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  • 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, […]

  • 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 […]

  • What to Expect at Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy

    What to Expect at Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy

    June 25, 2025

    Values and Missions  Overheard in the waiting room before a patient’s first visit, as he looked at the pictures of our team in Standale: “How come I got the mean-looking one? All the other people look so nice in their pictures.” Now I knew I had my work cut out for me to win this […]

  • Body Mechanics and Tips For Yardwork

    Body Mechanics and Tips For Yardwork

    June 11, 2025

    It’s that time of year again – it looks like Old Man Winter has released his grip on the West Coast of Michigan, and spring is here! As the snow melts away to reveal all the landscaping and yard work projects that have been waiting for us the past few months, we want to remind […]

  • The Effects of Exercise on Mental Health

    The Effects of Exercise on Mental Health

    May 13, 2025

    Exercise and physical activity are important for nearly all aspects of life, including not only physical but also mental health. Exercise can help moderate stress levels within the body, improve cognitive function, increase muscle mass, regulate inflammation, reduce body fat, and improve self-image1. Additionally, research has increasingly demonstrated support for exercise and its positive effects […]

  • SIJ Pain in Pregnancy

    SIJ Pain in Pregnancy

    April 24, 2025

    The miracle of growing a baby is truly a special occasion—one that is filled with many unforgettable moments, from a baby’s first kicks and rolls to finding out the gender. Unfortunately, along with all these highs, there are common lows that come with pregnancy. Symptoms can range from acid reflux to swollen hands and feet […]