facebook for more information.