February 21, 2010, by Erik Moen

Bend Oregon

Fun at Mt Bachelor

We had the good fortune of spending some time in Bend, Oregon last week during our childrens’ mid-winter break. Bend is awesome, hard to come back to work We had some great skiing and started making in-roads in discovering a vast network of mountain bike trails. This was our first skiing of the year (sadly). It reminded me of the importance of specific conditioning for a chosen activity if you plan to go all day. Proper conditioning/preparation for any sport will help decrease the risk of injury (acute and overuse), especially skiing.

Can’t wait to go back!

February 11, 2010, by Erik Moen

Olympics/Paralympics Are Coming!

2010 seemed an eternity away. Here we are, Opening Ceremonies for the Vancouver Winter Olympics are tomorrow.

Word had it that the alpine practice sessions were cancelled yesterday due to conditions reminiscent of a typical Snoqualmie Pass day…..aka……sloppy, wet snow.
The winter Paralympics will start the week after the conclusion of the Olympics.
Both events will be spectacular in spite of weather challenges.

Amazing Awaits!

www.TeamUSA.org
www.USParalympics.org

February 05, 2010, by Erik Moen

Physical Therapy Legislative Day in Olympia

Self portrait

Over 750 Physical Therapy professionals attended our Association’s ( www.PTWA.org ) Legislative Day. We are supporting a House Bill (HB) and a Senate Bill (SB) that would remove the ban on Physical Therapists performing spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation is an effective treatment modality for sub-acute lowback and neck pain as demonstrated by many research papers (mostly authored by PTs). Washington state is one of only two states in the United States that does not allow Physical Therapists to perform spinal manipulation. The other state of distinction is Arkansas.
Physical Therapists are taught spinal manipulation techniques in our Washington PT schools (UW, EWU, and UPS) yet we are unable to perform them in our Washington state practice. The prime sponsor of our SB 5230 is Darlene Fairley. She is my district Senator. HB 1918 is also supported by a legislator of mine, Ruth Kagi.
My district (32nd) is well represented by Senator Fairley, Rep Kagi and Rep Chase. They do great work for us!

February 02, 2010, by Erik Moen

1 Month and Counting!

The first month of 2010 flew by quickly! It has also been one month since the onset of our weekly Tuesday-noon bicycle rides at Corpore Sano. Last week we had a record number of 7 participants! Three of us enjoyed the 50 degrees of sunshine today. We rode out to Woodinville and climbed up Hollywood hill. We also got to enjoy the new “Euro” round-abouts that Woodinville is putting in on Woodinville-Redmond Road. One month of weekly rides has made a significant difference for me with regards to tolerated speed on the flats, climbs, and metabolic management (meaning, I don’t “bonk” after 45 minutes of riding).

Please come join me on the Tuesday rides from Corpore Sano in Kenmore at noon! I have not had a full-on rainy day yet (hope this doesn’t jinx it!). We typically ride for about 1 hour.