For your first physical therapy appointment at Colorado Physio Clinic, please bring the following items to ensure a smooth and productive visit: Photo ID: A valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Insurance Card: If your treatment will be billed to insurance, bring your insurance information. Referral or Prescription: If required by your insurance or physician, bring any referrals or prescriptions for therapy. Medical Records and Imaging: Include X-rays, MRIs, or other relevant medical documents related to your condition. List of Medications: Bring a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking. Payment Method: If a co-pay or co-insurance is required, bring a credit/debit card. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork. If you have questions about what to bring, feel free to contact the clinic before your appointment.

During your initial evaluation at Colorado Physio Clinic, you can expect a comprehensive and personalized experience designed to assess your condition and create an effective treatment plan. Here's what typically happens: Discussion of Medical History and Symptoms: Your physical therapist will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, pain levels, daily activities, and treatment goals to understand your unique situation. Physical Assessment: The therapist will evaluate your strength, flexibility, balance, posture, range of motion, and functional mobility. This may involve guided movement tasks to identify areas of pain or dysfunction. Treatment Plan Development: Based on the evaluation, your therapist will design a tailored plan to address your needs and recovery goals. They may also start treatment during this session, which could include exercises, hands-on techniques, or modalities like heat or electrical stimulation. Duration: The appointment typically lasts about an hour. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork. Feel free to ask questions during the session—open communication helps ensure the best outcomes for your therapy journey.

When attending your initial and follow-up physical therapy visits, it's important to wear clothing that allows for comfort, flexibility, and easy access to the treatment area. Here are some guidelines: Clothing: Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as T-shirts, tank tops, and athletic shorts or pants with elastic waistbands. This type of clothing facilitates movement and allows your therapist to assess and treat the affected area easily. Footwear: Wear sneakers, flat shoes, or athletic shoes that provide support and stability. Avoid open-toe shoes, heels, boots, and sandals. Layers: Dressing in layers is recommended, as you may get warm during exercises. A lightweight jacket or sweatshirt can be easily removed if needed. Hair and Hygiene: Secure long hair with a hair tie to prevent obstruction during therapy. Wear clean socks for hygiene and comfort. Specific Needs: If you have an upper body injury, wear a loose-fitting top and sports bra if applicable. For lower body and low back injuries, wear shorts or pants that can be rolled up to expose the treatment area. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a comfortable and effective physical therapy session. If you have specific questions about what to wear, feel free to ask your therapist before your visit.

In Colorado, you generally do not need a doctor's referral for physical therapy. Colorado is a direct access state, which means most patients can go directly to a physical therapist without a doctor's referral. However, there are a few important exceptions to be aware of: Insurance requirements: Some insurance policies may require a doctor's referral for coverage. It's best to check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements. Medicare, Tricare Prime, Worker's Compensation, and Motor Vehicle Accident insurance: Patients with these types of coverage must have a referral from their doctor prior to the first visit. Health First Colorado (Medicaid): While you can go directly to a therapist, they must contact your primary care doctor to get approval for your treatment plan. If you're unsure about your specific situation, it's recommended to contact your insurance provider directly. They can help determine if a referral is necessary for your particular case.

Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can significantly impact your balance and hearing. While there's no cure, understanding the condition and its management can help you cope better with its effects. What is Ménière's Disease? Ménière's disease is characterized by episodes that involve a combination of the following symptoms: Vertigo (a spinning sensation) Fluctuating hearing loss Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) A feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear These episodes can last from 20 minutes to 12 hours and may occur suddenly. Common Symptoms During a Ménière's attack, you might experience: Severe dizziness or vertigo Nausea and vomiting Balance problems Hearing difficulties, especially with low frequencies Tinnitus or ear ringing A sense of fullness in the ear Diagnosis Diagnosing Ménière's disease involves: Evaluating your symptoms and medical history Hearing tests Balance assessments Possibly other tests to rule out other conditions Treatment Options While there's no cure for Ménière's disease, several treatments can help manage symptoms: Physical Therapy: Vestibular rehabilitation can help improve balance and reduce dizziness Lifestyle Changes: Reducing salt intake Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco Managing stress Improving sleep quality Managing Allergies Diuretics/waterpills to reduce fluid retention Living with Ménière's Disease Managing Ménière's disease often involves a combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments. Working closely with our skilled physical therapists specializing in vestibular disorders, can help you develop an effective management plan. Remember, while Ménière's disease can be challenging, many people successfully manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life with proper care and treatment. Find help managing your symptoms, feel free to contact Colorado Physio Clinic today and schedule an appointment with our specialized physical therapist!

Orthopedic care focuses on treating conditions affecting your musculoskeletal (MSK) system - the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that allow you to move and function in daily life. At Colorado Physio Clinic, we specialize in providing comprehensive orthopedic care to help you recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve your overall mobility and quality of life. Our experienced orthopedic physical therapists work with patients dealing with a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to pre- and post- joint replacement and other orthopedic surgery recovery, musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, osteoporosis, tendinitis/tendinopathy, sports injury, spine rehabilitation, musculoskeletal injuries such as fractures, sprain and strain. We treat a wide range of population ranging from 12 years old to 90+ years of age. What to Expect During your PT Orthopedic Care A Comprehensive examination and assessment of your symptoms Personalized treatment plan Physical Therapy Treatments commonly provided for Orthopedic Care Hands-on treatments Joint mobilization Targeted exercises Strengthening and Functional therapeutic exercise approach Education on self-management Functional Dry Needling Gait and Balance Training Neuromuscular and Co-ordination training Other Modalities as needed - such as electrical stimulation When to Seek Orthopedic Physical Therapy Consider visiting our clinic if you're experiencing: Persistent joint or muscle pain Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain or stiffness Recovery from orthopedic surgery Sports-related injuries Chronic conditions like arthritis or back pain Remember, early intervention (within 1-4 weeks of injury/onset of symptoms) can lead to faster recovery and better outcomes! We are here to help you regain your strength, mobility, and confidence in your daily activities. Feel free to call us and let us help you to improve your quality of life!

Vestibular migraines are a unique type of migraine that primarily affects your balance system. If you experience dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems along with other migraine symptoms, you may be dealing with vestibular migraines. Vestibular migraines are episodes that cause dizziness and other balance-related symptoms, which may or may not be accompanied by a headache. These episodes can be quite disruptive to your daily life, but understanding and managing them is possible. Common Symptoms Vestibular migraine symptoms can include: Vertigo (a spinning sensation) Dizziness or feeling off-balance Sensitivity to motion Nausea or vomiting Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells Headache (though not always present) These symptoms can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 72 hours. Our Evaluation and Management of Vestibular Migraine Diagnosing vestibular migraines can be challenging as the symptoms often overlap with other conditions. Our evaluation focuses on: Understanding of detailed medical history Balance assessment Assessment of patient specific symptoms Performing specific testing to understand vestibular function We focus on individualized approach to management of vestibular migraine Vestibular Rehabilitation Education on self-management including dietary management Manual therapy to alleviate neck and upper back muscles, as it can be linked to migraine symptoms We provide on-going support and follow-up as needed! Remember, while vestibular migraines can be challenging, they are manageable with proper care and treatment. If you're experiencing symptoms of vestibular migraines, reach out to Colorado Physio Clinic and schedule an evaluation appointment with our specialized physical therapist. We're here to help you understand your condition and develop an effective management plan!

Vestibular hypofunction is a condition that affects your vestibular system or inner ear's balance system, leading to various symptoms that can impact your daily life. This information will help you better understand the condition and how physical therapy can help. What is Vestibular Hypofunction? Vestibular hypofunction occurs when the balance part of your inner ear isn't working properly. This can happen in one ear (unilateral hypofunction) or both ears (bilateral hypofunction). Your vestibular system plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Common Symptoms If you have vestibular hypofunction, you may experience: Dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation) Balance problems, especially when moving your head Difficulty walking, particularly in dark or crowded places Blurred vision, especially with quick head movements Nausea and sometimes vomiting Feeling off-balance, lightheaded, or "foggy" Trouble concentrating and fatigue Causes of Vestibular Hypofunction Several factors can lead to vestibular hypofunction, including: Viral or bacterial infections (like vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis) Certain medications, including some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs Age-related changes in the inner ear Head injuries or concussions Meniere's disease In some cases, the cause remains unknown (idiopathic) Diagnosis Diagnosing vestibular hypofunction involves a thorough evaluation by a physical therapist who is specialized in vestibular rehabilitation. How Physical Therapy Can Help Physical therapy is a key component in treating vestibular hypofunction. A specialized form of therapy called vestibular rehabilitation can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life. Our vestibular specialist physical therapist will: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and balance Design a personalized treatment plan Guide you through exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness Help you compensate for the vestibular deficit Provide strategies to manage symptoms in daily life What to Expect in Recovery Recovery from vestibular hypofunction varies from person to person. With consistent vestibular rehabilitation: Many people see improvements within a few weeks For unilateral hypofunction, therapy aims to promote central compensation Bilateral hypofunction may require longer, more intensive vestibular therapy If you are experiencing dizziness/disequilibrium/lightheadedness, feel free to reach out to Colorado Physio Clinic regarding your dizziness symptoms. We are here to support you throughout your recovery journey!

What is BPPV? Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo, a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. It occurs due to a problem in the inner ear (Vestibular System) when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals. These crystals, normally found in a part of your inner ear called the utricle which are responsible for sensing gravity, can sometimes end up in the semicircular canals which are responsible for sensing head rotation. These misplaced crystals send incorrect signals to the brain, leading to vertigo/spinning sensation and balance issues. Symptoms of BPPV BPPV symptoms are usually triggered by changes in head position, such as tipping your head back, lying down, or turning over in bed. Common symptoms include: Sudden episodes of dizziness or vertigo A spinning sensation lasting less than a minute Loss of balance or unsteadiness Nausea or vomiting Abnormal eye movements during an episode. Headache Double Vision Extremity Weakness / Fatigue Inability to stay focused Sweating/Fainting While BPPV is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact your quality of life and increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. Causes of BPPV BPPV can result from: Age-related degeneration of the inner ear Head injuries or trauma Prolong head positioning Inner ear infections or disorders Certain Medical Conditions Vitamin D Deficiency How is BPPV Treated? The most effective treatment for BPPV is physical therapy using canalith repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver. These simple head and body movements help guide the dislodged crystals back to their proper location in the inner ear (utricle), where they no longer cause symptoms. The treatment maneuver depends on the involved canal. A trained physical therapist can perform these maneuvers during an office visit and teach you how to do them at home if needed. We do not recommend performing these maneuvers without consulting your healthcare provider! Key points about treatment: The Epley maneuver has a success rate of 80–90% after one or two sessions. Additional treatments may be necessary for recurring symptoms, if needed Why Seek Physical Therapy for BPPV? Physical therapy offers a non-invasive solution to treat BPPV effectively. Our clinic specializes in vestibular rehabilitation techniques that reduce dizziness, improve balance, and restore your ability to perform daily activities confidently. If you experience sudden episodes of vertigo or dizziness, contact Colorado Physio Clinic today to schedule an evaluation with our skilled physical therapists. We are here to help you regain stability and improve your quality of life!

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head—or even a hit to the body—causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This sudden movement can lead to temporary changes in how your brain functions, affecting your balance, memory, mood, and more. How Does a Concussion Occur? The brain is soft and floats in a protective cushion of fluid inside your skull. When you experience a forceful impact, such as from a fall, car accident, sports injury, or whiplash, the brain can shake or twist. This movement may stretch or damage brain cells and cause chemical changes that temporarily disrupt how your brain works. Common Symptoms of a Concussion Concussions can cause a variety of symptoms that may appear immediately or develop over hours or days after the injury. These include: Headache or pressure in the head Dizziness or balance problems Nausea or vomiting Sensitivity to light or noise Blurred vision or ringing in the ears Confusion or feeling "foggy" Difficulty concentrating or remembering things Fatigue or sleep disturbances Mood changes like irritability, anxiety, or depression In some cases, you may lose consciousness briefly, but this is not always necessary for a concussion diagnosis. Is a Concussion Serious? While most concussions are not life-threatening and people typically recover within weeks, they should never be ignored. Untreated concussions can lead to prolonged symptoms or complications such as post-concussion syndrome. It can lead to serious long term consequences if it is not managed by qualified healthcare professionals. Repeated concussions can increase the risk of long-term issues like chronic headaches and cognitive difficulties. Unlike visible injuries like broken bones, the effects of a concussion are often hidden but can be far more impactful. These injuries typically result from falls, severe shaking, car accidents, or direct blows to the head. While popular media often downplays concussions as minor setbacks, the reality is quite different! A concussion can significantly affect a person's daily life for weeks or even months or longer. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Remember, a concussion is not something to brush off. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and management are essential for protecting your brain health and ensuring the best possible outcome. Immediate Post-Concussion Care: Rest is crucial in the first few days Avoid stimulating activities (TV, reading, intense music, conversation) Allow the brain time to recover, similar to resting an injured knee Initial Treatment: Consult a doctor for assessment and treatment Follow post-concussion protocols Rest is the primary method to manage symptoms (vomiting, confusion, weakness, headaches) Further Care: If symptoms persist after several days, physical therapy is recommended Early concussion therapy can prevent long-term issues and promote faster recovery Remember, each concussion is unique, and recovery times vary. Most adults recover within 2-4 weeks, while children and teens may take up to a month. Non-sports-related concussions can take up to 3 months to resolve. Untreated concussion may impact the growth of young children and bring on early dementia symptoms in the older population. Call Colorado Physio Clinic today if you or your loved one have suffered from concussion symptoms!

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. While there is no cure, physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for people with Parkinson's. LSVT BIG Program LSVT BIG is a specialized therapy program designed specifically for people with Parkinson's disease. Key features include: Focus on large, exaggerated movements to combat the small, slow motions typical in PD Intensive 4-week program with sessions 4 times per week Personalized exercises tailored to your specific needs and goals Emphasis on "recalibrating" how you perceive your movements Benefits of LSVT BIG: Improved walking speed and balance Decreased fall risk Easier completion of daily tasks Potential reduction in tremors Traditional Physical Therapy Approaches In addition to LSVT BIG, we utilize various traditional physical therapy techniques to address PD symptoms: Gait and balance training Strength and flexibility exercises Aerobic conditioning Task-specific practice for daily activities Strategies to manage freezing of gait These approaches can help: Improve overall mobility and motor function Enhance balance and reduce fall risk Maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility Increase endurance for daily activities Physical Therapists at Colorado Physio Clinic are LSVT BIG certified clinicians. We often integrate both LSVT BIG and traditional PT approaches to provide comprehensive care. This combination allows us to: Address a wide range of symptoms and functional limitations Tailor treatment to your specific needs and stage of PD Provide ongoing support and adjustments to your therapy plan After Parkinson’s Rehabilitation protocol completion, we provide on-going support and follow-up as needed! Remember, early intervention with physical therapy can lead to better outcomes in managing Parkinson's symptoms. The team of Colorado Physio Clinic is here to support you throughout your journey, helping you maintain independence and improve your quality of life. Feel free to call Colorado Physio Clinic regarding your PT needs and let us help you to improve your quality of life!