Welcome

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Welcome to Health and Fitness 101, a blog for people who enjoy the Montana lifestyle.
The aim of our blog is to interpret, distill, and then deliver to you the threads that bind physical medicine with applicable health and fitness ideas and principles.
It's all about helping to connect the dots that foster optimal human function and, ultimately, superior performance. Feel better. Perform better.

Missoula Area Events

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Alternatives

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories sometimes seem like a lifesaver, but there is evidence that long term use has negative effects. In fact, overuse has been seen to increase arthritic changes in joints, reduce tissue healing in tendons, and is contraindicated when bone healing is vital as in spinal fusion surgery. Also, some people have sensitive responses [...]

Fitness for Fifty and Further

I know. I wondered too. Is it farther or further? Anyone who lives beyond 50 is certainly further down the road. And that’s why it’s vital that people in this category learn strategies to help them live longer and healthier. Thus the title!

October was National Physical Therapy Month. The theme delivered by the American [...]

Expert Physical Therapist’s Approach to Shoulder Pain

For most types of shoulder pain, there’s no reason to live with the pain. Expert physical therapists see and treat shoulder problems and expect results.

Learn the steps that master clinician Angela Listug-Vap of Alpine Physical Therapy takes to help people get their shoulder back on track quickly and successfully.

To schedule [...]

Facts About Cumulative Trauma Disorder

Doing the same activities over and over again can lead to pain and problems. Whether at work or play, knowing the facts about cumulative trauma disorder is key.

For people who spend hours at a computer, I offer the 20/20 rule. Your body needs a bit of rest and recovery. Doing [...]

New Court Sports Performance Program Offered by Physical Therapist Leah Versteegen

Join [...]

Quick & Easy Tips for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common problem affecting the hand and wrist. Symptoms begin when the median nerve gets squeezed inside the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Any condition that decreases the size of the carpal tunnel or enlarges the tissues inside the tunnel can produce the symptoms of CTS.

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Alpine Opens Newly Expanded North Location

What began as a dream three years ago, became a drawing six months ago. That drawing unfolded with our groundbreaking on August 15th, 2010. A mere four months later, we swung wide the doors of our brand new 4,300 square foot commercial building on Stockyard Road, just east of Carino’s.

Along [...]

Back Safety? No Kiddin’

Physical therapy is a “helping” profession. That was ever clearer to me today. I’d prepared 5 hours for today’s presentation. You see, it had to be done just right. Why? Because the 30 people from Missoula County Schools attending my seminar help the lives of a special population of people, special needs children.

Lifting stuff [...]

When to Stretch to Avoid Overuse Problems at Work

Stretching is not a panacea for what ails you. But it is a helpful way to avoid problems and for gaining a foothold on certain aspects of your health. As a physical therapist for 20 years, I’ve watched people improve their health and well-being with a proper stretching regimen. I’ve also seen people with [...]

Breaking: New Science for Knee Pain Yields Improved Results

Knee pain is a drain. Too often it keeps people from really getting out and doing the activities they enjoy. It hurts to hike, especially downhill. Even sitting and watching a movie can bring it on.

But that’s changing. When the pain is coming from problems with the knee cap, physical therapists are taking [...]