Social Isolation leading to depression in children

A recent article published in the Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry researched over 60 pre-existing, peer-reviewed studies into topics spanning isolation, loneliness and mental health for young people aged 4 - 21. It found that children and adolescents are likely to experience high rates of depression and anxiety long after current lock-down and social isolation ends and clinical (psychological) services need to be prepared for a future spike in demand.

At Pritchette Physical Therapy and Sports Performance we understand the importance of a healthy body and healthy mind. Exercise is one of the best “natural” ways of reducing anxiety and depression. While the isolation is difficult on adults, it can be even more impactful on our children. Providing a safe and productive environment for our children is one of things we strive to provide to our community.

We offer youth personal training and sports performance programs in a safe, sanitary environment. Our staff carry personal masks, practice social distancing and are trained in proper sanitizing procedures. Contact our office at 480-785-5415 to learn more

Now offering Extended Hours, In-Home and Telehealth Visits

Great news! Pritchette Physical Therapy is now offering 3 additional services to better meet your physical therapy needs while we continue to adapt to the changes posed by COVID-19. We will continue to provide in-office visits strictly following established CDC Guidelines, but have the following options available to those who are less comfortable coming in to the clinic.

• Do you prefer in-clinic visits but feel uncomfortable around others? We are now offering 1 on 1 care on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, between 8am-12pm. Appointments will be scheduled in 1 hour blocks, and we are limiting appointments to a maximum of 2 people per hour!

• For our clients that feel more comfortable staying in their homes, Dr. Sarah Thompson and PTA Carly Nenn are offering to bring skilled physical therapy to you! Every appropriate measure will be taken prior to entering your home to ensure your safety and keep you on top of your rehabilitation. This service is offered on a case by case basis at no additional charge to you! Available to you Tuesday and Thursday mornings, between 8am-12pm.

• Just have questions for our doctors or want to discuss your plan of care/home exercise program? We are offering TeleHealth Physical Therapy visits through the Zoom platform. These appointments will be offered in 40 minutes blocks and are a great option for those who may be in self-quarantine or want to limit hands-on engagement at this time. All you need is a computer, tablet or cell phone in order to take advantage of this option.

Interested in learning more about our new service offerings? Have another suggestion? Contact us at 480-785-5415 or fill out the form below and one of our staff will reach out to you.

The Importance of Staying Healthy during a Pandemic

Things in life can change very quickly and without preparation. As little as a month ago, we never would have thought that restaurants, gyms, and places that are today considered “non-essential” would be closed for business. We would not have given a second thought to going about our daily lives- going places with friends or family, shaking others’ hands, giving a hug to someone who might need it, or even simply, going to work. It’s a different world today.

We are currently living amongst change that is life-altering and frightening. These changes create confusion, stress, and fear. These are unhealthy emotions that can take a toll on our bodies physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and leave us susceptible to illness. What can we do about it?

As a medical provider, it is our duty to try to help our community through education and service. We remain open and available to our community to provide a safe means for you to keep your body healthy, answer any questions or address any concerns that you might have, and provide each other with emotional support and encouragement. This in turn can help keep a healthier mind. We are all in this together!

Here at Pritchette Physical Therapy, we live by the motto ‘motion is the best lotion!’. One of the foundations of physical therapy is to optimize the body’s own ability to heal itself through prescribed exercise and through movement. Not only does this keep the body strong and healthy, but it also has the added benefit of releasing endorphins that can help reduce stress and improve mood.

There are many exercises that can easily be done from home with guidance. If you are seeking appropriate exercise prescription, or are experiencing pain or discomfort and cannot exercise at home, we take great care in creating and maintaining a sanitized environment in our office for you to safely exercise under our supervision.

Do you have questions for one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy about what you can do at home? Fill out this form and we will reach out to you to discuss different options and programs to help keep you healthy!

Welcome Back Dr. Sarah Thompson

We are very happy to have Dr. Thompson rejoin our team as we begin preparation to open our 2nd location. She has always been an important part of our family and know our patients will love having her treat them once again. She is currently seeing patients at our Warner location. Here is a brief interview we did with her.

How do you like to practice as a Physical Therapist?

I like to practice with the patient's chief concerns at the forefront of their care. Often times I think it is easy as a clinician to fall into a habit of treating similar cases in similar manners, but certainly we understand that if each person is different, each case and plan of care should be different as well. I also like to have fun while I treat. This makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved and helps address the emotional implications associated with injury. Laughter is the best medicine!

What makes Pritchette Physical Therapy different?

Pritchette Physical Therapy is family to me. I have known Keith since 2011, and in this time, I have learned a tremendous amount not only from him, but from my coworkers, and from my patients as well. The clinic always has a positive energy to it and is filled with laughter. Most importantly, Keith is very committed to and cares deeply for his patients and his staff. He is someone that I respect deeply and look forward to working with for many years to come.

What excites you about the new location?

The new clinic is going to provide the Ahwatukee Foothills community with the high-level physical therapy services that Pritchette Physical Therapy is known for in a location that is much closer to home. It is located an area that is very accessible to neighboring communities as well, thanks in large part to the expansion of the 202 freeway. As the area continues to grow and develop, we look forward to the opportunity to be the physical therapy provider of choice and become family to the community we serve.

Governor Ducey Prohibits Closure of Essential Services

On March 23, 2020 Governor Ducey signed an Executive Order prohibiting the closure of “Essential Services”.   Read order here.

As a healthcare provider, we fall under this mandate and will remain open and continue to serve our patients.  We are following all of CDC’s recommended guidelines in order to provide a safe and sanitized environment for the treatment of our patients.  We will continue to modify our service offerings to keep our patients and employees safe during this time.

Please contact our office at 480-785-5415 if you have any questions.

Dance Classes starting March 24

Our Valentine’s Day Dance was a great success with many attendees wanting future events. We are happy to announce that Tara Nicole, Dance Instructor, will be offering Dance Classes on Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30 PM.

Cost: $50 per person

Register for the class by filling out the form below or call 480-785-5415. Class size is very limited.