UE Ranger in study by Cincinnati SportsMedicine - Athletic Training January/February 2012: Volume 4 - Issue 1

Here is an excerpt from the study, "...we decided to conduct a formal clinical study to compare the effectiveness of the UER with the straight cane as a tool to regain full PROM equal to the opposite side postoperatively."

OPTP exhibiting at the ECA Fitness Conference in New York City. March 9 - 11, 2012.

Chrissy Romani-Ruby and Michael King will be presenting along with a host of other talented folks. We will be at booth #401. Stop by and check some of the latest products such as the TOLA and Deluxe Roller!

Jan 2012 - Fitness expert Chris Freytag speaks with Jonathan Reynolds, PT,PhD, about the Tola™ System, a unique self-treatment tool.

Motivational Monday segment will air January 23rd at 6:20 a.m. on Kare 11 Sunrise.

Pro-Roller Pilates Workshop offered through Plymouth's community education catalog will be held in the OPTP Training Room.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 5:30p.m. - 7:00p.m. come and explore enhanced pilates exercise with the Pro-Roller. Receive an instruction book - a $10 value!

Call 763.509.5200 or visit www.plymouthmn.gov for more information!

Pro-Roller Massage Workshop offered through Plymouth's community education catalog will be held in the OPTP Training Room.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 7:30p.m. -9:00p.m. come and explore self-massage and stretching techniques. A few minutes rolling can help your body feel more relaxed, aligned and resilient!

Call 763.509.5200 or visit www.plymouthmn.gov for more information!

OPTP is proud to be exhibiting at the APTA CSM Conference in Chicago, IL. February 8 - 11, 2012. 

APTA Combines Sections hosts over 8,000 Physical Therapists and has 18 Specialty Sections. Register by January 11th and save!

OPTP exhibiting at the IDEA Personal Trainer Institute in Alexandria, VA. February 16 - 19, 2012.

OPTP is excited to be a part of the 2012 Personal Trainer Institute! There will be 50 top industry presenters and 97 sessions for attendees to pick from - along with the ability to earn up to 20 CEC's. And of course don't forget to stop by our table at the IDEA marketplace to check out our latest tools and resources.

Hands-On Approach: Teaching athletes self-massage by Keats Snideman - Training & Conditioning October 2011

"The many different self-massage tools and techniques available may be confusing at first. But with proper safety precautions, athletes of all types can easily use self-massage for better recovery and regeneration between workouts."

OPTP exhibiting at the Inner IDEA Conference in La Jolla, CA. October 6 - 9, 2011.

OPTP is excited to be at Inner IDEA again this year with all of the great presenters ~ an amazing group of people! And OPTP will be providing equipment for a few of the sessions at Inner IDEA. If you plan on attending please make sure you check out the discount pricing on demonstation products used at the conference! For example, the MELT Roller (soft, blue marble foam roller) for Sue Hitzmann's session will available for purchase at the conference. Feel free to contact us with any questions ~ 800.367.7393.

Stacy Barrows to teach "Smarter Minds for Smarter Bodies: The Feldenkrais Method" - October 2, 2011

This course will introduce the use of new kinesthetic tools designed specifically to heighten sensory motor learning. The SMARTROLLER®, LINKS and SMART SITS products were developed to help guide attention to improve sensitivity to movement while finding better skeletal support. Using movement based puzzles to create novel learning conditions with these SMART learning toys, we will explore ways to improve while you move.

For a complete course description please click on the "More" link. 

August 2011 - The Power of Awareness

Stacy Barrows wrote an article for PT Products called "The Power of Awareness" and it was published in the August 2011 issue. 

July 2011 - Minneapolis - St. Paul is Healthiest Metro Area!

For the first time, Minneapolis-St. Paul is the healthies, fittest metropolitan area in the United States, according to the ACSM's annaul American Fitness Index (AFI).

Save 15% on registration for IDEA World on August 11 - 14, 2011.

Here is a discount to attend the IDEA World Fitness Convention (full registration only and cannot be used on prior registrations).  Use coupon code EXHIBITOR11 during checkout to receive this discount.

For more information about the conference go to www.ideafit.com

Norma Shectman presenting at IDEA World Fitness Conference on Friday, August 12th.

Session #234 - called "Total Massage and Relaxation".

For more information about the conference go to www.ideafit.com

Justin Price presenting at IDEA World Fitness Conference on Friday, August 12th.

Session #175 - called "Is Your Client in Pain? What Do You Do Now?"

For more information about the conference go to www.ideafit.com

Sue Hitzmann presenting at IDEA World Fitness Conference on Thursday August 11, 2011 - spots still available!

Over the past decade research has increased our understanding of muscle function and the role of connective tissue regarding joint integrity and postural longevity, leading to the development of new evidence-based approaches.  Click on the "more" link for entire course description.

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OPTP exhibiting at IDEA World Fitness Conference in Los Angeles, CA.  August 12 - 14, 2011

Visit us at booth #1208!  The EXPO Hall will be open Friday 12:00 - 7:30pm; Saturday 12:00 - 5:00pm; Sunday 11:00am - 3:00pm.

SMARTROLLER® in the news!

June 2011

Sue Rubin test drives the SMARTROLLER®.  "I feel super focused and balanced with the Smartroller." Sue Rubin is a spokesperson for autism as well as writer and star of the Academy Award® nominated documentary "Autism is a World". At 33 she has had Feldenkrias lessons twice a month for the last decade. Congrats to Stacy Barrows for creating a great Feldenkrias-inspired tool to move us in many new ways.

OPTP exhibiting at NATA conference in New Orleans June 20 - 23, 2011.

OPTP will be at booth #644 ~ make sure to stop by and check out the latest books and products that made it into our newly published Volume 26 catalog.

David Butler to visit OPTP's booth at the APTA conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

David Butler will be at the OPTP booth (#606) on June 9th, from 1:30 - 2:30PM. David offers the latest evidence-based information on pain management and it's underlying causes in several popular publications including Explain Pain and The Sensitive Nervous System.

OPTP is committed to the profession of physical therapy by supporting the CPTA.

May 17, 2011

OPTP became a business partner of the CPTA ~ California Physical Therapy Association. For more information on the CPTA and the latest news click here.

OPTP to exhibit at the 7th Annual Polestar Pilates Conference

May 27 - 29, 2011

Polestar Pilates is hosting "Building for Life 2011" Pilates Conference in San Diego, California. Polestar's vision is to "impact the world through intelligent movement".  

Eric Franklin teaches in Canada!

May 28 - 29, 2011

The Franklin Method Workshops will be hosted by Vancouver Pilates Centre. The Franklin Method is a unique, scientific approach to physical and mental training that teaches the practical elements of body design, emphasizing imagery for maximum efficiency.  Eric Franklin will be teaching ~ Relax your Neck-Liberate Your Shoulders; The Dynamic Thorax; Pelvic Power; and The Psoas in his first Canadian visit.

MN APTA 2011 Spring Conference - this weekend!

Friday, April 15, 2011 - Sunday, April 17, 2011

We invite you to visit OPTP! We will be exhibiting Friday and Saturday and will have a variety of new books and products on display. For additional information please click on the "more" link.

OPTP is recognized for environmental efforts!

March 2011

By purchasing corrugated products made from 100% recycled paper in 2010, OPTP has saved 763 trees, ....

IAOM teaches 3-day course on the Foot and Ankle.

March 4 - 6, 2011 in St Paul, MN.

If you manage patients with foot and ankle pain, you cannot miss this interactive learning opportunity! After one three-day course, you will return to your practice retooled with critical knowledge. Click here for a course outline; click here for a course objective and the more button for registration information.

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ECA is celebrating its 20th year! Join us at their New York event, March 10 - 13th, for the latest in fitness programming. OPTP also works closely with presenters such as Sue Hitzmann and Christine Romani-Ruby. Stop by and say 'hi', we will be at booth #406!

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The Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) focuses on programming designed by all 18 of APTA's specialty sections. This spectacular event will bring together more than 7,500 physical therapy professionals from around the nation for 5 stimulating days of exceptional programming!

Visit OPTP at booth #906.

OPTP is proud to be a Bronze Spnsor of the 14th Annual Leadership Conference at St. Catherine University on January 27, 2011. 

Angela Kneale will be presenting her Desk Pilates workshop. For more information go to www.stkate.edu/leadership

Angela Kneale leads workshops at the Plymouth Creek Center on Wednesday, January 19th.

Angela Kneale is the author of Desk Pilates, PRO-ROLLER Pilates Essentials, PRO-ROLLERS Massage Essentials, Sanctband Pilates Essentials and Stretch Out Strap Pilates Essentials and has incorporated Pilates into her practice for more than 15 years. The first workshop called PRO-ROLLER Pilates is from 5:30 - 7:00pm and the second workshop called Desk Pilates is from 7:30 - 9:00pm. For more information or to register go to www.ci.plymouth.mn.us today!

Eric Franklin leads two workshops at The Marsh,

Minnetonka, Minnesota. Saturday, December 4

The Franklin™ Method teaches you how to make the most out of the mind-body continuum by helping you understand body design and function and teaching you how to use imagery, touch and movement to create effortless alignment and balance. We are delighted to welcome Eric Franklin, founder of the Franklin-Method Institute in Switzerland, to lead this set of workshops.

2010 Inner IDEA® Conference

The World’s Leading Wellness Event Palm Springs, CA — September 23-26, 2010.

This conference provides a unique experiential education weekend especially for Pilates, yoga, fitness professionals, wellness professionals and enthusiasts.

“Smart Solutions” With Stacy Barrows
October 24, 2010 - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Through the influence of the Feldenkrais Method®, this course will introduce the use of new kinesthetic tools designed to heighten sensory-motor learning.

Using movement-based puzzles with the SMARTROLLER®, we will explore ways to improve body awareness, balance and refine movement.
 

First Annual! Minneapolis Orthopedic Evening Series - Pain, Brain, Illusions & Delusions -August 2010

A valuable seminar for everyone who treats patients in pain!

Thursday, August 26, 6:00-9:00 p.m., St. Catherine University - Mpls Campus

Please join us for an informative seminar presented by Dr. Lorimer Moseley, PT, PhD as he delves into the complexities of the role of the brain in pain. 

 2010 McKenzie Conference of the Americas - August 2010

We invite you to visit OPTP at the McKenzie conference!

The purpose of this conference is to present, discuss and analyze the current evidence regarding musculoskeletal management of the spine and extremities.

The Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education offering a free course using the SMARTROLLER - July 26, 2010

Experience the Feldenkrais Method to understand what this new "movement" is all about.  This course is open to the public and will be presented by Stacy Barrows, PT.

 OPTP to exhibit at the IDEA World Convention!

OPTP will be at booth #218 at the IDEA World Fitness Meeting in Los Angeles from August 4th - 8th.  This annual meeting is in its 28th year!

 OPTP to exhibit at the NATA Annual Meeting!

Stop by booth #1230 and visit us in June for the National Athletic Trainers' Association meeting at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia. We hope to see you there!

 OPTP to exhibit at the APTA National Conference!

Stop by booth # 1001 and visit us in June at the national event for physical therapists at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Over 2500 physical therapists are expected to attend!

 OPTP is recognized for environmental efforts

April 2010

By purchasing corrugated products made from 100% recycled paper in 2009, OPTP has saved approximately...

MELT Method mentioned in article

April 2010

"...even among the gym crowd, most people don't know that much about the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds our muscles. And they know even less about how to manipulate it to improve..."

Feldenkrais® Course using the SMARTROLLER®

Feldenkaris® for Fitness: Train the Brain

The California Education Connection will be hosting Feldenkrais® for Fitness: Train the Brain by Stacy Barrows, PT in Los Angeles, CA on March 6, 2010.

Method Man by Robin Westen - Pilates Style

 January 2010

"Eric Franklin pioneered a system that merges mind and body to overcome stumbling blocks and achieve excellence - in your pilates practice and in your life".....

The Feldenkrais Fix by Andrew Heffernan, CSCS

November 2009

Athletes and people with injuries are (finally) discovering the Feldenkrais Method: a gentle rehabilitation system that teaches the body to move as it should. 

Stacy Barrows, PT was interviewed in article.

Understanding and Influencing Muscles: Practical Course to include Vladimir Janda's Appraoch to Assessment & Management

Dec 4th - 6th, 2009

This Intermediate Level Course at Behrakis Health Science Northeastern University will be presented by Joanne Bullock-Saxton.

 More >  (brochure)

More >  (application)

New! SpiderTech Level 1 Certification Training

November 2009

The SpiderTech Basic Theory and Application Course is a full, one day training and certification program intended to develop a further understanding of specialized taping applicaitons.

New! Robin McKenzie's Treat Your Own Shoulder

Available November 2009

This book demonstrates techniques on how to apply treatment to yourself whenever pain arises and offers tips which help prevent or reduce the onset of pain.

Thera-Band FlexBar article in NY Times

August 2009

Phys Ed: An Easy Fix for Tennis Elbow

"Tennis isn't the only predisposing activity, either. Golfers get tennis elbow, as do plumbers, painters, gardeners and accountants."

OPTP article in Training & Conditioning

September 2009

A New and Effective Way to Tape Your Athletes

"SpiderTech is a new line of pre-cut therapeutic kinesiology tape developed to facilitate a functional medicine approach to pain..."

OPTP article in Personal Fitness Professional

August 2009

To learn the latest Pilates exercises using the Stretch Out Strap click here.

For more information on this topic, Angela Kneale, OTR, has authored the book Stretch Out Strap Pilates Essentials!

 Posture's Newest Ally - SpiderTech Tape Case Study in Training & Conditioning

July 2009

This case study focuses on how Postural SpiderTech Tape can help improve shoulder pain through scapular positioning.

OPTP is now on Facebook!

July 2009

Visit our new Facebook page to keep up on the latest OPTP products and promotions!

Back Vitalizer article in Advance for Directors in Rehabilitation

May 2009

This article by Daniel J. O'Connor, PT, discusses the benefits that come from using the Back Vitalizer and how it can be used to help patients.

OPTP & Caroline Creager, PT featured in Training & Conditioning

September 2008

This case study focuses on how Caroline Creager, PT helped two boys who lost both of their legs recover and move forward. The article features the products and exercises Caroline uses during their Physical Therapy sessions.

OPTP article in Personal Fitness Professional 

September 2008

To learn about Pilates exercises using the OPTP Pro-Roller click here.

For more information on this topic, Angela Kneale, OTR, has authored the book Pro-Roller Pilates Essentials with over 30 exercises!

McKenzie Method article in BioMechanics Desk Reference 2009

An article by Jordana Bieze Foster says, "In this method, patients with chronic low back pain are classified into one of four subgroups, three of which are likely to respond to physical therapy."

Roll Away Aches: A foam roller is cheap, soothes aches and pains, and strengthens muscles as seen in Prevention magazine.

When you were younger, climbing stairs and reaching the top shelf felt effortless. But as you age, you lose elasticity in your joints and connective tissue--and suddenly, you can end up paying for even those simple tasks. Research shows that a massage can reduce stiffness and soreness by more than 40%. But we found an even better (and cheaper!) way to banish aches: a foam roller.

The following routine, designed by Michelle Schwahn, a physical therapist and personal trainer based in Minnesota, relieves muscle tension and pain in just 10 minutes. Click the "more" button to read entire article...

"Supporting Role" by Diane Lee

Supporting Role: OPTP's sacroiliac belt facilitates core muscle retraining. This article in Advance for Rehab by Diane Lee talks about her Com-pressor SI belt and the function it plays in low back or pelvic girdle pain. To read the entire article click the "more" button. Or to see more products and books by Diane Lee click here.

"Core Strengthening helps low back therapy" article in BioMechanics Desk Reference 2008

Physiatrists and physical therapists increasingly agree that core strengthening lies at the heart of therapeutic approaches to low back pain and rehabilitation. Most also concur that this is only a first step.

Rehab & Exercise Equipment article in Chiropractic Products

In the March issue of Chiropractic Products - OPTP's Kelly May explains how rehabilitation and exercise equipment can help chiropractic patients. To read the article click the "more" button.

OPTP is a proud nominee for best supplier of specialized equipment in this year's Nova7 Awards!

Fitness Management Magazine has recognized OPTP as a leader in specialized equipment for fitness and rehabilitation. Please click the "more" button to cast your vote for OPTP under the "Specialized Equipment" section!

UE Ranger in BioMechancis article - Desk Reference 2007

An article by Cary Groner says, "...injured shoulders can be surprisingly difficult to heal." And he goes on to say, "Fortunately, physical therapists and other clinicians are developing new tools and approaches to address these problems."

To read the entire article and learn more about the UE Ranger click the"more" button.



 

OPTP article in Personal Fitness Professional

May 2007

OPTP featured in the May issue. Learn about core training using the Soft Gym Overball. (This PDF will take a few seconds to load - please be patient) For more information on this topic, Caroline Creager has authored the book "The Intrinsic Core: Using the soft gym overball" with over 40 exercises!




 

OPTP guru Caroline Creager helps rehab 2 high school teenagers after car accident

April 2007

Rocky Mountain News features an article about the recovery journey for these two boys who lost both of their legs and shows the products and exercises Caroline uses during the Physical Therapy sessions. Click on "audio slide show" in the related links box to see more.