Your journey to a healthier spine is a collaborative effort. At PTPro Physical Therapy, we believe in working closely with you, listening to your concerns, and understanding your goals. After all, who knows your body better than you do? Together, we can work to ensure a future free of back pain.

Understanding the Root Causes of Back Pain

The first step to saying goodbye to back pain is understanding what causes it. It might be due to a sedentary lifestyle, an old injury, or even just daily wear and tear. No matter the reason, understanding the root causes is your key to finding the solution.

The most common causes of back pain that our physical therapists frequently treat include the following:

Remember, it is always advised to consult with our physical therapist for personalized advice. We’ll work with you to identify the exact cause of your back pain and suggest appropriate treatments to ensure you get the results you deserve!

Back Pain: Myth or Fact Quiz

🦴 Back Pain: Myth or Fact?

Think you know what causes back pain and how physical therapy can help? Put your spine knowledge to the test!
Score: 0/

Partner Spotlight: The Best Injury Insurance for Athletes and Outdoorspeople


If you like to hike, bike, ski, snowboard, or climb, you know injuries happen. And unfortunately, what comes with those injuries are often high deductible costs, denied claims, and / or inadequate coverage of medical expenses, medical transport, and proper rehab treatment. 

Given that, we’re excited to tell you about a new program that addresses all of those problems — and expenses: BLISTER+. 

BLISTER+ is an injury insurance plan that was designed specifically for active people. 

We’re proud to now be working directly with the BLISTER+ team to make sure that everyone who recreates outdoors in our community can now come see us to treat their injuries and, in most cases, will have all of their costs covered. 

It also means that when an injury happens, there is no financial reason to not come get treatment. And we know that the failure to get an injury properly treated can create bigger, longterm issues. 

BLISTER+ covers you 365 days a year, everywhere in the world, and for up to $25k per incident with $0 deductible, and you’re covered for all physical therapy treatments of injuries at PTPro. 

So please check this out, see if it makes sense for you and your family, then sign up and get covered before you get back out there! It’s the best thing you can do for your body, your family, and your wallet this season. Learn More About BLISTER+

Exercise of the Month

BIRD DOG

Start on your hands and knees on a mat or table. Brace your abdominals and keep your back flat. Slowly raise one arm straight out in front of you while simultaneously raising your opposite leg back behind you until both limbs are straight and parallel with the ground. Lower them back down and repeat with your other limbs.

3 Sets, 10 Reps.

🌟 Staff Spotlight 🌟

Meet one of the experienced clinicians helping patients move with confidence.

Megumi Sawanoi, DPT, OCS, COMT, CFMT, FAAOMPT

Orthopedic & Manual Therapy Specialist

Megumi combines decades of clinical experience with advanced fellowship training to help patients reach their goals. She earned her MS in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 1994 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Pacific University in 2009. She is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Certified Functional Manual Therapist, and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. She also teaches Functional Manual Therapy in the U.S. and Japan and has extensive experience treating pelvic floor conditions for both men and women.

Outside the clinic she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and son.

  • PTPro (2016–Present)
  • Olympic / ATI Physical Therapy (2006–2016)
  • Valley Medical Center (1999–2003)
  • General Health System (1994–1998)
  • DPT – Pacific University (2009)
  • MS Physical Therapy – Texas Woman’s University (1994)
  • BS Human Biology – Texas Woman’s University (1992)

Includes advanced education in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Neural & Visceral Manipulation, Pelvic Health, Functional Manual Therapy, Spine & Extremity Manipulation, TMJ, Foot & Ankle, Shoulder, Knee, Running Analysis, Herman & Wallace pelvic rehabilitation, Barral Institute coursework, and numerous Institute of Physical Art certifications from 1994–2023.

Published research, national conference presentations, instructor for the Institute of Physical Art in the U.S. and Japan, and active member of the APTA and AAOMPT.

Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Bruschetta
🍅 Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Bruschetta
Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and toasted French bread come together in this classic Italian-inspired appetizer that’s perfect for summer entertaining.
🍅 Fresh Tomatoes 🧀 Mozzarella 🥖 Serves About 36 🌿 Perfect Party Appetizer

Ingredients

  • 1 (32-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large French baguettes, sliced into 1-inch slices (about 36 slices)
  • 1½ pounds fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ¼-inch thick

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. In a food processor, combine the drained tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and 2 garlic cloves. Pulse until smooth but still slightly chunky.
  3. Season the tomato mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for about 3 minutes.
  5. Rub the toasted side of each slice with the remaining garlic cloves.
  6. Top each slice with a piece of fresh mozzarella and return to the oven for about 45 seconds, just until the cheese softens.
  7. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the tomato mixture onto each slice.
  8. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Summer Adventure Tips

Kayaking & Paddleboarding with a Healthy Twist

Kayaking and paddleboarding are excellent ways to enjoy the outdoors while improving your strength, endurance, and balance. Whether you’re exploring a quiet lake or cruising down a river, using proper technique helps you get the most out of every adventure while protecting your body from unnecessary strain.

These popular water sports are full-body activities that challenge your muscles and cardiovascular system. By paying attention to posture and movement, you can reduce your risk of shoulder, neck, and back discomfort while paddling longer and more efficiently.

Paddle Smarter, Feel Better

Good technique doesn’t just improve performance—it helps distribute the workload throughout your entire body, reducing stress on individual muscles and joints while making every stroke more effective.

1

Practice Mindful Paddling

Keep a straight back, engage your core, and use proper paddling mechanics. Let your legs and torso help generate power to reduce strain on your shoulders and lower back.

2

Use Your Whole Body

Think beyond your arms. Involve your legs, hips, core, and back with every stroke for smoother movement, better balance, and improved endurance on the water.

3

Protect Against Injury

Balanced movement helps prevent muscle imbalances and overuse injuries, allowing you to enjoy longer paddling sessions with greater comfort and confidence.

☀ AUGUST WORD SCRAMBLE
Unscramble these late-summer words and see how many you can solve!
HSNUINES
INCPCI
LMARWOTNEE
LOHSOC

Our Patients Get Great Results

Group shot of the staff at PTPro Physical Therapy

-Ashley B.

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