Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest at Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center

Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center hosted its very own Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. Spirits were high in anticipation of who would win this year's title of ugliest sweater 2015!!

Many of our patients voted for which they thought was the ugliest of them all and now, the results are in.

Our two runner ups were:

  1. Shelley Francisco
  2. Minh Huynh
And our first place winner of ugliest Christmas sweater of 2015 was Terry McCrory!

Congratulations to you three and better luck next year to the rest of you! Also, a huge Thank You to all of our patients who voted and made this contest a blast!!

Happy Holidays to you all from Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center!
 
 
 
Call Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center today to make an appointment with one of our expert physical therapists!
714-997-5518
1111 W. Town and Country Rd. Ste. 1
Orange, Ca 92868


Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center Hosts a Toy Drive



 

This year Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center is proud to be a designated   toy drop off for U.S Marine Reserve’s

 

 Toys For Tots 2015


Last day to drop off toys is
DECEMBER 24, 2015
Call 714-997-5518 for more information or directions.
1111 W. Town & Country Rd. Ste. 1
Orange, CA 92868
www. walkerpt.com
Fx: 949-313-1749

 

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Grace Walker, avid Physical Therapist at Walker Physical Therapy challenges skiers!


Grace Walker Physical Therapy Skiing in Utah
Grace Walker currently serves as a physical therapist and director of the Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center. Beyond her activities as a physical therapist, Grace Walker enjoys spending time with her family and engaging in outdoor activities such as swimming and skiing. Skiing differs from many other physical activities in that a person must travel far out of their comfort zone in order to enjoy a day on the slopes. A snowy mountainside, even one owned and maintained by a world-class ski resort, can pose a great danger to skiers who are not familiar with the area and who do not pay close attention to trail markers. The most important signs on a mountain describe the difficulty of an upcoming trail in relation to other trails on the mountain. Any trail marked with a green circle can be considered a beginner’s slope. Two green circles represent the easiest trail on a mountain, with a single circle suggesting a slightly more difficult path. The next stage of trails is marked by a blue square. Skiers must remember that in this case, a single square makes for an easier trail than a double square. In either event, these trails should pose an acceptable challenge to intermediate skiers. Finally, the most challenging trails on a mountain are indicated by one or two black diamonds. These trails should only be attempted by experienced skiers. Double black diamonds are regarded as expert trails. For an appointment with an expert Physical Therapist call Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center in Orange, Ca. 92868 714-997-5518.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Dr Grace Walker Graduated Valdictorain of her class in 2005

Grace Walker, the founder and principal of Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center, has been practicing in Orange County, California, for more than 30 years. As a licensed occupational and physical therapist, she works with clients to address a wide range of health issues, ranging from spinal pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, sports injuries, and vestibular problems. For her accomplishments, she was nominated for the Orange County Business Journal’s 2006 Profiles in Excellence: Women in Business Award. Outside of her clinical duties as a physical therapist, Grace Walker remains closely involved with a number of community organizations, most recently lending her support to the Soles4Souls shoe drive and Stop Hunger Now food campaign. She is also an active member of the Santa Ana Valley Kennel Club and the Golden Retriever Club of America. Grace Walker completed her undergraduate studies in rehabilitation medicine at the University of British Columbia. She also pursued additional postgraduate training in physical and occupational therapy at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, where she received a doctor of physical therapy and a doctor of occupational therapy and graduated valedictorian in 2005. For an appointment with an expert Physical Therapist call Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center in Orange, Ca. 92868 714-997-5518. s

Dr. Grace Walker, Physical and Occupational therapist and Nutritionist and hanglider Dedicates Career

Certified physical and occupational therapist and nutritionist Dr. Grace Walker has dedicated her career to educating healthcare practitioners and serving patients throughout California and Canada. For the last three decades, Dr. Grace Walker has worked as a primary faculty member at several universities and associations, teaching courses such as “Muscle Energy Approach to Treatment of the Sacroiliac Joint” and “Introduction to Evaluation and Treatment of the Cervical Spine.” Since 1985, Dr. Walker has also mentored numerous students and assistants, helping them grow in their careers to improve patient outcomes. Throughout her career as a physical therapist, she has researched and authored several articles for professional publications and holds a U.S. patent for a spinal and soft-tissue mobilizer. She founded Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center in Orange, California, in 1982. At the clinic, she provides outpatient care for sports injuries and pain of the spine, hands, knees, and jaw. She previously served as a physiotherapist at St. Paul’s General Hospital in Vancouver, Canada, where she garnered experience in orthopedics and general medicine. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and gardening. In the last decade, she has owned and trained two therapy dogs, Devonshire Cream and Timberee Princess. For an appointment with an expert Physical therapist call Walker Physical therapy and Pain Center in Orange, Ca. 714-997-5518

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Grace Walker physical therapist, advocate of regular standing and moving which decreases incidence of death




sedentary



As the director of Orange County California-based Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center, occupational and physical therapist Dr. Grace Walker offers wellness advice to her patients and through her practice’s blog. Physical therapist Dr. Grace Walker believes strongly in the power of movement and cautions against a sedentary lifestyle. According to ABC News, a number of Americans currently spend as much as 15.5 hours daily in a sitting position.

Studies have shown that excessive sitting links to a variety of illnesses, including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

In fact, Dr. Hidde van der Ploeg and the University of Sydney in Australia have found that 11 or more hours of daily sitting can lead to a 40 percent increase in one’s risk of death.

Researchers have found these risks exist even if the frequent sitter incorporates a daily exercise regime, which suggests that sitting itself is the contributing cause.

Physiology supports such a claim. When the lower half of the body is still, the brain receives signals to increase blood sugar and decrease its reliance on stored fat for fuel. At the same time, metabolism reduces to less than 34 percent as compared to periods of activity. Data also suggests that every two hours of sitting correlates with a 7 percent increase in diabetes risk, while this sedentary time also contributes to the weakening of spinal support muscles and tightening of the hamstrings and hip flexors. It seems that only a lifestyle that incorporates regular standing and moving can mitigate these risks and help the body’s systems work optimally.


For an appointment with an expert physical therapist call Walker Physical and Therapy and Pain Center at 714-997-5518.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Weekend Warriors and Back Pain

Physical therapist Grace Walker has served as director of the Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center since 1982.
 
As a physical therapist, Grace Walker treats patients suffering from a variety of ailments, including shoulder pain, neck pain, and back pain
man back pain
 

Back pain can range from an uncomfortable, nagging sensation to an overwhelming pain that prevents a person from working and engaging in their normal day-to-day activities.

 
Sports-related injuries rank among the most common causes of back pain.
 

These types of injuries, however, are not relegated to professional athletes. Many individuals use their weekends or weeknights to get together with friends and play a game of pickup basketball or football, which can lead to back-related injuries.

 
Unlike professional athletes, many weekend performers do not always properly stretch or prepare for strenuous physical activity, leading to bruised muscles, strains, or potentially a slipped disc.
 
Even general yard work activities can result in back pain without proper preparation. The older a person gets, the more work they must put into warm-up and cool-down stretching in order to avoid back pain. Making exercise a frequent part of one’s routine rather than a once-a-week occurrence can also mitigate the likelihood of such an injury.

For an appointment with an expert physical therapist call Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center in Orange, Ca. 92868 714-997-5518

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

5 Myths about Physical Therapy



Grace Walker, Physical and Occupational Therapist and Nutritionist demystifies 5 myths that may be precursors to regaining your quality life, free from pain!

If you are experiencing weakness or pain and are having difficulty with every day activities, physical therapy may be an option to help you regain that quality of life and get you back to live, work and play again! Learn more about physical therapy by understanding the facts behind some common myths.
 


Myth #1

Physical torture?

Many believe that physical therapy is physical torture! Pain is associated with the term and according to the American Physical Therapy Association, 71% of people believe that physical therapy is painful and have been discouraged to visit a physical therapist. The truth is that physical therapists are movement experts. They help minimize pain and improve mobility by working within your pain threshold.


Myth #2

I'll do it myself!

It is true that the patient plays an active and important role in their own healing process. However, the expert care and guidance of a caring, compassionate and knowledgeable physical therapist is monumental. Your therapist will combine his or her specialized education and clinical expertise, along with new evidence and studies to evaluate and make a diagnosis before tailoring a personalized plan of care specific to your needs.

Myth #3

Surgery! Surgery! Surgery!

Time and again, physical therapy has proven to be as effective as surgery in treating a wide range of conditions. Thus, surgery is not the only option. There have been many cases where patients who chose physical therapy over surgery had the same if not better results! Actually, 79% of patients believe physical therapy can provide an alternative to surgery.


Myth #4

I'm sure it's not insured

The truth is that physical therapy is covered at least by most insurance policies. On top of insurance coverage, physical therapy can reduce medical costs by helping people avoid unnecessary imaging scans, surgery, or prescription drugs. PT continues to prove cost-effective by helping patients avoid falls and by addressing conditions that can become chronic problems in the future.


Myth #5

Insult to injury...

To add insult to injury, many believe the myth that physical therapy is only an option for those who have been involved in an accident or have suffered some sort of injury. In actuality, physical therapists do a lot more than just treat patients who have been injured. They are skilled at evaluating and diagnosing potential problems that may prevent future injuries or disabling conditions  including carpal tunnel, frozen shoulder, chronic headaches and low back pain amongst many others. 



Schedule an appointment at Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center to be treated by one of our expert physical therapists!
714-997-5518
1111 W. Town and Country Rd. Ste. 1
Orange, CA 92868



http://www.moveforwardpt.com/Resources/Detail.aspx?cid=88d27545-6154-4ba6-a844-9dbb97a0ff93#.Vg8JJ_lVhBf

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

5 Reasons for Back Pain in Pregnacy


According to Grace Walker, Physical & Occupational Therapist and Nutritionist, reasons for back pain during pregnancy can vary but can usually be accounted for by one of the following:
  1. An increase in hormones
  2. Gaining additional weight
  3. A decline in posture
  4. Added stress
  5. Decreased activity levels
Pregnancy and lower back pain often go hand in hand, at Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center, our team of expert hands-on physical therapists will help you develop a personalized solution for your pregnancy back pain, and get you on track for a back pain free pregnancy term. 


 Here are some Do's and Don'ts to help relieve back pain during pregnancy:
  • Do use ice 10 minutes before bed.
  • Do pull your belly into your spine and breathe
  • Don't bend at the waist, squat instead.
  • Don't twist while holding something in your arms.
  • Don't sleep on your back
Physical therapy helps relieve lower back pain during pregnancy through strengthening exercises to help support the back and legs. Stretching exercises for muscle flexibility help bring a smoother delivery.

Call Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center today to get started on your personalized treatment to relieve your back pain!
 
714-997-5518
1111 W. Town & Country Rd. Ste. 1
Orange, CA 92868

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Supraspinatus Tendinitis- The Most Common Cause of Shoulder Pain


 
Grace Walker, Physical and Occupational Therapist and Nutritionist wants you to experience relief from Supraspinatus tendinitis pain!
Supraspinatus tendinitis is the most common inflammatory problem encountered around the shoulder joint. It is typically seen in people aged 25-60. The syndrome is characterized by inflammation on the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle.

Common symptoms include:
     ·         Pain and inflammation in the shoulder

·        Decreased range of motion (ROM)

·        Decreased strength & functional activity

·        Pain with movement

·        Pain at night while trying to sleep
    

Risk Factors for Supraspinatus tendinitis (painful arc syndrome)[1]


          Chronic wear and tear of the supraspinatus tendon as it passes under the acromion may be a risk. This may occur in sports-people and people that do a lot of overhead work though it may occur in any person.

         Anatomical factors such as the shape of the acromion or a tight subacromial space due to a thickened ligament may be predisposing factors.

         Tears in the tendon of the supraspinatus or other rotator cuff muscles (often result from a fall on the shoulder) may also be risks though they usually occur in older people.

          Rheumatoid arthritis is another factor.

How to treat it

Ø Ice packs. They can help reduce pain and inflammation and should be applied to the painful area for 15 minutes at a time.

Ø Manual therapy. This includes scapular and glenohumeral joint mobilizations and deep friction massage.

 

Call Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center to schedule an appointment with an expert and caring physical therapist!

714-997-5518

1111 W. Town and Country Rd. Ste. 1

Orange, CA 92868



[1] http://www.myvmc.com/diseases/supraspinatus-tendinitis-painful-arc-syndrome/



 
 



 
 
 
 

 


 

Friday, September 18, 2015

Avoid Muscle Soreness From Exercise!

Dr. Grace Walker, Physical and Occupational Therapist and Nutritionist agrees with John Gallucci Jr.

How to avoid delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)

John Gallucci Jr. EDT July 20, 2015

"Delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, can begin within 6-8 hours after any type of strenuous exercise, but typically you will feel this soreness 24-48 hours following exercise"


·         A common complaint is soreness in the lower extremities such as the legs, hips and calves
·         Over stress the musculoskeletal system, and there is an opportunity for DOMS to set in
·         It’s important to warm up before any activity

Gallucci advises to “work with an appropriate fitness trainer, strength and conditioning trainer, certified athletic trainer or physical therapist that can do a full evaluation before you start working out. These professionals will make sure that your joints are going through a full range of motion and will have an understanding of what your output is going to be.”


John Gallucci Jr. is the president of JAG Physical Therapy (www.japgpt.com) with nine locations throughout New Jersey. Click here to read more.
 

Call now for an appointment with an expert physical therapist!
714-997-5518.
 
1111 W. Town & Country Rd. Ste. 1
Orange, CA 92868
 
 

 
 
 
 

 

Friday, September 4, 2015

Grace Walker Physical and Occupational Therapist and Nutritionist



Dr. Grace Walker & Husband Jim in Victoria Falls, South Africa
As the owner of Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center in Orange, California, Grace Walker continues an extensive career in Occupational and Physical therapy. As a physical therapist and sports injury practitioner, Walker treats patients for pain in the upper and lower extremities, vestibular disorders, and balance conditions.

Dr. Grace Walker and her team of physical therapists are experts in pain relief and use revolutionary treatments including hands on Pressure Point releases, Kinesiotaping, ML830 laser, and Flex N Move programs. Along with being a chartered/registered physical therapist in British Columbia and California, respectively, she holds certification as a Nutritionist, Master of Herbology, and Holistic Health Care Practitioner. In 2014, Grace Walker became a Certified Health Coach through Villanova University in The Center for Obesity Prevention Education's Take Shape for Life program. She is currently attending the Natural Healing Institute of Naturopathy in Encinitas, California, to become a Certified Naturopathic Practitioner and a Certified Nutritional Chef.

Along with treating patients at Grace Walker Physical Therapy, Walker has lectured extensively on matters related to physical therapy. She has instructed with the faculties of California State University at Long Beach, the University of Irvine Medical Center, and Stanford University. Her courses have covered treatment of the cervical spine and mobilization of the thoracic spine. Students have also received her guidance as a mentor in physical therapy and outpatient orthopedics since 1985. Additionally, Walker has made presentations to members of the Orange County chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association on conditions of the pelvic girdle as well as glucosamine and chondroitin.


Call today for an Appointment!
714-997-5518
1111 W. Town & Country Dr.
Orange, CA 92868