Health and Wellness

  • What Does OCS Stand For?

    What Does OCS Stand For?

    December 8, 2025

    As you scroll through your healthcare practitioner’s biographies, have you ever wondered what the letters behind their name mean? I recently studied and passed an exam to become a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS). We currently have 13 physical therapists on staff at Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy who have an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification, […]

  • Train Like An Athlete

    Train Like An Athlete

    November 12, 2025

    As a young physical therapist, I’ve observed a growing interest in resistance training among younger individuals. It’s inspiring to see so many young Americans embracing their health—whether they’re striving to achieve personal records, improve their BMI, or simply build confidence. Throughout my early career, I’ve often heard older patients remark, “You’re training me like an […]

  • Role of Physical Therapy in Individuals with Down Syndrome

    Role of Physical Therapy in Individuals with Down Syndrome

    October 7, 2025

    Earlier this year, I had the privilege of working with Charlie. Charlie is a 23-year-old with Down syndrome(DS) who had right hip pain limiting his ability to go on hikes with his family. Normally, I gather information from my patients by asking questions about how long they’ve been experiencing pain, what activities aggravate it, and […]

  • Pain with Gynecology Visits, Tampons, or Sexual Activity

    Pain with Gynecology Visits, Tampons, or Sexual Activity

    September 21, 2025

    Pelvic floor physical therapy is an effective treatment for pain with gynecology visits, tampon insertion, or sexual activity. Pain with sexual activity is also called dyspareunia. This pain usually occurs because of tightness in the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles sit between the bones of the pelvis and help open and close the […]

  • How to Prepare for Your First Physical Therapy Visit

    How to Prepare for Your First Physical Therapy Visit

    September 18, 2025

    If you’ve never been to Physical Therapy before or it has been a while and you’re generally anxious about your first upcoming appointment with us, don’t fear! I’ve prepared a list of ways to prepare for your first appointment so that your 45-60 minutes spent with us is the most beneficial for you and to […]

  • Awareness of Cultural Humility & Competency in the Clinical Setting

    Awareness of Cultural Humility & Competency in the Clinical Setting

    September 10, 2025

    As a second-generation immigrant, I have found that both my parents have had their fair share of challenges with medical literacy. My parents have struggled to communicate their needs at doctor’s appointments, dismissing their concerns due to language barriers. In a country as diverse as this, I know they were not alone in this experience. […]

  • How to Safely Begin or Return to Running at Any Age

    How to Safely Begin or Return to Running at Any Age

    August 20, 2025

    Running is a rewarding form of exercise at any age, and it’s never too late to start or return. Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, with the right approach and some patience, you can gradually build tolerance and safely return to running. This guide outlines evidence-based practices for returning to running, the importance of […]

  • Continuity of Care

    Continuity of Care

    August 6, 2025

    Why Continuity of Care Matters The world of physical therapy is an evolving field of work, just like so many others out there. Like most things in life, this is both positive and negative. I think we would all agree that change typically means progress, leading us down paths of learning, growing, and hopefully becoming […]

  • Hydration 101

    Hydration 101

    July 16, 2025

    Why Hydration Matters Hydration is key to staying energized, performing at your best, and recovering faster. Dehydration can lead to cramps, fatigue, and even reduce how efficiently your heart pumps blood during exercise. Hydration Tips 1. Listen to Your Thirst • Drink water (with electrolytes) when you’re thirsty. • Don’t overdo it; too much water […]

  • What is Rucking?

    What is Rucking?

    July 9, 2025

    What Is Rucking? Rucking is a method of working out where you have a weighted backpack or vest during your normal walk, hike, or workout. Rucking was originally military-based, but it was found to be a great functional exercise for almost anyone. There are many benefits of rucking, including building strength and endurance, increasing calorie […]