October Is National Physical Therapy Month
Celebrating the Power of Movement
Each October, National Physical Therapy Month recognizes the role physical therapy plays in helping people move better, feel better, and live more fully. At Rebound Physical Therapy, we're proud to help patients across Olathe and Topeka recover from injuries, manage pain, and get back to the activities they love.
Physical therapists are movement experts. Whether you're recovering from surgery, dealing with a nagging ache, or working to stay active and independent as you age, a personalized plan can help you rebuild strength, restore mobility, and move with more confidence.
This month, we invite you to take a step toward moving better. Join us for one of our free October workshops (details below), or schedule an evaluation and let our team help you get started.
Unfreeze Your Shoulder; Reclaim Your Active Life
How Physical Therapy Can Help You Manage Frozen Shoulder
We recently worked with a patient who came to us after struggling with shoulder pain for several months. While she hoped it would go away on its own, it only got worse over time. When she visited us, she was also struggling to lift her shoulder overhead or reach behind her back.
This patient had developed adhesive capsulitis, more commonly known as frozen shoulder. It gets that name from the fact that the condition causes the shoulder to "freeze up" after a period of intense pain.
A frozen shoulder will eventually "unfreeze," but that process can take anywhere from 1-3 years. Fortunately, the team at Rebound Physical Therapy can help you manage your symptoms and facilitate a more efficient recovery.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The condition develops when the capsule of connective tissue that wraps around your shoulder thickens and tightens, restricting the joint. However, researchers aren't entirely clear why this happens. Certain factors can increase your risk:
- Being a woman between the age of 40 and 60 years old
- Having certain diseases, including diabetes, thyroid conditions, or cardiovascular disease
- Immobilizing your shoulder after an injury or surgery
Understanding the Three Phases of Frozen Shoulder
One reason frozen shoulder recovery can take so long is that the condition progresses through three distinct phases, each with its own set of symptoms and concerns. Here's what you need to know about each one:
Freezing Phase
This initial stage is marked by increasing pain and stiffness in the shoulder. During this phase, we focus on maintaining your shoulder's range of motion to help reduce stiffness and improve comfort.
- A gradual onset of pain that worsens with movement
- Increased stiffness in the shoulder
- Pain is often worse at night, disrupting sleep
Frozen Phase
The frozen stage involves less pain but greater stiffness, significantly restricting your shoulder's movement. We'll focus on improving your shoulder's mobility using stretching or manual therapy techniques.
- Decreased pain compared to the freezing stage
- Significant stiffness and difficulty moving the shoulder
- Everyday movements like reaching overhead or behind the back become challenging
Thawing Phase
In the final stage, your pain decreases, and your shoulder's range of motion gradually returns. However, it's important to continue physical therapy to ensure you make a full recovery.
- Gradual improvement in mobility as scar tissue around the shoulder capsule begins to loosen and break down
- Pain continues to decrease
Physical Therapy and Frozen Shoulder: What You Need to Know
Physical therapy plays an essential role in helping you manage frozen shoulder symptoms at all three stages. Our team will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment program, pulling from a range of different techniques based on your current symptoms:
Acute Pain Management
We'll help you manage shoulder pain (especially in the freezing phase) with techniques such as dry needling, Kinesio taping, hot and cold therapy, and more.
Manual Therapy
Various hands-on techniques can gently mobilize the shoulder joint, improve joint capsule movement, and reduce pain.
Mobility Exercises
Targeted exercises and techniques help improve your shoulder's range of motion in all directions, gradually restoring your ability to reach, lift, and rotate your arm.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint enhances stability and supports improved function.
Management Strategies
Understanding frozen shoulder is an integral part of managing it. We'll help you navigate the difficulties of the condition, including identifying which stage you're in and providing you with home exercises to help alleviate your symptoms.
Ready to Break Free From the Icy Grip of Frozen Shoulder?
If you suspect you have frozen shoulder, schedule an appointment at Rebound Physical Therapy. Physical therapy is essential for managing the condition in all three phases, and the earlier you can begin treatment, the better your outcomes will be. Our team is here to help you manage pain, restore mobility, and understand your shoulder's movement patterns.
Don't let frozen shoulder hold you back. Call us today to schedule your initial evaluation!
The Complexity of the Shoulder Joint
Did you know the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body? This unique ball-and-socket joint allows for an impressive range of motion so you can reach overhead, throw a baseball, or go for a swim.
Unfortunately, this incredible mobility comes at a cost: instability and a high likelihood of injury. But if you understand the complexity of your shoulder joint, you'll be well on your way to protecting it from damage.
How the Shoulder Joint Works
The shoulder joins three bones together in two different joints. The head of your upper arm bone fits in the shallow socket of your shoulder blade, forming the main joint of your shoulder. Your collarbone then connects the shoulder blade to your rib cage, forming the second joint.
However, several soft tissues also play a role in shoulder function, helping to provide additional support and stability. Tap each one below to learn more:
Rotator Cuff
A group of muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and controlling movement.
Labrum
A ring of cartilage that protects the shoulder socket.
Ligaments
Bands of connective tissue that connect bones and provide support.
Additional Muscles
In addition to your rotator cuff, numerous chest and upper back muscles contribute to shoulder movement and stability.
Understanding Shoulder Injuries
With all these moving parts, it's no surprise that the shoulder is so vulnerable to injury! There are two main types of shoulder injuries you need to be aware of:
Acute Injuries
These injuries happen suddenly, often due to a fall or direct blow to the shoulder. Examples include fractures, dislocations, or labral tears.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries develop due to repetitive overhead motions that strain the tissues in the shoulder, particularly the rotator cuff. They're particularly common in sports like swimming, baseball, or weightlifting.
That said, not all shoulder injuries develop due to injuries. Degenerative changes in the shoulder joint, including age-related wear and tear or underlying conditions like arthritis, can cause the protective cartilage to break down, leading to pain and restricted mobility.
Dealing with Shoulder Pain? We Can Help
Regardless of the reason for your shoulder discomfort, the team at Rebound Physical Therapy can help you find lasting relief. Our physical therapists have the knowledge and expertise to treat a range of shoulder injuries, help you rehabilitate after shoulder surgery, or teach you how to effectively manage degenerative conditions.
Schedule an appointment with us today to get started!
A Real Story of Getting Back in Action
“I'm significantly stronger than I was when I began therapy. Everyone has been so kind and supportive, which makes a big difference in my own attitude. Thank you very much!” — Judith
“My mobility in my shoulder and arm has significantly improved and so has the pain. The exercises prescribed have been very beneficial and my ability to do everything I normally do has been increased. The staff have been very pleasant and professional. I would highly recommend Rebound to my friends & family. Thank you for helping me feel better.” — Anna
Move with Confidence: Everyday Tips for Balance, Safety, & Injury Prevention
Presented by Burt DeWeese, PT & Brooke Balestrieri, DPT
- Do you experience pain while doing household chores like sweeping, vacuuming, or carrying heavy items?
- Do you know the safest way to lift, bend, push, and pull?
- Do you have frequent loss of balance or occasional falls when walking on uneven ground?
- Is dizziness and fear of falling affecting your daily duties?
Join us for a FREE workshop to learn:
- How posture affects your pain when doing daily tasks.
- Proper posture and simple lifting techniques to avoid injury.
- Common causes of dizziness and loss of balance.
- How to avoid injuries with a successful fall prevention program.
Tuesday, October 20th, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.
Rebound Physical Therapy
911B S. Parker Street
Olathe, KS 66061
(913) 210-9846
Seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served.
Raise Your Hand If You Have Shoulder Pain!
Presented by Joe Augustine, DPT
- Does your shoulder pain make it difficult to sleep?
- Do simple tasks like getting dressed, reaching above your head, or fastening your seatbelt hurt?
- Have you stopped exercising or doing activities you enjoy because of shoulder pain?
- Do you wonder what is causing your shoulder pain and what you can do about it?
Join us for a FREE workshop to learn:
- How to exercise safely without making your shoulder pain worse.
- How poor posture can contribute to shoulder pain and limited movement.
- Treatment options for lasting relief without relying on medications, injections, or surgery.
Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.
Rebound Physical Therapy
5220 SW 17th Street
Topeka, KS 66604
(785) 271-5533
Seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served.
Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry
This colorful chicken stir-fry comes together fast with lean protein, crisp vegetables, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. It's a satisfying weeknight dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes and reheats beautifully for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, divided
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil, divided
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onion, for garnish
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa, for serving
Directions
- In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce and the cornstarch; set aside for 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Add the garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk together the remaining 2 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil. Return the chicken to the pan and pour the sauce over everything.
- Toss to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion, and serve over brown rice or quinoa.
PAW-SIBILITIES with "Dogtor" Oliver
The Howl-o-Ween Costume Crisis 🐾
Hi hoomans,
Dogtor Oliver would like to report on a very serious Halloween emergency: he was almost forced to wear a hot dog costume.
While he supports snacks wholeheartedly, Oliver decided a hot dog was simply not dignified enough for a Dogtor. After much consideration, he chose something far more sophisticated: Frenchie Vampire Oliver!
His tips for finding the paw-fect costume:
- 🐾 Comfort is always a priority.
- 🐾 Keep it simple and easy to wear.
- 🐾 Add a little flair — a cape or hat goes a long way!
- 🐾 Make sure there's plenty of room for treats.
Crisis avoided. Dignity preserved. Oliver is ready to haunt the clinic in style!
Stay spooky, stay pawsitive, and remember: always choose comfort with a little flair.
– Dogtor Oliver 🐾