Rock and Armor Announces Robust New Facility to Open in Meridian

Rock and Armor Physical Therapy and Sports Performance recently announced plans to move into a new facility, near their original location in Meridian.  The new, state of the art facility will encompass just shy of 20,000 square feet with an additional 5,000 square feet of outdoor space.  “We were long overdue and bursting at the seams in our current location,” noted founder and owner Tim Williams. “We have two locations, Boise/Garden City and our original location, and we plan on keeping both clinics with the new facility in Meridian serving as a “mothership” of sorts.

Rock and Armor was established in the fall of 2014 as a place to bring sports performance training, sports/orthopedic physical therapy, nutrition, massage, and wellness to the Treasure Valley.  They expanded to a second Boise/Garden City location last year that houses two distinguished physical therapists, Jerrod Ackerman and Lynsey Wagner.  The company currently consist of 8 Performance Coaches, 10 Physical Therapists, 1 Massage Therapist, 2 Mobility Coaches, 1 Nutrionist, 4 Office Administration, and 3 Clinical Aides.  “The day we opened, we never imagined a team this big,” notes Williams.  “We are truly blessed and amazed at this awesome community we live in and team we have.”

The new location will be a state-of-the-art facility, built by Steve Hill and Hill Construction Company.  Details include a large reception area, private physical therapy and massage treatment rooms, 11,000 square feet of turf including a 70-yard runway, parent viewing area, and a large team-member lounge.  “Where you put your time, energy, and money is what you value, and we value our clients and team members.  This will be one of the nicer physical therapy and sports performance centers in the pacific northwest and there will be no place that has a better employee lounge,” states Williams.  “Our team members have worked in less-than-ideal conditions for many years and it is time we reward them with a space that reflects their talents, dedication, and expertise.

The new Rock and Armor Facility is set to open in October of this year. “There are a lot of loose ends to tie up, but Steve and his team are working away at it,” notes Williams.  “We are truly amazed at all of the help and people that have come together to make this possible.”  Rock and Armor will host a ‘Grand Opening’ ceremony shortly after opening.  You can follow their social media accounts for future updates.

www.rockandarmor.com

Rock and Armor Bolsters team with two Sports Physical Therapy Residents

           

Rock and Armor Physical Therapy and Sports Performance is set to bolster their staff with the additions of Chad Blair and Nate Lundberg as Sports Physical Therapy Residents.  Blair and Lundberg recently received their Doctorate degrees (DPT) from Idaho State University and Eastern Washington University respectively.  Rock and Armor partners with Evidence In Motion (EIM) out of Denver, Colorado, to host one of the most robust sports residency experiences in the US.  EIM specializes in post-doctoral educated for health care professionals.  Logan Deroin, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, FDN L1 recently completed the Rock and Armor/EIM sports residency program and continues his care as a PT and Clinic Manager at Rock and Armor.  Deroin has high praise for the program, “Evidence in Motion is leader in the industry with world renown physical therapists mentoring and teaching the residents.  To be able to have that type of didactic knowledge, coupled with Rock and Armor’s sports clientele and local mentorship was an unmatched learning experience.”

            The decision to pursue higher education at Rock and Armor was an easy choice as noted by Chad Blair, “EIM has long been known as a front runner for growing the profession of physical therapy. It was an easy choice for me to join the team at Rock and Armor and begin working on the residency right away. I have seen other therapists in the clinic and how they treat based on the same EIM residency. The results that they see within their patient population was enough for me to decide that this program was what I was looking for.”  Lundberg also noted critical advantages the Rock and Armor/EIM residency program offers compared to traditional programs, “The EIM residency offered what a lot of other residencies couldn’t: more perspective. Dozens of the best therapists from around the country contribute to the EIM team for sports residency vs. just the clinicians at one clinic offering a residency. 

            The Rock and Armor/EIM residency program is an intensive 12-18 months in duration.  It entails direct 1-on-1 mentorship with Rock and Armor’s practicing Sports Certified Specialists Tim Williams and Logan Deroin, 200+ training room/sports coverage hours, in-services, quizzes/tests, daily readings, and 30+ hours of patient care per week.  Nate Lundberg is up for the challenge, “I’m looking forward to learning from our great therapists and serving our community helping athletes of all ages achieve their goals and return to sport better and stronger than ever.”  While the program is rigorous, Blair is excited to not only learn from others, but also give back to a community he grew up in, “I am looking forward to this next year as I know I will have the opportunity to grow and better serve the athletic population that I will be treating. Earning my doctorate was wonderful and allowed me to grow as a young therapist but I know this residency through EIM will really allow me to excel while working at Rock and Armor. Being able to treat a wide range of athletic injuries with the most current evidence-based research will allow me to change lives for the better and create a happier and healthier population along the way.”

     As Rock and Armor continues to grow in the Treasure Valley, They are excited to foster an environment of learning and education.  Owner Tim Williams expects more big things to come in the future, “We never dreamed of having 2 sports residents at the same time.  Logan Deroin was a great PT resident and I have no doubts Chad and Nate will do the same. Evidence in Motion is a fantastic partner that has allowed us to grow as a business while serving the local community in Idaho.  We are blessed and lucky to be doing what we do.” 

For more information on Rock and Armor, please visit www.rockandarmor.com

Dry Needling Rock and Armor Physical Therapy

Functional Dry Needling is a powerful treatment method utilized at Rock and Armor to help our clients heal faster and achieve their goals. Dry Needling involves the insertion of a sterile, monofilament needle into a muscle in order to decrease bands of fibrotic tissue, release trigger points, and stimulate the body’s natural healing process (influx of blood flow). It is not traditional Chinese acupuncture which runs on meridians of the body, but rather an anatomically scientific method of treating exact muscles. It is often complimented with electrical stimulation to aid the healing process and further decrease muscle tone.

Our patients are finding incredible success and relief from this treatment session. All of our physical Therapist’s are trained and certified (by Kinetacore/Evidence in Motion out of Denver, CO) in Functional Dry Needling and able to safely and effectively perform this skilled treatment.

Call 208-917-2660 (Meridian) 208-375-5511 (Boise/Garden City) to schedule your Dry Needling session!

www.rockandarmor.com

Lynsey Wagner, PT, DPT, OCS Joins Rock and Armor Boise Location

We are excited to welcome Lynsey Wagner, PT, DPT, OCS to the Rock and Armor Team! Lynsey is a skilled physical therapist and will be treating patients in our Boise location (104 W 53rd St, Garden City). Lynsey practices advanced physical therapy and specializes in Women’s Health and Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Lynsey will be seeing patients starting Monday 3/1/2021. To schedule with Lynsey call 208-375-5511

Lynsey Wagner PT, DPT, OCS joins the Rock and Armor Team 3/1/2021

https://www.rockandarmor.com/garden-city-physical-therapy.html

Rock and Armor Boise Clinic-2nd location!

We are beyond excited to open our second Rock and Armor location to serve the Treasure Valley! Rock and Armor Boise will be located in Boise/Garden City at the Dragila Vault Club on W 53rd and Chinden (by the Fairgrounds). Experienced local Physical Therapist, Jerrod Ackerman, joins our team as the clinic Physical Therapy Manager. We will slowly integrate sports performance training as the demand increases.

Jerrod will begin accepting Physical Therapy patients now with a start date of June 15th.

Please call 208-917-2660 to schedule a Physical Therapy evaluation at this location. You will receive the same level of care and love as our Meridian clinic!

Thank you Treasure Valley for allowing us to serve you

https://www.rockandarmor.com/garden-city.html

 

 

Tennis Elbow

Kailey Rote, SPT

What is it?

Tennis elbow, also referred to as lateral epicondylalgia, is tendonitis at the extensor tendon of the elbow. Tendonitis occurs when there is irritation or inflammation of a tendon, or where a muscle attaches to bone. This is common in individuals performing a repetitive motion, which repeatedly places the same stress on the irritated tendon. An individual with tennis elbow experiences pain in the soft tissue region at the lateral portion of the elbow or upper part of the forearm.

Someone with tennis elbow might report pain following activity that involves repetitive wrist extension, pain radiating down the forearm, and difficulty or weakness gripping objects. Upon physical examination, multiple findings are present: point-tenderness at the lateral elbow, weak and painful wrist extension, weak grip strength, pain or decreased range of motion into elbow extension, wrist flexion, and a position with the palm facing down and fingers shifted away from the body.

Who does it affect?

Tennis elbow most commonly affects males and females between the ages of 30 and 50 years. Those performing computer work, heavy lifting, repetitive vibration, and repeated wrist extension (ie. manual labor, housework, tennis, musicians, manual wheelchair users, etc.) tend to experience these symptoms. It is often carpenters, painters, electricians, and landscapers that present with this condition as they are repeatedly using the extensor muscles on their dominant side to complete their job.

Risk factors, predisposing one to experience tennis elbow, include: 30-50 years old, manual labor, smoking, carpal tunnel syndrome, DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, oral corticosteroid therapy, repetitive activities for more than one hour per day.

How is it treated?

Physical therapy treatment is appropriate and often beneficial for those with tennis elbow. Initially, a counter-force brace, to reduce the load on the extensor group, can be placed just past the elbow during painful activities. Deep massage to this region, as well as ultrasound can decrease pain and stimulate an increase in blood flow. Stretching and strengthening (isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions) of the muscles of the forearm promote healing as well. A good place to start is to extend the arm on the affected side (palm down), and with the unaffected hand, pull the hand gently towards your body. Dry needling, performed by certified physical therapists, involves insertion of a fine, sterile needle into the tissue and muscle to promote healing and reduce pain. This technique, along with the previously mentioned treatment approaches, can lead to decreased pain and increased function allowing earlier return to work tasks, sports, and other chosen activities.

If you would like to be treated at Rock and Armor for Tennis Elbow, call 208-917-2660 or visit www.rockandarmor.com

Reference List

1. Wolf , JM. Tennis Elbow: Clinical management. New York, NY: Springer Science + Business Media; 2015.
2. Etminan Z, Razeghi M, Nezhad FG. The effect of dry needling of trigger points in forearm’s extensor muscles on the grip force, pain and function of athletes with chronic tennis elbow. 2019;6:27-33.

Concussion Rehab at Rock and Armor

 

Rock and Armor’s Concussion rehab program is designed to help you get back to doing what you love.  We are certified through Evidence in Motion’s (EIM) Concussion Certification Program to diagnose symptoms, treat your concussion, and evaluate your ability to return to work/sport.  We work closely with your physician, athletic trainer, employer, and school to achieve the best possible outcomes.

How do we diagnose concussions?

We utilize in-depth screens examining neurological, vestibular, and ocular systems which are commonly affected by concussions.

 We also utilize specific tests to help determine the appropriate course of treatment and to re-evaluate the patients readiness to return to sport or work.

How do we treat concussions?

We treat concussions by determining which systems have been affected and treating these systems via specific exercises and manual therapy.

 We screen the vestibular system and challenging and improving the patients balance.

 Screening the ocular system and correcting visual dysfunction with specific exercises is a vital part of the return to play process.

 We also treat cervical dysfunction and pain via joint mobilization, manipulation, and cervical control exercises.

 We provide an in depth education on rest, return to sport/work progressions and symptom management to both the athlete and the parent.

 We utilize sub-threshold training to safely return the patient back to their respective athletic/work environment.

 Overview

Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Treating them requires a team approach and is multi-factorial and complex.  Recovery can range from one week, up to many months This brochure is intended to be an informative broad overview, and is not completely comprehensive.  Your concussion certified Physical Therapist at Rock and Armor is happy to discuss all of your questions in detail while working through the process.  Thank your for allowing us to help you with this process.

To schedule an appointment at Rock and Armor for Concussion Rehab, please call 208-917-2660.

www.rockandarmor.com

 

 

Rock and Armor Summer Sports Performance Training-Meridian, ID!

Athletes, are you ready to get bigger, faster, stronger, and more explosive this summer. Get the edge on your competition with one of our summer classes. We have something for everyone, ages 3 to adult! Don’t see the classes that works for you, try a one-on-one personal training sessions with one of our incredible trainers. Our prices are the best in the Treasure Valley and all of our trainers are former collegiate athletes.

visit https://payment.rockandarmor.com/class-schedule/ to sign up today!

Rock and Armor Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, LLC offers a unique approach to athletic enhancement, fitness, and healing for active individuals of all ages.

We are sports enthusiasts who believe fitness and healing should be fun, and occur in open spaces free from confinement. Our 8,000 SF facility allows athletes and active individuals to rehabilitate injuries in a setting that feels more like a gym, field, or court, and less like a doctor’s office.

We believe individuals seeking to perform at the highest possible level should have 1-on-1 guidance with state of the art trainers and therapists who were previously high-level athletes, allowing them to directly relate to the emotions and challenges presented.

We believe in creating an environment where the waiting room feels like a coffee shop or sports bar, the music is upbeat and uplifting, and the staff are former athletes enthusiastic to work with you.

Sports Hernia vs Inguinal Hernia

Sports Hernia vs Inguinal Hernia

Sports Hernia¹

There are two main types of hernias either a sports hernia or an inguinal hernia. Sports hernias are a soft tissue injury to the groin area commonly affecting the abdominals and inner thigh muscles (hip adductors). Sports hernias are caused by fast rapid exercises that involve changing direction rapidly and aggressively. They commonly occur in vigorous sports such as ice hockey, soccer, wrestling and football. Symptoms of a sports hernia include: pain in the groin at the time of injury, the pain gets better at rest and worse with activity especially twisting movements. A sports hernia does not cause a visual bulge in the groin like an inguinal hernia does but over time a sports hernia may lead to an inguinal hernia and abdominal organs may press against the weakened soft tissues and form a visible bulge. Without treatment this injury can result in chronic, disabling pain that prevents you to return to sports.  An MRI may be used to determine if you have a sports hernia and/or bone scans too determine other possible causes of pain. Treatment options include either surgical or non-surgical and rehabilitation takes 4-6 weeks and 6-12 weeks respectively.

Inguinal Hernia²

Inguinal Hernias are weakness in the muscles and tissues of the groin. There are two main areas for inguinal hernias either the inguinal canal or the femoral canal. With an inguinal hernia the abdominal organs can protrude through the weakened area in the lower abdomen/groin. If there is a visual bulge you should seek medical attention immediately to determine if the blood flow is being restricted to your organs. Factors associated with groin hernias include: smoking, long-term coughing, obesity and straining during urination or bowel movements. Groin hernias are more common in men and 25% develop a hernia over their lifetime.

There are both surgical and non-surgical options for an inguinal hernia. Non-surgical approach consists of strengthening the abdominal musculature and trying to maintain the organs inside of the abdomen. Sometimes a hernia truss undergarment is worn to help the organs remain inside of the abdomen. Inguinal hernias rehabilitation takes about 6-12 weeks for both surgical and non-surgical options.

If you think you may have a sports hernia or an inguinal hernia, we can help!  Call Rock and Armor at 208-917-2660

www.rockandarmor.com

Reference List

1. Wilkerson, R. Sports hernia (athletic pubalgia) https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sports-hernia-athletic-pubalgia/. Updated June 2017. Accessed February 2019.

2.Hewitt DB. Groin Hernia. JAMA. 2017;317(24):2560.

 

 

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder Instability

                  At Rock and Armor we treat a wide variety of shoulder conditions.  Today we will discuss shoulder instability a common injury that we treat both conservatively and also post-surgically. Shoulder instability can be caused by many reasons but two common mechanisms are by trauma to the shoulder or by having a genetic pre-disposition to dislocation such as a shallow shoulder socket, loose shoulder ligaments, and/or weak shoulder musculature.

Shoulder instability can be unidirectional, bidirectional or multi-directional. There are two main ways we look at how to treat instability clinically at Rock and Armor including: Traumatic, Unidirectional instability with, Bankart lesion requiring, surgical repair (TUBS) and Atraumatic onset of, Multi-directional instability that is, Bilateral, Rehabilitation is treatment or surgical, Inferior capsule repair and rotator, Interval repair. (AMBRI).

Shoulder rehabilitation for instability includes: proprioceptive glenohumeral stabilization exercises, scapular and humeral stabilizers (subscapularis and infraspinatus). There will be a progression from isometric and closed chain exercises initially too closed chain multi-direction functional movements later on. Typical rehabilitation for shoulder instability takes approximately 6 months to fully recover.

If you’ve had a dislocation, subluxation, or other shoulder instability, we can help you with the rehab process to get back in the game.  Call 208-917-2660 to schedule an appointment with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy today.

www.rockandarmor.com

Reference List

1. Severino D. Shoulder Conditions 2a handouts. Lecture presented at: PHTH618. Spring Quarter 2018. Spokane, WA.