Jason Racca, PT

Throw back to a couple weeks ago when I presented at the about how we can keep our dancers healthier and more resilient to injury!

Over the years of working with various levels of dancers, and through different genres, one of the most common injured areas we see are foot and ankle injuries.

That is probably no surprise to many of you as dance can be one of the most physically demanding activities, and at the same time is very artistic! That means you work hard and make it look easy and graceful!

But what is always interesting is that, no matter the injury (sprain, strain, fracture, tendonitis, chronic, etc.), each injury is unique to the person.

One dancer may have an ankle sprain that happened during ballet, while another dancer had a sprain during contemporary, while another dancer was performing more in a musical theatre role and had to jump down from a table which caused the sprain. Other dancers may be nursing chronic injuries and pain (what I have seen a lot of over the years!).

While there will be some commonality in their injuries, there are different mechanisms to their injuries.

Depending on the scenario, ballet involves different strength, control, and foot positions than contemporary or musical theatre.

Contemporary typically typically involves the dancer barefoot and involves different movements.

Musical theatre can be any number of scenarios!

So the genre of the dance needs to be considered. Also, the dancer needs to be looked at more globally. Why did the injury happen? Was there something elsewhere in the body that made them more likely to be injured?

A recent study in the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science compared dance-related foot and ankle injuries through a few different genres of dance. What they found should not surprise you.(Want to know more? 👇🏼)

It is important to work with someone that understands that each dancer is an individual, and that the genre of dance may change the specifics of the treatment needed to help return the dancer to their best!

If you are a dancer looking for a practitioner that specializes in dance, a good resource is .

If you want to know more about what that study found, and read more in depth about this post, comment with 💃 to receive the link!

Vocal artists can be injured as well. What might that look like?

Strain to your voice. Soreness in the throat area, hoarseness in the voice, pain, lack of good projection, and more!

The question is still the same, “why?”

Why did this happen? What caused the vocal cords to take on extra strain? Was it over training? Is it a TMJ (jaw) issue? Was it another injury distant to the throat that is affecting the efficiency of your airway?

Other areas to consider: was there a neck injury (whiplash, surgery, etc).

Was there an injury to the rib cage? This could prevent the efficiency of airway and neuromuscular control to produce sound.

Was there a low back or pelvic injury? Yes, this is distant to the vocal cords, but sound production can be effected from an issue all the way down here!

Those are just a few scenarios! Are you curious about anything mentioned here? What if you are not a vocal performer, could this still apply to you? Absolutely!

Keep watching for more on airway treatments! Comment 🎤 below if you learned something!

What does treating a performer/dancer holistically look like?

Your injury is the initial concern. We need to help you get out of pain and start the recovery process as soon as possible.

As your body starts to do what it was designed to do, our goal is to start getting to the root of the issue. We ask, “Why?”

“Why did this injury happen? Was there something that made this type of injury more likely to happen? Is there a history of other episodes of a similar injury?”

When we have a good starting point, we are able to treat the root of your issue more specifically.

Sometimes, getting to the root of the injury means we have to treat through other old injuries. Other times, it means we need to look at other systems of your body to see if there is something that made you more prone to an injury like this. Possibly something nutritionally, something in your routines, etc.

The goal is to always help you be better than what you were, and the best that you can be!

Since 2009, I have worked with professional performing artists on traveling Broadway shows. I would often hear about how a lot of the care they were receiving was sub-par. You deserve better!

Performing/Dancing is a full body sport. An injury is not a localized event. The whole body and its multiple systems need to be considered in order to get to the root of the issue and get you back to, or keep you doing the things you are passionate about!

I am a physical therapist that has done advanced training and am board certified in an integrative approach to manual therapy and a board certified orthopedic specialist.

Performing Artists put their bodies through more than most other athletes do. It is important that they care for their bodies in order to extend the amount of time that they would like to enjoy their particular art, even if that is life long!

Injuries happen, and it is critical to recover as well as possible, in order to continue to perform at the highest level.

COMMON INJURIES TREATED

Acute Injuries

* Ligament sprains (ankle, knee, back, etc)
* Muscles and Tendon Strains
* Neck Pain
* Hip pain
* Shoulder Pain (shoulder impingement, rotator cuff)
* Meniscus injuries/tears

Airway Management

* Vocal conditions
* Decreased Projection of Voice

Chronic Injuries

* Repetitive Strain Injuries
* Hip Impingement (labral tears)
* Chronic Low Back Pain
* Chronic Neck Pain
* Pelvic Pain

Other Areas Treated
* Headaches
* Posture Related Dysfunctions
* Nerve injuries

I am a member of and International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS)

with
・・・
We are excited to be able to offer Neurologic Dry Needling to our patients!

What is Dry Needling?

The use of very thin (same needles as with accupuncture) to help:

Reduce tissue tension
Improve (micro) ciruculation
Normalize physiologic processes

What is Neurologic Dry Needling?

Neurologic Dry Needling (NDN) is the evolution from needling points (myofascial trigger points) to needling the system.

NDN is utilized to treat all types of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. These conditions are not limited to orthopedics but are applicable to any condition where inflammation (neurogenic), reduced blood flow and muscle guarding is present.

The NDN treatment system is based on peripheral and central neurologic principles, which is not limited by the traditional trigger point paradigm.

It allows us to deliver treatment locally (where the pain is), segmentally (where the root of the pain may be), and most importantly systemically (an effect on the whole body).

What conditions can be helped by Dry Needling:

Conditions include, but are not limited to: neck, back and shoulder pain, arm pain (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow), headache to include migraines and tension- type headaches, jaw pain, buttock pain and leg pain (sciatica, hamstrings strains, calf tightness/spasms).

What is the difference between Dry Needling and Accupuncture?

Integrative dry needling is not acupuncture (traditional Chinese medicine), it is based on neuro-anatomy and modern scientific study of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. (We love and support our accupuncturists and what they do!)

Not all medical or physical therapy professionals are trained to perform the Neurologic Dry Needling treatment technique. At R3 Physio, we have chosen to pursue advanced training and have been trained through the Institute.

Want to know more? Reach out with any questions you have on Dry Needling at R3. Physio! DM, call or text 817-221-8248, or email [email protected].

with
・・・
This was a fun interview I recently got to be a part of. has been tremendously helpful as I have grown this business.

If you want to hear more about why this practice is set up the way it is, have a listen.

Also, if you are in healthcare and need a “push” to your business, he has been a great coach.

Find it on whichever app you listen to podcasts.
You can also find the link to it on our website, under “Important Resources.” Scroll to the bottom and find the link the Cash Based Practice Podcast.

For those looking for a good program to help overcome those chronic issues that didn’t respond well to conventional approaches, better your health, and overall feel at your best.

This is an on-line program with live coaching available! Providers like Katie are waitlisted all across the metroplex, state, and country!

This program gives you access to Katie’s knowledge, expertise, and is a convenient option!

We have personally heard success stories from her clients! Now she is offering a discount! Worth checking out!

We have something very special that can help you feel your best:

For the first time since its release, you can get a discount to our online program, "From Survive to Thrive." You will be guided to reclaim your energy, give your habits a makeover, and create abundant wellness for the best year yet!

After finishing, Colleen said she had "improved digestion (a lot!), more energy, fewer cravings, feeling satisfied after a meal, and almost no bloating."

Make sure to follow our page, so you don't miss your special BlackFriday/CyberMonday deal.

https://katie-garrott-wise-wellness.mykajabi.com/survivetothrive

Did you know that the outer lining of the brain and spinal cord can become restricted and lead to many issues, including: headaches, shoulder pain, digestive issues, limitations in your body’s ability to rid itself of waste through the lymphatic system, and other health conditions (physical, mental, neurological).
Would you like to learn more about these important treatments and if they are right for you? Reach out!

Adding depth to what can be offered to patients!

with
・・・
Change my mind!
***
When a woman goes through pregnancy, there are SO MANY changes that happen. No one would argue that! When the baby grows, there are structures (your organs) that have to move to allow space. This is an amazing design! These structures were made to have this ability to move!
***
However, this can lead to dysfunction. You see, our organs are surrounded by fascia. This fascia stays hydrated and lubricated with consistent movement. If these structures are compressed by a baby, they will not move as much, and they will gain restrictions.
***
When you deliver, or miscarry😢, or if the pregnancy is surgically altered in some way, these structures do not necessarily return to their previous mobility. This can lead to musculoskeletal issues during pregnancy and post pregnancy, such as lower back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, p***c bone pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, hip pain, hip bursitis, knee pain, mid back pain, chest pain, headaches, neck pain and more!
***
Throw in a c-section, and this further complicates things!
***
GOOD NEWS!!!!!

This can be helped! Find a Practitioner that is trained in Visceral Manipulation! Your body will thank you!
***
At R3 Physio, we treat this ALL OF THE TIME!

We firmly believe that helping you to heal , and be as well as possible has to start with understanding where you have been, and what your body has been through.
*
How could we possibly understand the depth of what has led to your current ache, pain, or ailment if all we did was isolate it and pretend that there is not a whole body and person that is attached?

I’ve been more active on my company’s page. Go find me there, .

There are a few questions I get asked often. This is one.

“What else can I do to help my _________? Is there something I can take that is more natural?”

Usually my answer involves anti-inflammatory foods/supplements, gut healing foods/supplements, etc.

I am giving you FREE access to an brochure about how the food you put into your body can affect your pain and healing! Until now, this brochure has been reserved for my clients!
*

https://www.subscribepage.com/r3physio_nutrition

with
・・・
with
・・・
Pain is a good motivator to get help. That is easy when you are hurting. But what about when you don’t hurt? ⠀
*****⠀
Discomfort could be that you are not being able to do the things that you want to do or need to do throughout your day. ⠀
*****⠀
Don’t look at your pain and discomfort as weakness or that you are “broken.” It gives you an advantage. Your body is communicating with you! It is doing what it is supposed to do. It makes you aware of the problem so you can get the help you need.⠀
*****⠀
On the other hand, sometimes we put up with things in our lives and bodies that we do not have to, but we don’t know that they are there! So we just go on with the same routine, never seeking to change.⠀
⠀

with
・・・
THE POTENTIAL OF VISCERAL MANIPULATION

🫀Acute Disorders

Whiplash
Seatbelt Injuries
Chest or Abdominal Sports Injuries
Concussion
Traumatic Brain Injuries

🚺🚹Women's and Men's Health Issues

Chronic Pelvic Pain
Endometriosis
Fibroids and Cysts
Dysmenorrhea
Bladder Incontinence
Prostate Dysfunction
Referred Testicular Pain
Effects of Menopause

😩Pain Related To

Post-operative Scar Tissue
Post-infection Scar Tissue
Autonomic Mechanisms

🥗Digestive Disorders

Bloating and Constipation
Nausea and Acid Reflux
GERD
Swallowing Dysfunctions

💪🏻Musculoskeletal Disorders

Somatic-Visceral Interactions
Chronic Spinal Dysfunction
Headaches and Migraines
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Peripheral Joint Pain
Sciatica
Neck Pain

🚼Pediatric Issues

Constipation and Gastritis
Persistent Vomiting
Vesicoureteral Reflux
Infant Colic

🥺Emotional Issues

Anxiety and Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

with
・・・
Previously promised update #2:
***
The R3 Physio family has grown! Meet Aila (ay-la) Rose! Her name means “from a strong place,” and she has lived up to it from minute 1!
***
She was born Friday late into the night. Elizabeth labored for 15 hours and then had a placenta abruption (rupture/tear) and was rushed to an emergency c-section.
***
Both mom and baby are ok. Mom is recovering. We are beyond grateful for the awareness and skill that her team showed!
***

Stay tuned for the second update in a few days. For now, here is this one!

Repost with
・・・
It’s been silent on here for a while. We will be getting back to updates and posts soon. A lot has been happening around here.
***
This is the first update: we now have a physical space to treat from! This should allow us to see and help more of you! If you have been waiting for us to have a space because you didn’t want us to see your house “in the state it is in”, or if you lived further away than what we could get to, you now have another option!
***
Stay tuned for update #2 in the next few days!
***
Our website will be updated soon with the address.

I see this all the time. I was treating a young man earlier this week. His main complaint was pain in his back and chest with workouts. No apparent injury and a history of low back pain that has resolved recently. What do you do?

The goal is still to get down to the root cause of how he ended up here. Once we dug into his history a little more, we learned that 4-5 years ago he was rear ended and had whiplash and bruising across his chest from the seatbelt.

Now we’re getting down to something. He had tightness in the ribs as they attached to the sternum. Tightness in his neck and upper back. But we still aren’t to the root of it.

For him it was deeper. There are ligaments that come off of the lining of the heart. Two of these ligaments attachto the backside of the sternum, two of the ligaments go up into the neck, and one attaches at the top side of the diaphragm. These ligaments were tight on him, likely as a result of the trauma from the car accident.

While this might seem odd to you, it makes a lot of sense. There are certain structures in our bodies that are more important than others. For example, the organs are more important than the muscles and tissue. Your body often will compensate and create patterns of holding to protect these more vital structures. In his case, the thought is that the rib cage, neck, and back were tight partly do to the tightness he had deeper. If we don’t treat the deeper tightness, likely he would still be able to feel better, but not as well as he could. The goal is to be the best we can be, not just pain free!

Scenarios like this are so common, but rarely looked at in this way. What aches or pains do you have that you think have “deeper roots?”

(Photo credit: Photo by Felix Mittermeier from Pexels)

with
・・・
What do you think of this statement?
***
A man named Tom Myers, who is the author of a book called Anatomy Trains, was recently interviewed. He had this to say:
***
“...if you change the body, you can change the person...That’s not an idea that we’ve really gone with in the West. We mostly thought, “Oh, well, if you change your mind, you could change your body.” We think of it in terms of stress; you have to reduce the stress in your mind, and then you can reduce the stress in your body. However, we all know now that if you reduce the stress in your body, you will reduce the stress in your mind as well.”
***
Our physical bodies are very much connected through out to our spiritual and emotional parts of our being. More exciting is THERE IS EVIDENCE in the design and development of our bodies of this interconnectedness. Check this out:
***
“The nervous system, the circulatory system, and the fascial system are never separate in a human being. They develop together and they work together. So when the fascial system changes, everything else changes.”
***
If this post resonates with you, Dm is or reach out through our website (link in bio.) We posted the article under the “resources “ page.

One of the things I enjoy about what I do is the thinking! Every person is different. 10 people can walk in with low back pain, and it be caused from at least 5-6 different reasons.
***
If we look at every issue from the same “lens,” we will see it as all the same. Everyone will get the exact same treatment and the exact same exercises. That approach works well if you are wanting to see as many patients in a day as you can, then that makes sense. If you are wanting to get to the root of the issue for that specific person in front of you, you need to look at them and their situation individually.
***
Are you curious what that might look like for you? Did you know we offer free phone/video consultations? Contact us. Link in bio!

Check this out! We cover a lot of ground! A bit about what it is I do. Thoughts on: visceral mobilizations, vagus nerve, infertility, and more! Stay tuned at the end where Jenna and Kimberly discuss their take aways!

Check out some of their other episodes as well! I’ve been able to listen to a couple. Great topics!

Absolutely! If you are not inspired by the care you get, then there is likely more out there for you!
***
Often, I hear how patients are treated conventionally and it grieves me to know that so much more could have been done to help these people!
***
Would you be interested in a short workshop/presentation on some of the more common issues I see that go untreated, BUT make a BIG difference? Comment below and let me know what issues you want to know about!

When your clients understand your interests and passions! She pulled out this book because she “thought of me.” Little did she know this book has been on my list for years, and I had forgotten about it.
***
The author of this book is one of the first people I heard speak of nutrition differently. She helped get me thinking about how important the things we put in our bodies are for health and healing!