News Archives - KCP Physical Therapy | Charlotte NC Physical Therapy

KCP Physical Therapy Technician Riley Gase Accepted to PT School at Campbell University

Lisa Sperow — Thu, 15 May 2025 14:10:36 +0000

KCP Physical Therapy is thrilled to announce that Riley Gaase, PT tech, has been accepted to PT school!

Riley recently graduated from UNC Charlotte with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Biology. She has been accepted to Campbell University where she will pursue her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Riley has been a favorite of KCP clients for several years, always bringing energy and warmth to the office. At Campbell, she will join a program whose mission is “to graduate doctors of physical therapy who deliver compassionate, patient-centered care from a service-oriented, Christian guided view, with a special emphasis on rural healthcare environments.” We are so proud of Riley’s accomplishment and know that she will be successful at Campbell and in her future work as a physical therapist.

Riley will begin her studies at Campbell in June 2025 with a targeted graduation date of December 2027.

Please join us in wishing Riley all the best!

The post KCP Physical Therapy Technician Riley Gase Accepted to PT School at Campbell University appeared first on KCP Physical Therapy | Charlotte NC Physical Therapy.

Ashley Williams, DPT Joins KCP Physical Therapy

Lisa Sperow — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:41:19 +0000

KCP Physical Therapy is thrilled to announce that Ashley Williams, DPT is joining our staff as a full-time physical therapist.

Ashley recently completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Elon University. Prior to that, she received her undergraduate degree from University of North Carolina at Charlotte in Exercise Science, with a focus in Strength and Conditioning.

While attending Elon, Ashley developed a passion for Women’s Health and sought additional training from the Herman and Wallace Institute of Pelvic Rehabilitation. She also completed a 16-week internship with a clinical focus on pelvic floor dysfunction.

At KCP, Ashley will offer general orthopedic physical therapy, manual PT, and pelvic floor physical therapy. Orthopedic disorders that she will treat include low back pain, sacroiliac pain, and joint pain and dysfunction. Pelvic floor patients suffering from incontinence, prolapse, painful intercourse, general pelvic pain, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, constipation, and chronic pain are invited to request an appointment with Ashley. Other areas of specialty include sexual health and wellness, pregnancy and postpartum care, and post-operative abdominal surgery care.

The KCP staff now includes three physical therapists (Ashley joins Joy Pfuhl and Joyce Kight), an exercise specialist (Karina Buechner), and a dedicated staff of technicians and support personnel. Our office is located in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte and provides physical therapy, dry needling, and fitness classes to our clients.

Many KCP patients remember Ashley from her early days here as an intern. During college, she interned at KCP which helped provide a vision for her future as a physical therapist. Not only was she clear on the type of career that she wanted, but she also says that the “patient-centered care” she saw on display at KCP helped to define the type of practice she wanted to join. Seeing her complete her journey of PT education and return to us with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy has been immensely exciting and rewarding.

Welcome (Back!) to KCP, Ashley!

The post Ashley Williams, DPT Joins KCP Physical Therapy appeared first on KCP Physical Therapy | Charlotte NC Physical Therapy.

Elon University / HOPE Clinic Names Ashley Williams PT of the Month

Lisa Sperow — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 19:38:47 +0000

The Health Outreach Program of Elon (HOPE Clinic) has named former KCP Physical Therapy intern and current Elon University student Ashley Williams as PT of the Month.

The HOPE Clinic is a student-run pro bono clinic that is managed and operated by Elon Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Physical therapy services are provided free of charge to those who are uninsured or under-insured in Alamance County and the surrounding areas.

Elon DPT students treat individuals with various musculoskeletal and neurological impairments under the supervision of volunteer licensed clinicians from the faculty and from the community.

Ashley was nominated due to her “dedication to her patients through her client-centered care and her willingness to always support the clinic’s needs.”

Of the experience, Ashley says, “HOPE Clinic is a wonderful opportunity to build a relationship with the local community. I’ve learned how to be a better clinician and the importance of giving back.”

Ashley is in her final year of her three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Elon. She intends to join the staff at KCP after her graduation in December 2024.

The post Elon University / HOPE Clinic Names Ashley Williams PT of the Month appeared first on KCP Physical Therapy | Charlotte NC Physical Therapy.

Stress and the Body

kcpadminuser — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 16:57:15 +0000

The past few weeks have been a painfully stressful time for American citizens. Acute and chronic stress have shown to drastically decrease our overall health and ability to recover. Stress causes our muscles to tense, heart to race, and sympathetic system to work in overdrive. Though the news may cause us to stress and worry, it’s important to remember the influence it holds over our personal health and recovery.

Chronic stress has shown to increase risk of depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, upper respiratory infections, poor wound healing and now the common cold.¹ Stress increases blockage of a hormone called Glucocorticoid. This hormone is responsible for regulating inflammatory response. If the body cannot receive a glucocorticoid response, the body will fail to down-regulate inflammation. Inflammation in the body will result in dysfunction of natural feedback mechanisms. This will increase our susceptibility to diseases and infections.

In Physical Therapy, stress is often assessed when developing a treatment plan. Stress hormones cause the muscle proteins to break apart, thereby decreasing overall muscle strength.²The oxidative damage within a muscle will result in decreased quality and function.² When a client is shown to undergo stress in a work or home environment, a physical therapist teaches them how to recognize those signs and symptoms. The next step is how to combat them. When the stressor is removed, studies show that it will lessen feelings of anxiety and depression, improve overall well-being, increase sensory-motor performance, and enhance hand grip endurance.²

If you fear that stress may be affecting your treatment, try these simple relaxation techniques.

Talk with a trusted family member or friend
Practice meditation and relaxation
Allow yourself to expel worries through different forms of exercise
Experiment with journaling
Watch your favorite funny movies or T.V. shows

1. Cohen, Sheldon, et al. “Chronic Stress, Glucocorticoid Receptor Resistance, Inflammation, and Disease Risk.” PNAS, National Academy of Sciences, 17 Apr. 2012, www.pnas.org/content/109/16/5995.

2. Poornima, K N, et al. “Study of the Effect of Stress on Skeletal Muscle Function in Geriatrics.” Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR, JCDR Research and Publications (P) Limited, Jan. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3939594/#b14.

The post Stress and the Body appeared first on KCP Physical Therapy | Charlotte NC Physical Therapy.

Charity Drive with Safe Alliance

kcpadminuser — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 19:47:31 +0000

KCP is teaming up again with Safe Alliance to provide supplies to domestic violence victims. If you are interested in donating supplies you can physically drop these items listed during business hours.

Personal hygiene (full size only):
-Body lotion
-Deodorant (women’s and men’s)
-Feminine hygiene products (all sizes)
-Body wash/ soap
-Ethnic hair products
-Shampoo/ Conditioner
-Toothbrush/ Toothpaste
-Shaving cream

Baby Needs:
-Diapers (sizes 5 & 6)
-Baby wipes
-Formula
-New/ gently used pack ‘n’ plays
-shampoo/lotion

Cleaning Supplies:
-Laundry detergent (liquid and pods)
-Trash bags (13-30 gallon)
-All-purpose cleaner (bathroom and kitchen)

Linens and Towels:
-New twin-size sheet sets
-Comforters
-Blankets
-New towels and washcloths

Gift Cards:
-Walmart gift cards ($10 and up)

Trying to practice social distancing but still want to help? Not a problem! If you want to purchase and donate supplies online directly to Safe Alliance visit these links:

Amazon Wish List-
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/2RGSDUBU7TGPQ/ref=smi_ge_rl_rd_gw?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=smi_se_cl_rd_ge

Share Charlotte Collection-
https://sharecharlotte.org/nonprofit/safe-alliance

If you have any questions you can email tenille,banner@safealliance.org or call KCP at 704.541.1191

The post Charity Drive with Safe Alliance appeared first on KCP Physical Therapy | Charlotte NC Physical Therapy.

How to Stop Touching Your Face!

kcpadminuser — Tue, 05 May 2020 18:48:57 +0000

By Ashley Williams

KCP Physical Therapy Technician

The World Health Organization recommends the best way to avoid spreading a virus is to consistently wash your hands, cover any coughs or sneezes, remain distant to avoid spreading respiratory droplets, and avoid touching your face! Touching your face allows germs and viruses to enter through a warm, moist, porous tissue and initiate infection. We often get infected by first touching a surface contaminated by an already infected person, then touching a mucous-lined membrane such as your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Touching your face is often a subconscious behavior and can be a difficult habit to break. That’s why KCP has decided to provide tips and tricks to help everyone avoid touching their face!

Count how often you touch your face: Studies show that if you are consciously aware of how often you are touching your face, you will statistically touch your face less than you would subconsciously.
Identify face-touching triggers: What part of your face do you touch the most? Are you picking at dead skin? Smoothing your eyebrows? Most face-touching habits are the result of triggers such as brushing the hair out of your face, popping a pimple, biting your nails, or scratching an itch on your nose.
Re-train behaviors: When you have an urge to touch a part of your face, try touching something else instead. If we redirect our urge to touch our face, our body will start to pick up on these re-trainable behaviors.
Sit on your hands: It sounds silly but, if you truly find yourself struggling to avoid touching your face, try sitting your hands. This sends a signal to your mind it is impossible to touch your face. This method is especially helpful for those who find themselves resting their chin on the palm of their hands.
In unavoidable situations, be sure to wash your hands!: In situations like brushing your teeth, flossing, or putting on makeup make the conscious effort to properly wash your hands before touching your face.

Taking these extra precautions could be the reason you avoid contracting or spreading a disease. For more information on how to stay healthy during this pandemic, consider reviewing some of our previous blogs!

The post How to Stop Touching Your Face! appeared first on KCP Physical Therapy | Charlotte NC Physical Therapy.

On Site and Virtual Physical Therapy

kcpadminuser — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:27:08 +0000

3/17/20

KCP Physical Therapy and Fitness will remain open during this time. Recently, the federal government mandated that groups should not exceed 10 individuals. KCP has always been a boutique style facility, to avoid crowded appointment times, we are taking extra measures to avoid a crowded facility and any increased risk for needed appointments.

Physical Appointments: KCP will remain open for individuals who need physical correction, deep tissue work, and/or wish to visit a physical therapist in person. To assure that these visits are safe, we have implemented extra precautions such as:
– Additional deep cleaning efforts
– Hand washing between patients, and upon entering facility (this pertains to guests as well)
– Own electrode pads
– Limiting number of people within the facility
– Encouraging sick employees and clients to remain home

We want to help assure all of our clients that KCP is doing everything possible for your safety and health.

Virtual Appointments: In lieu of recent events, KCP has added virtual appointments for clients who do not need physical correction or deep tissue work. This appointment is best suited for clients who are wanting to learn what might be causing their pain and discomfort, physical exercises/stretches they can start properly performing at home, and the progress of their recovery.

If you are interested in setting up a virtual appointment with either Joy or Joyce, please give us a call at 704-541-1191.

Pain and discomfort do not stop during a pandemic. If you feel you need help, please consider giving us a call!

The post On Site and Virtual Physical Therapy appeared first on KCP Physical Therapy | Charlotte NC Physical Therapy.

Virtual Personal Training

kcpadminuser — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:19:01 +0000

Physical fitness is important for strengthening your immune system, managing stress and anxiety and supporting your emotional well being. Please call for an appointment. 704-541- 1191

3/30/20

COVID-19 UPDATE:

KCP is no longer offering personal training on-site. We are offering classes through ZOOM Monday-Saturday morning, midday, and evenings. Our physical therapists are ideal trainers to help you meet your fitness goals. To learn more about the benefits of physical therapists as trainers click here.

If you are already a client at KCP reach out, and we will provide the best class options for your fitness goals. If you are a new client to KCP you are eligible for a free consultation. The consultation will allow us to determine:

What personal training class fits your needs best.
How we can work safely with any injuries you have.
Insure you are meeting your fitness goals in a safe workout.

KCP is here to allow you to meet your fitness goals and needs. Please call 704- 541-1191 or email jkight@kcpphysicaltherapy.com to schedule your consultation.

3/17/20

KCP Physical Therapy and Fitness will remain open while adhering to federal mandates of groups of 10 individuals or less. KCP has always been a boutique style facility and will continue to take extra measures to avoid crowds of 10 or more.

Personal Training and Fitness: KCP will continue to offer for on site personal training and fitness. To assure that these visits are safe, we have implemented extra precautions such as:
– Additional deep cleaning efforts
– Hand washing between training sessions and upon entering facility (this pertains to guests
as well)
– Use of Individual electrodes
– Limiting number of people within the facility and within each session
– Encouraging sick employees and clients to remain home
– No shared equipment during training sessions

We want to help assure our clients that KCP is taking all possible measure to ensure for your
safety and health.

Virtual Training: In lieu of recent events, KCP has moved towards offering virtual appointments for clients who have equipment and WIFI within their home. This is something Joy and Joyce have previously offered and are currently expanding. Virtual appointments are modified for the individual based on equipment and space available within their home.

If you are interested in setting up a virtual appointment with either Joy or Joyce, please give us a call at 704-541-1191.

KCP continues to closely monitor the CDC, NCDHHS, and WHO for guidance regarding the safety and well-being of our clientele and staff.

The post Virtual Personal Training appeared first on KCP Physical Therapy | Charlotte NC Physical Therapy.

Updates on COVID-19

kcpadminuser — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:10:22 +0000

(4/30/20)

By Ashley Williams

KCP Physical Therapy Technician

The North Carolina Governor has extended the Stay at Home Order until May 8^th. This means we will continue our protective care by limiting individuals inside the clinic and maintaining safety protocols. KCP will continue to wipe down “high-touch” surfaces along with standard cleaning procedures. We will also continue to require all participants to wear gloves and a face mask to protect not only our clientele but also our staff. The safety of our clientele and providers is our utmost priority.

As we adhere to stay-at-home regulations, KCP will continue to offer virtual physical therapy and fitness appointments. KCP will also have physical appointments for those individuals who require manual therapy and treatment. Our facility offers four private treatment rooms, along with a gym to maintain a six-foot distance between all clientele. We also retain no more than 10 individuals within the facility at any given time. These protective measures help to keep our facility free of COVID-19.

KCP keeps a close eye on COVID-19 updates provided by NCDHHS, APTA, and the CDC. We recommend you remain alert by following these reputable sources as well. For any questions regarding sanitation procedure, treatment protocol, or appointments please call KCP at 704-541-1191 or email us at reception@kcpphysicaltherapy.com

(3/17/20)

Our Message:

To Our Clients,

As many of you are currently aware, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been spreading rapidly around the United States. We understand the situation may be uncertain, but KCP would like to take a moment to reassure you of the measures we’ve implemented to ensure your safety and health as
we place a high priority on the health and safety of our patients.

We have always practiced universal precaution protocols in our office to prevent the spread of disease. However, we have already increased the frequency and rigor of cleaning common surfaces. Beginning, Monday March 16, we will also require all employees and clients wash their hands upon entering our facility. None of us can be certain of surfaces we may have touched inadvertently and KCP feels this is one more measure to best assure the cleanliness of our facility for the safety and wellbeing of our clients and their loved ones.

As always, KCP places the welfare of our clients at the forefront of every decision we make. We are closely monitoring the recommendations set forth the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and North Carolina of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). We will continue our high standards of cleanliness and patient care during this time.

The staff at KCP remains fully available for your rehabilitation and fitness needs. We pride ourselves on the individualized care and customized services we provide; doing this in a safe manner remains our primary goal.

Joyce Kight, PT. and Joy Pfuhl, PT.

The post Updates on COVID-19 appeared first on KCP Physical Therapy | Charlotte NC Physical Therapy.

Precautions for Coronavirus

kcpadminuser — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 19:10:25 +0000

It’s important to us at KCP that we share with our clients the best precautions and preparation for the Coronavirus. James Robb a former professor of pathology at the University of California San Diego, shared this information with an acquaintance of KCP. Please read these precautions and use them wisely:

Dear Colleagues, as some of you may recall, when I was a professor of pathology at the University of California San Diego, I was one of the first molecular virologists in the world to work on coronaviruses (the 1970s). I was the first to demonstrate the number of genes the virus contained. Since then, I have kept up with the coronavirus field and its multiple clinical transfers into the human population (e.g., SARS, MERS), from different animal sources.

The current projections for its expansion in the US are only probable, due to continued insufficient worldwide data, but it is most likely to be widespread in the US by mid to late March and April.

Here is what I have done and the precautions that I take and will take. These are the same precautions I currently use during our influenza seasons, except for the mask and gloves.:

1) NO HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.

2) Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc.. Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.

3) Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and post office/commercial doors.

4) Use disinfectant wipes at the stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery carts.

5) Wash your hands with soap for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.

6) Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home’s entrances. AND in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can’t immediately wash your hands.

7) If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!

What I have stocked in preparation for the pandemic spread to the US:

1) Latex or nitrile latex disposable gloves for use when going shopping, using the gasoline pump, and all other outside activity when you come in contact with contaminated areas.

Note: This virus is spread in large droplets by coughing and sneezing. This means that the air will not infect you! BUT all the surfaces where these droplets land are infectious for about a week on average – everything that is associated with infected people will be contaminated and potentially infectious. The virus is on surfaces and you will not be infected unless your unprotected face is directly coughed or sneezed upon. This virus only has cell receptors for lung cells (it only infects your lungs) The only way for the virus to infect you is through your nose or mouth via your hands or an infected cough or sneeze onto or into your nose or mouth.

2) Stock up now with disposable surgical masks and use them to prevent you from touching your nose and/or mouth (We touch our nose/mouth 90X/day without knowing it!). This is the only way this virus can infect you – it is lung-specific. The mask will not prevent the virus in a direct sneeze from getting into your nose or mouth – it is only to keep you from touching your nose or mouth.

3) Stock up now with hand sanitizers and latex/nitrile gloves (get the appropriate sizes for your family). The hand sanitizers must be alcohol-based and greater than 60% alcohol to be effective.

4) Stock up now with zinc lozenges. These lozenges have been proven to be effective in blocking coronavirus (and most other viruses) from multiplying in your throat and nasopharynx. Use as directed several times each day when you begin to feel ANY “cold-like” symptoms beginning. It is best to lie down and let the lozenge dissolve in the back of your throat and nasopharynx. Cold-Eeze lozenges is one brand available, but there are other brands available.

I, as many others do, hope that this pandemic will be reasonably contained, BUT I personally do not think it will be. Humans have never seen this snake-associated virus before and have no internal defense against it. Tremendous worldwide efforts are being made to understand the molecular and clinical virology of this virus. Unbelievable molecular knowledge about the genomics, structure, and virulence of this virus has already been achieved. BUT, there will be NO drugs or vaccines available this year to protect us or limit the infection within us. Only symptomatic support is available.

I hope these personal thoughts will be helpful during this potentially catastrophic pandemic. You are welcome to share this email. Good luck to all of us! Jim

James Robb, MD FCAP”

The post Precautions for Coronavirus appeared first on KCP Physical Therapy | Charlotte NC Physical Therapy.