By now, you’ve seen them around town. Dwindling stacks of Mamalode Magazine. Get a copy while you can. They’re chalk full of information for today’s decision makers, Moms.

When you begin to sift through all that’s new and helpful, be sure to read page 24. That’s a section written by Alpine’s Director of Her Health, Tara Mund. I’ll include the article in its entirety below. However, if you’d like to get the online magazine version, click here. But to get the text version, you’ll need to click on the title:  “Being a Mom Shouldn’t Hurt”. Tara’s article is listed first.

For more info, be sure to visit our website at HerHealthMT.com.

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The PT Perspective: Perfecting Mom’s Posture

Proper posture can make you appear leaner, taller, and more confident. It is also an important component to overall spine health and preventing associated pain. Moms don’t often get high marks on their posture, and with good reason. There are three main contributors to developing the “mom posture.” Being aware of these three culprits is the first step to reversing changes and preventing bad posture habits.

The first major change occurs during pregnancy. We’ve all seen it: The tell-tale stance of a pregnant woman; hands on hips, low back arched with a backward lean and her belly proudly poking out. Although this is not all for show, and does serve to realign a pregnant mom’s changing center of balance, it is also putting excess stress on the spine and ligaments, and requires very little activity from the core stabilizer muscles. Yes, the core muscles can and should be used during pregnancy.

The second major insult to a mom’s posture begins during the feeding stage. As the job of feeding a child consumes a new mom, her body is still extremely vulnerable to excess stress due to increased ligament laxity and changing hormones. In a mother ‘s effort to comfort her baby she often molds her body to cradle her little one by rounding her back and shoulders, bowing her head to see her child’s face while supporting the baby’s weight in her arms. This places stress on the cervical spine and shoulder joints and over time will also stretch the muscles in the neck and between the shoulder blades, making them weak and ineffective.

The third major contributor to the “mom posture” occurs as the weight of a child begins to skyrocket. Admittedly, holding a child as he or she grows larger is a physically demanding task. However, rather than recruiting the core, glutes and arm muscles, most moms end up balancing their child on a jutted hip, let the baby carrier dangle and sway from their shoulder, or allow the front pack to hang as their shoulders fall forward, stressing the neck further.

Unfortunately for many, these learned postures persist way beyond the time their child is small, and often end up contributing to pain and injury later on. With physical therapy, the retraining faulty postures and movement patterns typically begins with the core, which serves to stabilize and protect the spine during movement. Core stabilization training can set the foundation to build upon for the rest of the body (not to mention tightening the post-baby belly). In addition to core training, physical therapy also provides instruction to optimize shoulder and neck posture through specific exercises to strengthen the scapular (shoulder blade) and rotator cuff muscles as well as the deep muscles in the front of the neck.

Physical therapists are specialists in analyzing movement and function, and especially retraining faulty movement patterns. Along with muscular retraining and strengthening, a physical therapist can provide instruction on how to bend and lift safely. In the most extreme cases, taping or bracing may be appropriate. If you are dealing with pain and you suspect your posture may be partially to blame, consider consulting a physical therapist for an individualized assessment and program that will provide you with the strength, support, and balance needed to realign your body.

Fit to Fight is a ten week small group program designed for cancer survivors who have recently become deconditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and or disease. Take a moment to watch this news segment of KPAX as they describe this unique program designed by Alpine physical therapist, Samantha Schoeneman.

More information on the Fit to Fight program is available on our website by clicking here.

Alpine’s own Leah Versteegen, MS, DPT, assisted in the authorship of a research project that will be presented this upcoming week at the American Physical Therapy Association’s National Conference in Baltimore, MD. Beth Ikeda physical therapy professor at the University of Montana will be presenting the findings, as she is the primary author.

Here’s a brief summary of their work entitled “The Influence of Hip Position on Lumbar Spine Position on Lumbar Spine Posture in Sitting.” Ikeda ER, Versteegen LP, Fehrer SC, Mize KJ. School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812.

Purpose: Leah and her fellow researchers set out to explore a new test, one that measures the length of the band along the side of the thigh (the iliotibial band), along with the main muscle that attaches to it, the gluteus maximus. By doing so, they wanted to see whether the length of these important structures might impact posture in the low back.

Conclusion: Remarkably, they found that their hypothesis was true. Hip position in sitting has a direct influence on low back posture. Interestingly, hip length had an even greater impact on the low back in men. Using the test is helpful because it measures what they hypothesized it would — the length of the iliotibial band and the gluteus maximus. Thus, they recommend that physical therapists address hip position in sitting when taking care of people with certain types of low back pain, particularly pain that is associated with flexion.

Click here to read Leah’s bio!

Alpine Physical Therapy continued it’s free monthly classes on Wednesday May 14th with a discussion led by Leah Versteegen, PT, on common foot and ankle injuries. To begin, participants were led in a foot flexibility and relaxation sequence, each of which helps prevent ankle injuries while also promoting improved balance. The class progressed to include the anatomy of the foot and ankle, followed by signs, symptoms, and treatment for the common ankle sprain and plantar fasciitis.

Each participant at the noon and 6 pm classes was also given the opportunity to discuss injuries or symptoms they have been experiencing.  Within this forum, we were able to cover how foot supination and pronation can affect lower limb mechanics and lead to injury, as well as how simple changes in footwear or use of shoe inserts can help with overall alignment. To conclude, everyone took part in an exercise and balance training session including simple activities to do at home to promote foot and ankle stability.

Click here on ankle sprains and plantar faciitis for more information on these topics.

Alpine Physical Therapy, a PT-owned clinic in Missoula, is seeking a candidate with strong manual therapy skills to join our team of 8 PTs.  We offer an excellent therapist-to-patient ratio, state-of-the-art equipment, and superb ancillary staff.

Our south clinic is located in Missoula’s Premeir fitness center, the Peak Health and Wellness Center, yielding full access to the aquatic center, all new equipment, and a fully equipped Pilates studio.

We have a fun and flexible environment with opportunities for advancement. Our PTs enjoy top salaries and a substantive benefits package.

• Robust continuing education allowance
• Monthly educational in-services
• Realistic and attainable bonus and incentive plans
• Excellent benefit package including complimentary club membership
• Patient-focused environment

Visit us at www.AlpinePTmissoula.com. Or fax your resume to 406.251.2999.

Line up the sitters and ditch the dads. This is just for mamas!  A party for moms on the night before Mother’s Day.  This is for new moms, old moms, grandmothers, step-moms, and aspiring mothers to celebrate together.

This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more volunteers, prizes, pampering, and goodies.

FREE! — $5 suggested donation if you can swing it- Thanks.

Sat May 9th, from 7-11pm

Peak Health and Wellness, 5000 Blue Mountain Road
(Corner of Blue Mountain Rd. and Hwy 93 South)

Schedule: (go to www.mothersdayeve.com for the most up to date schedule)

• Doors open at 7 (early birds will need to wait outside so that we can have proper sign in)
• Pack a swimsuit!  Pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna open from 7-9.  This area will be closed at 9 pm.
• Yoga (TBA)
• 1/2 hour pre- & pos-natal Alpine PT water fitness class at 7:30 and 8:15
• Zoomba from 10 to 11
• Prizes, announcements, and the launch of Mamalode Missoula Magazine at 9:30

There will be sign ups for massages, facials, PT consults (from the awesome folks at Alpine Physical Therapy), Pain Reflex Release Treaments, and mini-Pilates reformer classes.  Please only sign up for one thing to start with.

Apps, snacks and wine (provided by Betty’s Divine) and nonalcoholic drinks will be served after 9 (once the pool is closed)

There will also be plenty of opportunities for pampering from community members.

Main Sponsors:

*Alpine Physical Therapy—Take care of yourself so you can keep taking care of your kiddos! These folks are amazing, gifted and kind.  If you have any injuries, aches or pains (and I don’t know a mom who doesn’t) check them out.  They certainly show their support to moms at this party through money, staff and classes.  Don’t forget their clinic also has childcare available through the Peak for a regular PT appointment.  Call for more info: 251-2323 or www.AlpinePTmissoula.com.

*Peak Health and Wellness Center– First of all, they donate this awesome facility to us for the party, and then they also provide the most amazing health club in town WITH DAYCARE!  Yep, your kids can play or take swim lessons while you work out, go to the Spa, or go to Physical therapy.  It really just doesn’t get any better. Thanks, Peak for giving this party a home!  www.PeakMissoula.com or 251-3344.

*Betty’s Divine- a long time spronsor of the bash, they have become a main sponsor this year by supplying all of the wine, not to mention some of the hippest looks in town.  www.BettysDivine.com on the Hip Strip.

*Vann’s- Our grand prize donor, they are giving away a new dishwasher and free install.  We are thrilled to have them involved.  www.Vanns.com.

*Mamalode- a new magazine for Missoula Moms, launching at the party. www.mamalode.com.

History will remember this momentous feat. Over the course of three intense days, Alpine’s PTs are immersing themselves in the rigors of attaining Level 1 Pilates Reformer certification through Balanced Body Pilates.

In a room where all eight of our physical therapists seek to take our treatment skills to a higher level, the energy is palpable.

Professional instructor Roger Gonzales Hibner a formerly renowned dancer who is now a nationally recognized Pilates Master Instructor fluidly vocalizes the next exercise sequence. He does so with a style and grace that matches the moves his trained and toned body has repeated for years while practicing and teaching Pilates.

It won’t be long before our three-day training session ends and testing begins. Our aim? To bring a whole new level of patient care to Missoula, Montana, through a team of physical therapists who are professionally trained and certified in the Pilates Method. That’s Alpine PT.

Yes. It is well known that Alpine has always been a leader in Pilates-based rehabilitation. However, attaining certification among all our professional staff stamps excellence on our reputation. Yet it doesn’t stop there. Both our clinic managers, Sam Schoeneman and Angela Listug-Vap, are pursuing the requirements to become fully trained Pilates faculty instructors.

Check out a few pictures of our therapists during our training class.

Roger instructs; we practice.

Gary gives Leah a helpful tip.

I have no moves, but I got the last laugh.

And, finally, we invite you to view our video podcast below on Pilates-based rehabilitation at Alpine. Click on the player below to view.

My thanks to our physical therapist Doctoral intern from the University of Montana, Katlin “Kat” Anderson, for providing us with this vital update. Having interned at Alpine PT for the past 14 weeks under the auspices of Bob Botkin, PT, ATC, Kat is fast approaching the completion of her internship. Although she will be missed by our Alpine team, we are confident that Kat will be a stellar PT as she readies herself to enter the PT job market. Thanks and best to you, Kat!

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Alpine’s first Coaches’ Clinic took place on March 11th. Thirty-five coaches from Missoula and surrounding communities came to participate and learn about sport specific training techniques, athletic testing at the high school level, shoulder anatomy, as well as injury assessment and prevention for spring sport athletes. We plan on having another clinic for Fall & Winter sports later this year.

Introducing the Alpine Edge: SPRINTT

SPRINTT stands for Speed, Power, Reaction, Intensity, Neuromuscular Testing and Training.

The SPRINTT program is a testing and training program developed by Alpine’s sport specialists for Montana high school students who are athletic participants.

The focus of the program is two-fold: testing and training. The testing aspect includes four main tests (The Big 4) which include 20 yard dash, 3-cone agility drill, standing long jump distance, and push ups. Other tests that we are doing in addition to the Big 4 are the 40 yard dash, T-test agility drill, vertical jump, and chest ball pass.

SPRINTT is designed to test the main aspects of all sports; speed, quickness changing direction, leg power & explosiveness, and arm power & explosiveness.

The training aspect of the SPRINTT program is designed to improve the aspects of sports mentioned above. Incorporation of training techniques that focus on power, speed, reaction & agility training, and intensity will improve athletes’ ability during the testing portion of the program. More importantly, it will improve their performance on the field during the sport of their choice.

Currently we are working on the training aspect of SPRINTT. Our goal is to collect data for western Montana athletes and their abilities during the Big 4 tests mentioned above in order to create “norms” specific to Montana.

For more information, check out the Alpine Edge programs by clicking here.

Pilates Month? Who came up with that? Well, actually, I did. And here’s why. . .

Alpine is sizzlin’ with Pilates this April. First, we are anxiously awaiting our second Cadillac reformer from Balanced Body. This one’s for our north clinic. A top-line reformer, the unit also comes complete with an overhead trapezius combo that rocks and a twin mat conversion that yields a custom treatment table. See it pictured below.

Second, our clinic managers Sam and Angela are just now returning from the 2nd annual Balanced Body Pilates and Rehab Summit in Phoenix, Arizona. We can’t wait to glean all that Sam and Angela have to share from their experience. Notably, this convention has enabled Sam to now formally instruct our physical therapists (and others too) in becoming certified Pilates instructors.

Third, our entire team of 8 (and soon 9) PTs will complete two days of formal training from Balanced Body on April 24th and 25th, leading each of us to level 1 certification. In preparation for this monumental event, each of us is in the midst of taking 10 sessions of Pilates leading up to our certification class.

Everyone is talking about the leading role that Alpine continues to take in the world of rehabilitation, including our passion and energy in certifying our entire staff of PTs.

For more information on our approach to Pilates, visit our website by clicking here. And be sure to view our video podcast on Pilates below.

Alpine Physical Therapy is a pipeline for the newest and most effective physical therapy treatment approaches. Although Montana only requires 20 contact hours every two years of continuing education to maintain physical therapy licensure, our PTs far surpass that requirement every year.

The shear volume of advanced course work undertaken by our team of eight physical therapists ensures that we stay on the front edge of all that’s new in our field.

Last week, I attended a course on Spinal Manipulation in Portland, Oregon. Course instructor Dr. James Dunning, DPT, MSc Manip Ther, MSPT, OCS, MTC, MAACP, MCSP, MMACP, presented the latest research evidence, along with powerfully effective clinical techniques on the use of spinal manipulation for a host of spine conditions.

The course was attended by 25 physical therapists, most of whom live and work in the northwest. Participants commented over and again that the techniques and information learned were incredibly helpful and will make a major impact in our clinical effectiveness.

Attending this course has heightened my ability to help people with pain, particularly those with headaches, as well as neck and low back pain.

For more information about the course, the institute, and the presenter, visit www.spinalmanipulation.org.

And be sure to visit our website for a list of all the courses our therapists have attended by clicking here.