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While I (Riley) am working with a stretching client, my mind often starts to wander. I create a dark, quiet environment to help my client relax and release tension, and that environment also allows me quiet time in an otherwise busy day. However, I usually...

Agape Community, This week we are focusing on hydration! The human body is composed of 60% water which is why staying hydrated is so important. Hydration is the process of causing something to absorb water. Water is a daily necessity for our bodies. It provides a...

Agape Community, As our facility, the gentleGYM has recently reopened, we can’t wait to see you again. We are taking social distancing and sanitary precautions to keep the safety of our members and patients first. We want all of you to feel comfortable joining us again....

Much will be required from one who is given much; if someone is entrusted with much, even more will be expected in return. -Luke 12:48 "Your amygdala didn't make you do it. Wait, do what? You are not your brain structures. Your amygdala-or any...

The average New Year’s Resolution lasts 10 days. That’s right, research has shown that most people ditch their resolutions by January 12th. However, we have all heard that it takes 21 days to form a habit, and those are the floss-every-night kind of habits. The simple,...

Pain is a normal, even necessary, human experience but living with chronic pain is not normal. Chronic pain is increasing  because we focus on the tissues and muscles when we should really be focusing on the root of the pain: sensitivity in the nervous system....

Agape Therapy’s new location, gentleGym, is introducing aquatic therapy to the Cedar Valley. What is Aquatic therapy?Aquatic therapy is an evidence-based and skilled practice of the physical therapy that takes place in an aquatic environment. A licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant oversees and maintains...

When I say the word “core” what do you think about? Maybe a toned midsection or a guy with 6-pack abs. Although these may describe parts of the core, it does not exactly get to the heart of the matter. Your trueCore, as Agape names it, alludes to...

Myofascial Decompression (MFD) is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that has been around for thousands of years and has recently re-gained popularity. Many viewers of the Olympics may recall seeing round bruises or red marks on athletes and wondering what they were from? Myofascial Decompression...

Importance of Diaphragmatic Breathing What is diaphragmatic breathing? Diaphragmatic breathing is essentially deep breathing (belly breathing), using your diaphragm muscle. When you use your diaphragm muscle to breathe, it is the most efficient way of breathing and requires less work from your body than upper chest breathing. Why...

In today’s high-tech society, many of us spend time on a computer, sometimes for hours at a time! Working on a computer may cause some issues, including wrist injuries. Here are some tips to help prevent injuring your wrists while working on a computer:     BE...

Fitness 101 is a total of 8 classes. Focused, individual topics are introduced for the first four classes and then cyclically repeated to address corrections, modifications, and questions. Small group with individual attention to answer all of your questions!   Class 1: Start Smart Class 2: Core and...

What is it? Aquatic therapy is performed by licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who will provide each patient's treatments in a safe aquatic environment with the end goal of transitioning the individual back to their land-based functional activities. Benefits? In water, the pull of...

At Agape Therapy, we offer a six session series that teaches individuals how to engage their trueCore. The principle idea behind this class is to teach you how to initiate your stabilizers. These are your deep intrinsic muscles that also initiate stabilization of your spine....

Whether you’re a beginner or a long time runner, you can be a part of Agape's running clinic. You will learn helpful information about your running movement, posture and habits. This is a 3 part - 90 minute session clinic.   First part: education on form,...

What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body; this is process helps to treat a variety of mental, physical and emotional conditions.  It is a component of traditional Chinese medicine and is now widely...

Like a well-oiled machine, you require some sort of fuel to run. While there are different fuels for different vehicles, such as diesel, E85 and so on, there are different kinds of fuels that may work for your body. Whether your goal is to manage...

Types of Headaches Causes of Headaches Sinus: generally caused by infection and/or inflammation of nasal passages. Tension: generally caused by muscle contractions in the head and neck. Foods, activities and stressors can cause these headaches. Migraine: generally triggered by hormones, food, drink, stress and...

Welcome to a post that can offer an opportunity for you to take action and feel better!  My name is Luke, and I am a Functional Movement Specialist and Wellness Specialist at Agape Therapy. My goal with this series is to empower you and assist you...

This April Agape will be holding a 6 session class called Strong and Balanced. This class is meant to build strength and challenge your balance. We want you to build confidence for your every day movement. If you have questions email spaustian@agapetherapy.com.  Also you will receive...

Theory #1: Reflexology works with the central nervous system. This theory builds on research done in the 1890s by Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington, who began to show through their research that a neurological relationship exists between the skin and the internal organs, and...

With all the pounding that running can be on your joints it's nice to have alternatives.  Not everyone likes the pool.  Some people don't realize ways to cross train.  There is the high end, and pricey Anti Gravity Treadmill.  Realistically, a new option is available....

Keep it in Neutral What does good posture look like? Many people believe that good posture means shoulders back, way back, and keeping the trunk erect. This military stance (Picture 1) is seen as the end goal for improving posture however it is actually incorrect. Good...

One of the many services Agape Therapy offers at their clinics is dry needling. The dry needling technique involves using a thin filiform needle much like that used in acupuncture. Dry needling and acupuncture are different. Acupuncture addresses the meridian system and dry needling addresses...

The running clinic at Agape, “Running Wild”, is a great approach for both new and returning runners. The staff works with individuals to determine the alignment of their foot strikes and this in turn decides what type of shoe is best for them. If you...

All Flared Up! A Blog About Arthritis   Arthritis is a general term for joint inflammation and is a prevalent issue to my patients. As an Occupational Therapist who specializes in hands, I have many tools to help people learn how to manage their arthritis. 53 million people...

[caption id="attachment_8336" align="alignnone" width="300"] Vestibular Issues[/caption] I was seeing a patient after he had a rotator cuff repair.  He had to wear a sling so he slept on the same side night after night for several weeks.  One day in the clinic, he was laying on...

Deb Iehl, Owner and Physical Therapist at Agape Therapy has been working hard on this concept of Fructose Intolerance because she has been struggling with it. In learning more about she has felt it important to educate people on how to have perspective when reading...

Sometimes we just don't know if we should get Physical Therapy.  Physical Therapists are movement specialists, like your car your body needs maintenance so you can only benefit from some assessment!...

Our mission is to keep people as our priority. As a local business we want to stay connected to the community so we can help you get connected.  You are multi dimensional. There is no one like you. It's important to advocate for yourself. It's...

There is a difference between how "pop culture" names your core and trueCore, as Agape calls it, is.  TrueCore is the stabilization system in your spine that allows the most efficiency to translate throughout your body.  Your pelvic floor muscles, multifid (deep layer muscles between each...

I was seeing a patient after he had a rotator cuff repair.  He had to wear a sling so he slept on the same side night after night for several weeks.  One day in the clinic, he was laying on his side, facing the wall,...

We go go go. We talk about how we go go go. Or maybe we don't talk about anything and we just go go go. As humans, as leaders the expectation from every angle can be too much sometimes. A little break, some levity, and...

 Tennis balls are a wonderful and effective tool to improve flexibility and reduce pain.  Plus you probably can find one around a tennis court for free, that someone left because they didn't feel like walking around the fence!! Here's how: 1)  Get a tennis ball (or similar...

When we eat foods that are partially processed (ie. processed foods) your body can't recognize their make up very well.   This leads to a variety of poor circumstances.  One to think about is a mucous or mucous-like substance forms around the particles and because...

  Plantar Fasciitis is a bugger. Plain and simple. If you have it, you know what I'm talking about. Although not a serious medical condition in most cases, it can be very painful and hard to get rid of. I'd like to offer up some ways...

Neurotransmitters & Nutrition They say “You are what you eat”.  That statement has a lot of truth behind it.  Neurotransmitters are messenger molecules produced by the body to communicate and control almost every bodily function.  Many are made from the nutrients in our diet.  Amino acids...

Curcumin (Tumeric) is a food and supplement that boasts several healthy effects. Its benefits include: Supporting health joint function Promoting skin health Improving digestion Maintaining cholesterol levels Promoting healthy blood and liver functions Curcumin’s antioxidants: Support memory function Promote heart health Support the immune system Protect cells from free radical damage Support body against stress Consider adding Curcumin...

In 1995, a study by Sher (not the entertainer!) using MRI’s showed that 34% of all the individuals (and 54% over age 60) in the study demonstrated rotator cuff tear(s). 11 years later, a study by Yamaguchi, using diagnostic ultrasounds, found that number to be...