Banner Physical Therapy - Thunderbird Medical Center

Happy Father’s Day! Today we celebrate all the amazing dads who inspire us with their strength, resilience and dedication. Enjoy your special day, and thank you for all you do.

It's Men's Health Week and Cancer Survivorship Month. One in eight men will experience prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer and its treatment can cause various pelvic floor issues, including leakage, pain and change in sexual function. But there is help.

In our latest video, CoreVia Pelvic Health Physical Therapist Lauren Mercurio discusses what her patients say they wish they knew before undergoing a prostatectomy.

Our CoreVia Pelvic Health therapists complete specialized training to work with men on various pelvic health issues. Don't suffer in silence. Reach out to a center near you.

Who could use a vacation?

Our extensive network of physical therapy centers ensures you receive quality care no matter where your summer travels take you. In many cases, you don't need a prescription. Rest assured, you'll receive the same exceptional care from any of our brands. Just check out our "find a location" page to locate a center near you - or wherever you are headed!

Firefighter Chris Vliet lost part of his finger in an accident. In honor of Hand Therapy Week, watch how our dedicated hand therapists helped Chris overcome his injury, regain strength and return to firefighting.

Our hand therapists specialize in creating custom splints to fit each patient's unique needs. These splints can be used to:

- Immobilize and stabilize joints
- Support a joint while it heals
- Limit motion of a joint
- Protect other healing structures (ligaments/tendons)

Custom splints can help reduce pain and restore function so patients can get back to their lives faster. Follow along as Certified Hand Therapist Courtney Barrick creates a custom splint for her patient in this super speedy video!

As we kick off Hand Therapy Week, let’s celebrate our certified hand therapists and upper extremity rehabilitation specialists and their profound impact on our patients’ lives. From injury recovery to managing chronic conditions, our team’s unwavering dedication to restoring function and getting patients back to their lives is truly inspiring.

There's a lot of pressure to lose weight after you've had a baby. Remember, every body is unique, and there's no rush. But if you've been working at it for a while and are not seeing progress, there could be a common post-pregnancy condition to blame.

During the third trimester, up to two-thirds of women have developed an abdominal separation, called a diastasis recti. Risk factors include:
- Being older than 33
- Having multiple pregnancies
- Having a large baby
- Gaining significant weight
- Having a C-section

This can affect your core strength, appearance and come with other unwanted side effects. Our CoreVia Pelvic Health experts are here to guide you with personalized exercises and techniques to strengthen and heal your pelvic floor safely.

It's time to celebrate National Women's Health Week. Today, we're focusing on a small but effective tip to help new moms.

Your just accomplished an incredible feat, and you want to be kind to your healing body. But while your baby may still be tiny, getting your little one in and out of the car in that heavy car seat can be hard on your pelvic floor. CoreVia Pelvic Health Physical Therapist Lindie Spargo shows you a mom hack to help. Tag someone who could use this tip!

May is Pelvic Pain Awareness Month. Pelvic pain can have many causes and a wide range of symptoms. Some people can go years without getting a proper diagnosis or help.

Our CoreVia pelvic health therapists evaluate the musculoskeletal drivers of pain and have specialized education and training in pain neuroscience. We often collaborate with other health care providers for a comprehensive approach to pelvic pain.

Join us in raising awareness so no one has to suffer in silence. If you or someone you know is struggling with pelvic pain, reach out to us today.

Occupational therapists use finger-wrapping techniques to reduce swelling and promote better circulation for individuals with lymphedema.

Watch as our therapists compete in a finger-wrapping race as a fun way to celebrate Occupational Therapy Month. And while this race is for fun, our therapists will not speed through your treatment. We go out of our way to treat each patient with attention and care to enhance comfort and mobility.

Happy Earth Day! You can grow a greener world with our five occupational therapist-approved tools for getting out in the garden pain-free.

1. Raised garden beds: Raised beds at waist-height or slightly elevated can minimize bending and make it easier to reach plants without strain.
2. Garden carts, wagons or wheelbarrows: Use carts or wheelbarrows with oversized wheels for transporting soil, plants and tools around the garden with less effort.
3. Ergonomic garden tools: Tools with ergonomic handles and extended reach options can reduce strain on hands and wrists. Look for lightweight yet sturdy options.
4. Watering wand: A watering wand with an adjustable nozzle and a long handle can make watering plants easier, especially for reaching hanging baskets or tall plants.
5. Garden kneeler: A padded garden kneeler with handles can provide support and cushioning for kneeling while planting or weeding.

Are you struggling with Kegels? You're not alone. Our latest video dives deep into this common pelvic floor exercise, with insights from Pelvic Health Physical Therapist Rachel Borland.

Discover how ultrasound can ensure you're nailing those Kegels with precision. Visit our website to find a pelvic health location near you.

With the Masters underway, take some tips on how to warm up from the professionals! Physical Therapist and TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor Scott Gates is showing us how to stretch before our next round.

Occupational therapy is often confused with physical therapy, and while they both focus on rehabilitation, there are some distinct differences. Can you tell them apart? Watch this video and put your knowledge to the test, and let us know in the comments how you did!

A strong pelvic floor has many benefits, including improved bladder control, enhanced core stability and reduced risk of prolapse or other pelvic floor disorders.

Take a look at these five exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor.

Our CoreVia Pelvic Health therapists can help with a personalized care plan to improve your pelvic health so you can get back to the activities you love.

Happy National Walking Day!

Getting those extra steps can make a big difference in your health. But if you notice pain in your feet, shins, knees, back, shoulders or even neck- you should try a gait analysis. Our therapists can evaluate how you stand, walk and run to identify reasons for potential injuries and make recommendations to help you get back to living pain-free.