Author: Leda

I am a physical therapist and currently practice in an out patient orthopedics setting in Atlanta, Georgia. I am also an adjunct professor at Emory University School of Medicine and teach within the Division of Physical Therapy. I received my Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Ohio University in 2019 and am also a board certified orthopaedic clinical specialist (OCS), completing Emory University’s Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program in 2020. I have a particular interest in working with those with persistent pain and am certified as a Therapeutic Pain Specialist (from Evidence in Motion). Thanks for Reading! -Leda

Joint Stiffness After Knee Replacement Surgery: Is A Manipulation Under Anesthesia Indicated?

KNEE “STIFFNESS” AFTER TKA: One of the common issues that I see a lot in my physical therapy work with patients is addressing pain and stiffness after knee replacement surgery. Patients are sometimes surprised at how much time it takes to regain adequate range of motion on their post-operative knee and this is one of…

Running During COVID-19: How To Stay Healthy and Injury Free!

Due to the fact that many gyms are closed with the social distancing restrictions from COVID-19, it is anticipated (and I’ve noticed this myself!) that more people are turning to ways to be active that require minimal equipment. An obvious activity that fits this description is: RUNNING! While it is great that more people are…

Best Shoulder and Scapula Exercises

As physical therapists prescribing exercises for rehabilitation, we are often tasked with selecting the best 1-3 or 3-5 exercises that are going to serve our patients the best. In the name of keeping this list efficient, it is nice when we can select an exercise that serves multiple purposes or strengthens multiple muscles or muscle…

In Times of Uncertainty (COVID-19), I Ask Myself 2 Questions…

Uncertainty. That is the best word that I can find to encompass the amalgam of feelings that I have experienced over the last two weeks. As our world, country, state, city, and community has been turned upside down and we are feeling the great impact of this pandemic of COVID-19, I have found myself at…

Part 2: Study Tips for DPT Students: 5 Ways to make “GAINS” Now!

The Science of Learning Applied to Physical Therapy: Part 2 I recently held a continuing education course along with my father and educational psychologist, Dr. Mark McDaniel, on learning science as applied to physical therapy (PT) clinical education. I really enjoyed the chance to interact with clinical instructors and discuss some of the basic principles…

The Science of Learning Applied to Physical Therapy: Part 1: Dispelling Myths About Effective Learning

Most physical therapists would agree about the importance of delivering “Evidence-Based” treatments for patients in physical therapy settings. However, many fewer are aware of the need (or desirability) of leveraging “Evidence-Based” learning strategies to improve their own skill development or that of students or young clinicians they are mentoring. Whether your goal is retention of…

DRY NEEDLING vs. ACUPUNCTURE: What’s the Difference?!

Dry needling has become a popular treatment technique in many physical therapy clinics and practices in the United States. Though not legal in all states, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) supports the use of dry needling as a type of “manual therapy” and a part of a physical therapist’s scope of practice (see: Guide to…

20 Hip Exercises for 2020

There may be many reasons to want to train overall strength of muscles around the hip joint. Whether working with athletes who want to improve lower extremity power and hip extension or rotational power or with patients in physical therapy looking to reduce pain and improve function, improving hip strength can really provide some serious…

Guest Posts for THE LEVEL UP INITIATIVE: 1- Planting Seeds of Hope & 2- Building Positive Clinic Cultures

AND Over the past couple of years I have had the great fortune to connect with an inspiring…

Physical Therapy Residency: Tips for Applying and Interviews

Please see my first post for general information on physical therapy residency programs: “What are Physical Therapy Residencies All About” In this post, I would like to continue the discussion of physical therapy (PT) residency programs and add some more specific tips for the application and interview process. I will share some advice from my…

What are Physical Therapy Residencies All About: Lessons Learned from Ohio University Alumni Experiences in Residency

The intent of this blog post is to share the experiences of four Ohio University Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program graduates who have pursued physical therapy residencies (Orthopedic, Neurologic, Sports, Women’s Health). We wish to provide resources and a discussion of each of our experiences for those contemplating physical therapy residency programs. If you…

You are NOT Your X-Ray

In our Western culture and media, we are very focused on image and outward appearance. Even in the wellness industry that claims to promote health, there is a stereotyped image and the implicit message that obtaining this look is what it means to be “healthy” (i.e., low body fat, blemish-free skin, muscle definition etc.). However,…