Author Archives: Paul O'Brian

About Paul O'Brian

CEO, Paul O’Brian founded Accelerate Physical Therapy , P.C. in 1989 in Arvada. Specializing in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation over a 40-year-career, Paul is experienced in shoulder, knee, spine, foot/ankle, elbow, wrist and hand rehabilitation, quadriplegia, hemiplegia, multiple sclerosis, weakness and balance issues, and geriatric conditions, arthritis, functional decline, postural and pain problems, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and workers’ compensation injuries. Paul O'Brian has been a youth sports coach for 25 years (swimming and diving, soccer, football and rugby). Paul has served on the Board of Directors for multiple Colorado non-profit Colorado corporations, including Colorado Physical Therapy Network (20 years), Rugby Colorado (5 years) and Tigers Rugby Football Club (20 years).

Four Exercises for Knee Pain

The following 4 exercises will help you soothe the pain in the knees quickly: Bent-Leg Raises You should start in a sitting position. Extend one leg in front of you and elevate it to be parallel to the ground. Hold for a minute, and then bend the knee to lower the leg halfway to the… Read More »

Tensor Fascia Latae Pain

Reference from: http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Tensor-Fasciae-Latae-Pain.html The Tensor Fasciae Latae is a muscle, which helps in flexing and abducting the thigh. It becomes very vital for a runner due to this function. If the TFL is consciously kept flexible, it will help in keeping the body injury free as well as being fit. Activities like walking, bending and moving… Read More »

The Degenerative Effects of Inactivity

Cardiovascular changes including elevated heart rate, decreased cardiac output, orthostatic and autonomic dysfunction, venous stasis and thrombosis. Respiratory changes include reduced lung capacity. Musculoskeletal problems of reduced strength, endurance, lactose tolerance, risks of contractures and heterotrophic ossification of individuals with CNS or spinal damage. Metabolic risks including negative nitrogen or calcium imbalances, carbohydrate intolerance and… Read More »

Drinking Water – Fun Facts

Proper hydration promotes your healing and requires your attention every day. Muscular and spinal and joint pain, leg cramps and general malaise may be an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes. Drink water as soon as the discomfort begins. Dehydration is a particular problem among the elderly, in part because the thirst mechanism becomes less efficient as we… Read More »

Physical Therapy Can Help

You have chronic back pain. You think medication will help, but your doctor recommends physical therapy. What is it, and can it really help you? Yes, it’s a high-benefit, low-risk solution to diagnose and treat many different conditions. Physical therapy helps people of all ages who have medical conditions, illnesses or injuries that limit their regular ability… Read More »

Flip Flops Kill You

Flip Flops cause: Flat feet or falling arches (pes planus) Foot pronation Ankle eversion Elevated Q angles at the knee (valgus) Uneven hips (pelvic obliquity) Lumbar scoliosis. Ask us about how to resolve these issues.  Try this page for your independent consideration: https://acceleratept.com/wear-arch-supports/ Infographic by Jan Diehm for The Huffington Post. Click on the picture or… Read More »

Youth in Sports

The participation of children in organized athletic activities raises many concerns in parents’ mind: At what age is my child ready to participate in organized athletics? What is the risk of significant injury? What sports carry the highest likelihood of injury? Are there specific injuries related to specific sports? In 2001, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports… Read More »

Wear Arch Supports!

Because most individuals’ arches collapse in our shoes, we commonly advise our clients wear supplemental supports in their footwear.  Orthotics, or at least foam arch supports have been repeatedly effective in curing pain and mechanical dysfunction.Adding height to the navicular bone at the medial arch of our feet changes it’s functional position, as well as the… Read More »

Got a short leg?

Uneven pelvic alignment, crooked knees, flat feet and an assortment of aches and pains are easily corrected.  With inexpensive adjustments to shoes and exercises, the pain subsides in just days. Pelvic Obliquity is an unfortunate result of a very common foot and ankle problem.  In most cases of knee  and back pain,  I see an “apparent” leg length… Read More »