blog

What To Expect: Physical Therapy Student Fieldwork

Anxious to know what to expect during student fieldwork with Carolina PT?   We’ve got you covered! Welcome aboard, PT college students. Get ready to dive into an exciting journey with us! We’ve dedicated significant time to curating a comprehensive Student Education page on our website tailored just for you. Here, you’ll find invaluable insights […]

Emily’s Path from Internship to Expert

From Physical Therapy Internship to Expert: Emily's Journey at Carolina PT My name is Emily Nordberg, and I am a staff physical therapist at Carolina Physical Therapy in Lexington. I attended Gardner-Webb University for my undergraduate degree, where I majored in Exercise Science. I attended Wingate University for my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. While I [...]

Carolina PT: Promoting Heart Health Awareness

Heart Health Awareness February is Heart Health Awareness Month, and in this blog, we share insightful details about understanding your heart health and averting heart diseases, including how physical therapy can help. Understanding the Basics of Heart Health Heart health is a major component of your overall wellness and longevity. Taking charge of your heart [...]

Carolina PT Accepts UnitedHealthcare!

Yes! Carolina PT Accepts UnitedHealthcare, & more!   We frequently receive the question 'Do you accept _____ insurance?' This blog post is aimed at addressing that question directly. We understand the challenges of finding a physical therapy clinic that aligns with your insurance, especially when your insurance plan changes unexpectedly. It can be difficult when [...]

Meet Eric Williams, DPT!

Meet Eric Williams, DPT! Meet Eric, our latest addition to the Forest Acres clinic. Eric is a dedicated Physical Therapist who pursued Kinesiology at The Master’s University and earned his DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) from the University of South Carolina. His expertise lies in orthopedic cases and McKenzie therapy, with a particular passion for [...]

Meet Cameron Griffith, Director!

Meet Cameron Griffith, Director! Carolina Physical Therapy in North Charleston has a new Director, Cameron Griffith! Cameron is a passionate Physical Therapist with extensive experience. He graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney in Australia in 1993. Cameron's journey led him to America, where he served as a [...]

What Is DPT?

What is DPT? Have you ever wondered what the letters after your physical therapist's name mean?   You might have come across an earlier blog post of ours about Physical Therapy credentials, detailing what DPT, PT, or PTA stand for and explaining the significance of a physical therapist's credentials. This post serves as a continuation [...]

From Athlete to LSVT BIG Specialist at Carolina PT

Happy Physical Therapy Month!!   To celebrate PT Month, we asked one of our own, Megan Leach, PT at our Northeast Columbia clinic, why she chose a career in physical therapy and why she chose the Carolina Physical Therapy family. Carolina Physical Therapy proudly serves the South Carolina community across 11 locations. Some of our specialties [...]

Carolina Physical Therapy in Gilbert, SC

Carolina Physical Therapy: Your Top Choice for Physical Therapy in Gilbert To mark this significant achievement, we had the privilege of interviewing Christen Bunnells, the Clinic Director of Carolina PT in Gilbert. In this blog post, you will gain insights into the services provided at the Gilbert Carolina PT clinic, discover what distinguishes them from [...]

What is Aquatic Physical Therapy?

The AquaCiser®: Elevating Aquatic Physical Therapy at Carolina PT In the world of physical therapy, we are always learning new ways to provide relief and regain strength. One approach gaining traction in recent years is aquatic therapy. This type of therapy combines the therapeutic benefits of water with expert guidance from trained professionals.  It has [...]

Mount Pleasant Personal Trainer: Joe Beddall

Name: Joe Beddall Clinic Location: Mount Pleasant, SC Title: Physical Therapy Assistant & Personal Trainer What is your favorite quote or saying?:  "Beat yesterday"    JB: Joe, I know you're new to Carolina PT and the Mount Pleasant area, so thanks for making time to chat! Where did you move here from?  Joe: Reading, PA [...]

Meet Erin Davis, Mount Pleasant Physical Therapist

Name: Erin Davis Clinic Location: Mount Pleasant, SC Title: Clinic Director How do you like to celebrate a win or a good day?: With a good meal and a good beer   JB: Erin, thank you for chatting with me! I’m excited to learn more about you and your community! First off, where are you [...]

Serve, Smash, and Stretch: A Guide to Pickleball

Pickleball: The Fastest Growing Sport in South Carolina Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country and South Carolina is no exception. More and more people are discovering this fun, low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. In this blog, we'll explore why pickleball is so popular, what [...]

Carolina Physical Therapy Wins Best Outpatient Therapy Clinic and Best Physical Therapist at Best of Sumter 2023 Awards

Carolina Physical Therapy is proud to announce that we have been named the Best Outpatient Therapy Clinic and our very own Luke Abney, PT, DPT, has been named Best Physical Therapist in Sumter, SC by the Best of Sumter awards! The Best of Sumter awards recognize local businesses and individuals who have made a positive [...]

Physical Therapy During Pregnancy

Physical therapy for pregnancy Are There Benefits of Physical Therapy During Pregnancy? Are you or someone you know expecting a bundle of joy?  First, congratulations! Pregnancy is a beautiful experience!  It is amazing to see how our bodies change to bring a precious life into this world. Even though there are many positives to pregnancy, [...]

Maintaining Your Progress: The Importance of At-Home Exercises with Remote Therapeutic Monitoring Apps

You have successfully completed physical therapy and have graduated from the program. That is a big accomplishment, but it also means it’s time for you to continue your new exercise routine on your own. You thrive on accountability and routine and are worried you will drop the ball on your at-home routine. RTM has become [...]

Parkinson’s Disease & LSVT BIG®

What is Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system and gradually impairs movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. It is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, leading to a shortage of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement.   How can [...]

TPI: The Golf Performance Solution

Carolina Physical Therapy is here to improve your golf performance Are you interested in improving your golf game? Maybe adding some yards to your drive or irons? Or even just want to move better? Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified Professionals can help with all of this and more! TPI Professionals are trained in identifying movement [...]

Pregnancy, Postpartum & Kegel Exercises

Empowering Wellness: From Pregnancy through Postpartum with Kegel Exercises and More At Carolina PT, we believe it is important to prioritize your well-being throughout every stage of your journey into motherhood. Our specialized services extend to the realm of pregnancy physical therapy, providing comprehensive care during and after this transformative period. Our dedicated team understands [...]

Fibromyalgia- Physical Therapy May Help

When Fibromyalgia Ignites, It Brings a Different Kind of Heat. There's no question that we're in the hottest part of the summer. There's a group of nearly 5 million people in the United States that experience a different kind of heat - those with Fibromyalgia. What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can [...]

Summer Fun WITHOUT Summer Pain!

Summer Fun Without Summer Pain Written by Shawn Skinner, PTA    As the summer season begins, friends and family vacations and trip planning gets into full swing. A question often asked by patients preparing to embark on summer excursions is, “Is it okay for me to go to the beach?” South Carolina boasts a bounty […]

Fall Prevention Tips & Tricks

As we age, falling can become more and more of a concern for people over 65 and their families. According to the CDC, an average of 36 million falls have per year among people aged 65 and older- that’s 1 in 4 people! Here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe: […]

A Physical Therapy’s Guide to Hiking

A Physical Therapy’s Guide to Hiking Written by Laura Beth McClendon, PT DPT My husband and I spend an amazing weekend at Yosemite National Park in California last year. We are not avid hikers, but we could not resist going on multiple hikes when we were there. Yosemite’s main landmarks are mainly in one section […]

Oncology & Physical Therapy

Written by Sharon Smith, PT The annual report from the American Cancer Society published earlier this year estimates that approximately 5250 new cases of cancer are being detected every day in the US. The good news is that the risk of death from cancer overall has been declining continuously since 1991. Improved technology, treatments and […]

Importance of Ergonomics for Posture

Written by Erin Davis, PT Over the course of my career as a Physical Therapist, one of the biggest issues I see with patients is poor postural habits being practiced on a daily basis. Most of this can be due to the fact that individuals are constantly looking down at their phones, hunching over their […]

The Science of Pain Management

The Science of Pain Management  By Reid McDuffie, DPT People experience pain all the time. Some even say it is a part of the human experience. Most people are familiar with the most common type of pain- acute pain. Acute pain typically comes from an injury, such as stubbing your toe or breaking a bone. [...]

Healthy Eating for Geriatric Populations

TOP 5 Eating Habits for the Geriatric Population Written by Leigh Brazeau, PT There are COUNTLESS articles, followed by blogs, followed by more “expert advice”, and all those interspersed with the latest dementia medicine ads…regarding elderly patients and nutrition. While an overwhelming amount of information is available, there are a few basic tenants and guidelines […]

Have jaw pain? It might be TMJ!

What causes Jaw Pain? Jaw pain is a common symptom that can have various causes. It can be a result of a problem with the jaw joint, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or it can be related to dental issues or other medical conditions. The pain can be sharp, dull, or throbbing and may [...]

Tips for Spring Sports

Outdoor Exercise Safety Tips Spring is just around the corner and we all want to get outside to enjoy the sunshine.  Right now is a great time to start that New Year’s resolution to lose a few pounds and return to an exercise program that you enjoy. Walking, jogging or running outdoors on a sunny […]

Sleep Hygiene and how it Affects YOU

Sleep Hygiene and You Written by Blake Fletcher, PT With daylight saving time just around the corner, it is important to remember to get adequate sleep! Roughly one third of the population suffers from sleep disturbances. Lack of sleep can result in decreased immune function, healing, cardiovascular health, memory, cognition, and athletic performance. Additionally, sleep […]

Already have Low Back Pain when waking up?

Written by Alanna Wilson, PTA Stiff in your back in the morning? Having difficulty getting out of bed? Well, I am here to tell you that a little stretching in the morning while in bed will help alleviate your low back pain tightness/stiffness. When you first wake in the morning, we tend to roll out [...]

Pillow Talk

Pillow Talk Written by Megan Amerson, PTA Do you have trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep in at night due to neck or back pain? Then this article is for you! Sleep positioning is important so that we can obtain a good night’s rest.  Proper sleep positioning will help to keep the spine in […]

Physical Therapy Myth Busters!

Physical Therapy Myth Busters Written by Meredith Miles, PT, DPT As a physical therapist, I often hear false beliefs about our field before someone even has the chance to experience what we have to offer. Below are just a few of the common misconceptions that I’ve debunked. The world of physical therapy is vast and […]

New Year, New Nutrition!

Role of Nutrition with Physical Therapy Written by Matthew Ulcak PT DPT January 14, 2022 Physical therapy is an important part of healing your body and returning to your prior level of function and reaching your goals. While physical therapists are not specifically trained in diet and nutrition, many of us are prepared to assist […]

Meet Alex Stratton, DPT!

Meet Alex Stratton, DPT! More exciting news for the Carolina PT staff and patients! Our Rock Hill clinic has gained an awesome addition- Alex Stratton, DPT! Read below to learn a little about Alex. Alex graduated from the University of Charleston with a Bachelors in Athletic Training and then obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy [...]

Welcome Brittany Morris, PTA!

We are happy to officially announce the addition of Brittany Morris, PTA, to our Carolina Physical Therapy White Knoll location! Brittany was born and raised in Lexington, SC. She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina in 2011 majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology. She then went on to […]

Introducing Meredith Miles, DPT!

As we continue to grow, we are so excited to be adding on new physical therapists to our company, including our newest PT to the Forest Acres clinic, Meredith Miles! Meredith was born and raised in Blythewood, SC. She completed her undergraduate degree in 2018 at The University of South Carolina majoring in Exercise Science […]

Meet Matthew Ulcak, DPT!

We have the absolute pleasure of announcing the newest promotion at Carolina PT- Matthew Ulcak, DPT is the new director of our Forest Acres location! Although Matthew is not a new face in the clinic, we want to take this time to recognize the hard work he’s contributed to Carolina Physical Therapy, as well as […]

Aches and Pains When Working from Home

Say Goodbye to Aches and Pains: Tips for Working Comfortably at Home June 24 is National Work from Home Day, which hits home for many due to this past year's circumstances. Although cutting out the commute, in addition to the relaxed environment may seem like an optimal way to work, it can easily slip into [...]

Physical Therapy in the Andes Mountains of Peru

Physical Therapy in Peru Written by Sharon Smith, PT and director of Carolina PT Northeast location You probably know that physical therapists work in outpatient clinics and hospitals.  You probably also know that they go to people’s homes. But what if you are of Quechua descent and live on the side of the Andes Mountains […]

Tips & Tricks for Running from a PT

Benefits of Running Written by Kelsey Kata, DPT at Carolina Physical Therapy   Happy Global Running Day! What is it? “This holiday is about inspiring each other to lead a more active lifestyle, no matter the distance covered. This celebration is open and free to everyone. Simply grab your running shoes, a bottle of water, […]

Aquatic Exercise & Therapy!

Aquatic Exercise & Therapy Do you have back, hip, knee, or foot pain which get worse with working out? Well we’ve got some good news for you, especially with summer weather approaching! Working out in water is a great alternative to traditional work outs, especially when chronic pain is holding you back from getting in […]

Meet Katie Hicks, DPT OCS!

    New Clinic Director, Katie Hicks! We are thrilled to introduce you to our newest addition to the team, DPT Katie, DPT OCS! Katie is the Clinic Director of our North Charleston clinic! Here at Carolina Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, we believe in not only providing exceptional care to our patients but also […]

Working Out as a New Mom

Written by Randall Hadwin, PTA  Working out used to be a huge part of my routine every day until I recently became a mother. I was having a hard time trying to find the time and the energy to want to work out while watching my newborn. As most mothers know, you rarely have a […]

Do you have low back pain?

Have Low Back Pain? Did you recently get an MRI? Don’t let the results frighten you. Have you recently had an MRI of your low back with scary or worrisome findings? Don’t panic! Just because there are positive findings on your MRI doesn’t necessarily mean those findings are what is causing your pain. Disc bulges, […]

Lifting for FUN!

Written by Carolina Physical Therapy’s Vicky DeMicco DPT, based out of our White Knoll location! When I first started power and olympic lifting, I never thought I would become so enthusiastic about it.  Lifting for fun as exercise has been one of the best challenges I’ve ever tried to tackle.  It has improved my running […]

Spring Sports Tips for Staying Healthy!

Spring is an exciting time for athletes and those who exercise because of opportunities to work out and play sports outdoors. We can all agree that running outdoors on a sunny day is much more relaxing and enjoyable than indoors on a treadmill. When you are preparing for your spring sports and exercise, it is […]

Getting Ready for Spring Gardening

Gardening can be a wonderful physical activity to promote flexibility, strength, better balance, stress reduction, and improved bone density. It’s a great way to burn off calories while obtaining the ultimate reward—beautiful flowers, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables. With Spring fast approaching, it’s time to get your yard and garden ready… but is your body ready? […]

Physical Therapy Can Help with Returning to Work!

Returning to Work: How Physical Therapy Can Make a Difference Rehabilitation from an injury or medical condition can be a challenging journey, especially when you’re keen to get back on your feet and back to work. Physical therapists, specialists in restoring movement and function, are here to guide you. How physical therapy can help with […]

African Americans in Physical Therapy

African Americans in Physical Therapy Written by Alanna Wilson, PTA at Carolina Physical Therapy In honor of Black History Month, I would like to bring awareness to African Americans in Physical Therapy. For the educational year 2019-2020, statistics from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Education show that African Americans make up 3% of graduates […]

What is NormaTec Recovery?

What is the Normatec? The NormaTec Recovery System™ by Hyperice™ is a dynamic pneumatic compression system that was invented by Dr. Laura Jacobs, a physician and engineer.  It was created originally to treat patients non-invasively with various circulatory disorders. The system is designed to mimic the normal flow of our venous and lymphatic systems to […]

Ergonomics for Moms

Ergonomics for Moms Are you a new mom, expecting, or have a toddler?  Do you have constant or intermittent neck or back pain as a result of repeatedly lifting and carrying them?  Then this article is for you! As you are aware, your core musculature (abdominals)  are often impaired from pregnancy and after childbirth.  Not […]

Neck & Back Pain Caused by Working from Home

How to Reduce the Risk of Neck and Back Pain While Working from Home COVID-19 has profoundly changed many American’s working life. Millions of people now work or do schoolwork from home and there is a considerable amount of those individuals who are experiencing discomfort and developing musculoskeletal disorders due to poorly set up workspaces [...]

Blood Flow Restriction Training

What Is Blood Flow Restriction Training? It’s not as scary as it sounds! Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) is a specialty treatment program offered at our Forest Acres office in Columbia. BFR is a simple yet powerful technique designed to enhance your workouts and accelerate your fitness journey. Essentially, BFR involves applying specialized pressure to […]

Aquatic Therapy featuring Tammy!

We are highlighting one of our most enthusiastic and motivated patients this week, Tammy! Tammy has suffered from multiple physical ailments throughout her life, but continues to persevere and work as hard as she can to overcome these obstacles. She has found great success at Carolina Physical Therapy, particularly using our Aquaciser for aquatic therapy. […]

Terrific Patient Tuesday!

Every once in awhile, we like to highlight our “terrific” patients who give us the ability to do what we do best: help them get better! This week we’re highlighting Alecia, who has been an amazing patient of ours. She wanted to give some insight on her experiences at Carolina Physical Therapy, and give comfort […]

How to Perform your best in Tennis

“The ideal attitude is to be physically loose and mentally tight” –Arthur Ashe Throughout my lifetime I have participated and have become an avid fan of almost every sport. While each sport presents their unique characteristics that make it challenging, tennis to me provides the greatest marriage between physical athletic ability and mental fortitude. While […]

Student Athlete Tips & Tricks

Written by Ben Ashton, DPT Having the opportunity of being a student athlete was such an amazing experience. It takes a lot of discipline to balance practices, workouts, games, and school. I remember those times to be the most rewarding yet exhausting moments of my life. Going through Physical Therapy School I have learned a […]

Staying Active While Staying Safe

While COVID-19 may be keeping you from going to the gym or to your office, it does not have to keep you from finding ways to stay active and healthy! Some of us may feel lost without having a gym to go to, while others who are new to exercise can begin a healthy regimen […]

Hiking Tips & Tricks

Hiking is one of the most rewarding forms of exercise that I know of. It allows you to lose yourself and focus on your goals and the views instead of the misery some exercise can provide. Whether you are hiking with a group (which during this pandemic we do not advise, so make plans with […]

Improve your golf game with tips from a Physical Therapist!

Being able to go out on the golf course and play a consistent game is a goal for many golfers. However, there are several issues amateur golfers face that can affect their golf game. If your body is not prepared when the season starts, you could hit the ball improperly. This often leads to injury, […]

Famous Carolina Physical Therapy Baked Ziti Recipe

Mmm….nothing tastes better on a rainy afternoon than some extra cheesy, homemade Baked Ziti! In fact, at Carolina Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, we’re known for our delicious rendition of the classic recipe. It’s been a secret for many years, but in light of these difficult times, we thought sharing a little bit of comfort […]

How Carolina PT is Keeping your PT visit as Safe as Possible

In light of COVID-19, or the Coronavirus, Carolina Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine is maintaining our normal schedules and following recurrent disinfection and sanitization guidelines put in place by the CDC. Please see this attached link for the full protocol that will allow us to operate in the safest manner for our patients and staff […]

Headache? You may need to see a PT!

Headaches are one of the most universal and complicated conditions in medicine. It is estimated that 3% of all patients in a Primary Care setting are suffering from some form of headache. There a many types of headaches. Approximately 60% of all headaches are appropriate for Physical Therapy. Cervicogenic and Tension headaches most commonly respond [...]

Gardening Ergonomics 101

Gardening Ergonomics to Decrease Pain Many people love to take on gardening as a hobby. However, if you aren’t doing it correctly, it can put a lot of strain on your back, knees, wrists, and hands.  Maintaining a good posture and using the correct tools is an easy way to decrease muscle pain and fatigue. […]

Dizzy? Have vertigo? See a PT!

The room is spinning… what can this be? Did you know that physical therapy is the number 1 treatment for BPPV symptoms? That's right! A trained physical therapist can help your vertigo symptoms. The most common cause of vertigo is due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or what we like to call BPPV. It is [...]

Meet Erin Davis, Director of our Mount Pleasant North clinic!

This week on the blog, we’re featuring our very own physical therapy director, Erin Davis, PT. We sat down with her and asked her a few questions!    1. How did you decide to become a physical therapist? I was very blessed to know what I wanted to do at an early age. In high […]

How PT is evolving in women’s health

Wait a second…physical therapy has women’s health programs? Believe it or not, a rapidly growing specialty in the field of Physical Therapy is women’s health. But what exactly does this entail? At the base of your pelvis there is a bowl-shaped set of muscles called your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are very important for […]

What do the letters mean after your PT’s name?

Physical Therapists' Credentials - Quick Answers So you want to find the most qualified physical therapist to help you back to full recovery, but you're not sure what the letters after a PTs name mean? I’m Jesse Hill, PT, DPT, OCS, the clinical director at Carolina Physical Therapy, and I'm going to explain a little [...]

Meet Jesse Hill, PT, DPT, OCS!

Meet Jesse Hill This week on the blog, we’re featuring our very own director of the Mount Pleasant South location, Jesse Hill. We sat down with him in between patients to ask him 5 questions! What makes you stand out as a physical therapist? The medical field demands continued professional development. I have taken my […]

Plantar Fasciitis TOP SECRET TREATMENT

Whoa…why do my feet hurt so badly every morning? If you have been experiencing pain in the bottom of your heel for an extended period of time, you may have plantar fasciitis. Before worrying, there is good news! Plantar fasciitis is common and can be helped through physical therapy and other forms of treatment. Before […]

3 Reasons to see a PT after a Car Accident

Have you recently experienced a car accident? The jarring sensation of a car accident lingers long after the event itself, leaving both physical and emotional scars in its wake. In such moments, prioritizing one’s health becomes paramount, yet it’s often overlooked amidst the chaos. However, seeking timely physical therapy can significantly alter the trajectory of […]