5 Unique Sources of Physical Activity in Sioux Falls

5 Unique Sources of Physical Activity in Sioux Falls

What good is exercise unless it’s fun? Sometimes heading down the street to the gym before work to lift some weights or cranking on that dusty treadmill in the basement just won’t do. It doesn’t hurt your commitment to fitness to keep things relatively interesting. Here is a list of 5 unique sources of physical activity in Sioux Falls.

It so happens Sioux Falls has a few unique ways to get your fill of physical activity – try these on for size.

Slide It Out

Winter is coming up fast. But if you just can’t break yourself of the outdoorsy tendencies in your exercise regimen, never fear – snow sports can be a great source of physical activity. Harvard Medical School estimates the average person can burn 223-266 calories from just 30 minutes of downhill skiing. (Cross-country skiing will do you one better – Men’s Fitness estimates 700-plus calories burned in an hour.)

Believe it or not, even sledding can be a great source of calorie burning – Everyday Health estimates a half hour of sledding burns about 240. (Plus that walk up and down the hill certainly doesn’t hurt.)

Balance It Out

At some point or another we’ve probably all tried our hand at yoga (and if not, you’ve probably at least done some yoga-like contorting of some kind to reach a high shelf or wrangle your children), but there are also plentiful ways to incorporate dancing into your balance- and flexibility-building. Dance such as ballet is a great way to build lean muscle and improve your posture. Best of all? You can do this at home – free up some space in the house and try out some of your moves.

Run It Out

Once that snow hits, it doesn’t mean your running regimen has to end. It just means it needs a few tweaks. Try out snow sprints and lunges on non-icy surfaces, such as grassy areas, once the snow falls. Water-resistant trainers or hiking shoes typically work best for this style of physical activity. Add running, jogging, jumping or even old-fashioned “playing in the snow” to get pumped up and burn some calories all winter long.

Swim It Out

The new Midco Aquatic Center is open, so if hitting the pool is more your speed, check out some of the brand-new opportunities to get fit in the water. There are several classes on the docket for the center, including 60-minute, high-intensity “Aqua Gym” classes and even water biking (the name alone should intrigue you). Keep posted on the latest offerings here.

Move It Out

Once the snow hits the ground, that’s no excuse to rest on your laurels. Sioux Falls offers chances to break a sweat even when the weather gets a little brisker. Keep an eye out for opportunities to go instructor-led snowshoeing. The Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation department has planned hikes near Tuthill Park in the coming months. There are also plenty of opportunities to make use of Sioux Falls’ many free ice rinks all winter long, if skating is more your speed.

(And if you need something a little more low-key and temperature-controlled, may we suggest a brisk mall-walking experience? The Western or Empire Malls in particular is home to some pretty devoted mall-walkers, an activity that can burn 120-200 calories per hour, depending on your intensity.)

Pro tip: For all you TV fans (a group that increases exponentially during the cold months), make commercial time an opportunity by skipping the fast forward button and doing some sit-ups or lunges during the break. And if binge-watching is more your thing, make a point of doing some plans or trips up and down the stairs between each episode.

5 Things Kids Learn from School Sports

5 Things Kids Learn From School Sports

Everyone knows that school sports are a great way for kids to develop physical skills, exercise, make new friends, have fun, and learn to be a team member. But there are other benefits you may not even be aware of.

Read on for the top 5 things your child can gain by participating in school sports.

Leadership Skills

As students advance through the ranks of the high school team, they learn valuable leadership skills. Senior athletes are expected to encourage younger team members and hold them accountable. They set an example and often provide advice and guidance both on and off the field. These leadership skills can serve your children well as they grow into adulthood.

Improved Academics

Some parents worry that participation in sports and other extracurriculars will detract from their child’s academic performance. In reality, the opposite has been proven to be true. Sports participation is associated with higher GPAs and lower drop-out rates than their non-athlete peers. Some studies have found that students who were active in sports like soccer or football (even skateboarding!) performed 10 percent better in core subjects.

Positive Mentors

High school athletics are filled with positive mentors, from the coaches and athletic trainers on the sidelines to the leaders on the team. Students are taught important lessons about hard work, respect and good sportsmanship. Early experiences with mentors like these help shape student athletes in positive ways for the rest of their lives.

Time Management

Practice and games do take up plenty of a student’s time, leaving less time for school work and other activities. Athletes must learn time management skills if they are to get everything finished. These time management skills can come in handy for college or full-time employment.

Build Healthy Habits That Will Last a Lifetime

Did you know that children who participate in sports are more likely to be active as adults? The benefits of consistent activity can include having stronger muscles and bones, decreasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, lowering blood pressure and a general better outlook on life.


School sports aren’t just enormously fun: they can teach your child lessons that can carry them successfully through life. If you’re looking for more support, Orthopedic Institute is proud to support high school athletes.

9 Questions with Aaron Olson & Paul Kreber

9 Questions with PTs Aaron Olson and Paul Kreber

This week, we’re meeting two of our premier physical therapists: Aaron Olson and Paul Kreber. Aaron and Paul are part of our strong PT team, both in-house at Orthopedic Institute, as well as off-site at the OI/D1 Sports Training Institute.

Read on to learn more about their favorite things about working at OI and what they would tell every patient before they walk in their office doors.

Paul Kreber, PT, MS, SCS, CAFS

  • Physical Therapist
  • Bachelor of Science, South Dakota State University
  • Master of Science, University of South Dakota, PT, MS,
  • Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) , One of Only Five in the State of South Dakota
  • Certification in Applied Functional Science (CAFS)

Aaron Olson, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, SFMA, FMSC

  • Physical Therapist
  • Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics (OCS)
  • Bachelor of Arts, Northwestern College
  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • Functional Movement Systems Certification (FMSC)
  • Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)

How did you decide to become a PT?

AO: I got my leg stuck in an auger the summer before my freshman year in high school. I tore it up pretty good and had to do physical therapy for the first time in my life. I had an awesome PT that I am still in touch with, and he got me ready to play basketball later that fall.

PK: Once I figured out in high school that I wasn’t going to become a professional athlete, I started looking into careers that would allow me to possibly work with an athletic population. I liked the idea of an active job and, in a way, to promote ways to improve the health and wellbeing of others. Physical therapy became a natural fit.

What led you to join the Orthopedic Institute team?

AO: I was looking for a place that really valued its patients. Several places seemed to only care about numbers, since they would schedule me with a patient every 15 minutes. Orthopedic Institute purposely allows me more one-on-one time with each of my patients, which I believe allows better outcomes for them. I was also looking for a place where I would be able to continue to use my athletic training background. By working with OI, I am able to help cover local, high-school events.

PK: More than seven years ago I had the opportunity to join Orthopedic Institute in a rather unusual circumstance. A good friend of mine suffered an injury and, while rehabbing at OI, found out that OI was looking to hire another physical therapist. He contacted me, which led to a phone call to Brad Pfeifle, VP of Sports Medicine. An unfortunate situation for my friend ended up being extremely beneficial to me.

What is your favorite part of your job?

AO: The best part of my job is seeing my patients get back to doing the things they love to do in life, whether it be playing sports, working out or just going for a walk without pain.

PK: There are several factors I enjoy, but by far the best is that my job allows me to meet so many different people within not only the immediate Sioux Falls region, but also across the state of South Dakota and beyond. Everyone has a unique story. It is very rewarding to be in a position where you are helping people of all ages and walks of life through challenging circumstances.

What do you feel are the strengths of Orthopedic Institute’s PT team?

AO: We are able to collaborate in order to best serve our patients. The collective knowledge that our team possesses is very extensive and includes a wide range of areas. If I can’t solve a problem, or have a question I can’t answer, I know one of my coworkers will be able to help me.

PK: I am also very fortunate to be surrounded by committed colleagues that want to do what is best for their clients. Several, including myself, have advanced certifications that demonstrate a commitment serving our client base. I have also found it incredibly beneficial to have such direct interactions with physicians. I have worked in a variety of settings throughout my career. Orthopedic Institute delivers, hands-down, the most comprehensive and complete type of medical care.

What is the best part about working with patients?

AO: The best part of working with patients is the same as my favorite part of working at OI. I love helping my patients improve and reach their goals.

PK: The best part of working with patients is assisting them through the recovery process. Whether it is a young athlete attempting to return to a school sport, or a senior citizen recuperating from a knee replacement, I get to hopefully experience the final product as clients return to prior function.

If you could tell every patient one thing before they came in, what would it be?

AO: I can’t fix you. My job is to empower you with the tools and education you need so that you are able to reach your goals and also maintain the gains that are made throughout your rehab process through your life.

PK: Trust the rehab process. Be patient. Perform your home program. Recovery, whether it is from an injury, accident, general wear and tear or surgery, takes time. The body needs time to heal, and everyone heals at a different rate. Try not to compare your situation to others’, as everyone’s circumstances will be different.

How do you spend your time when you’re not at Orthopedic Institute?

AO: Hunting, fishing, dog training, playing basketball, working out, reading and spending time with my wife, friends and family

What is your go-to movie theatre snack?

AO: Actually, I don’t remember the last time I got a snack at the movie other than a Coke – I’m kind of a health nut.

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

AO: I studied abroad in Ecuador when I was a senior in college.

PK: People may be surprised to learn that I taught high school chemistry and coached at Sioux Falls O’Gorman High School for five years prior to attending PT school at the University of South Dakota.

Lee Arnold, PA

9 Questions with Lee Arnold

We’re giving you a peek into what makes Orthopedic Institute (OI) tick by shedding some light on our best and brightest.

Today’s featured team member is Lee Arnold, one of our physician assistants (PAs). We’ll take a deep dive into what Lee is all about by asking burning questions about what brought him to OI, what he loves most about working with our awesome patients and, perhaps most importantly, what snack he hits up when he hits the cinema.

All right, Lee – tell us all about it!

1. What made you want to become a PA?

I was working for Honeywell as an electronic technician in their research development lab in Minneapolis. I ran into a friend from high school who was a PA at a major orthopedic group in the Twin Cities. We started talking about our jobs, and I was intrigued with his job duties and decided to change careers.

2. What’s the best part of your job?

It’s not a job – it’s fun! Every aspect of my job duties I find enjoyable, especially all of the patient contact.

3. What are the strengths of OI’s team?

We have a talented group of doctors who are supported by a group of hardworking individuals.

4. What’s the best part about working with the patients?

Getting to know them on a personal level.

5. If you could tell every patient one thing before they arrived, what would it be?

You’re going to get the best possible orthopedic care at OI.

6. How do you spend your time outside of OI?

I like to go boating, fishing and hunting or just hang around at home working in my garden and doing yard work.

7. What is your go-to movie theater snack?

The largest popcorn, soaked in butter, with a large Cherry Coke.

8. What’s your ideal birthday?

Time with family and a good meal.

9. If you could have dinner with one fictional character, who would it be?

On a Spanish galleon with Jack Sparrow


Lee is just one of the many great, highly qualified physician assistants we have on-hand at Orthopedic Institute – get to know what our team has to offer.

Brad Pfeifle

Get to Know Brad Pfeifle

It may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s about as close to fact as you can get – everyone at Orthopedic Institute loves Brad.

Ask almost any athlete in the region, and if they have had an injury, they have probably been to Brad Pfeifle at OI. Brad is a true ambassador of OI, serving as the Vice President of Sports Medicine and Rehab Services and leading more than 30 people in his departments.

So what makes this true OI staple special? Let’s dive in, shall we…

What’s makes Brad great?

Our very own orthopedic surgeon Peter Looby perhaps says it best:

“Brad is the best athletic trainer I’ve known in 40 years of being treated by and working closely with trainers, from high school to the NFL. No one individual is responsible for more internal referrals to OI than Brad. Sometimes I think he literally knows everyone in the state. If you walk through a crowd at a sporting event with Brad, it’s likely to take 40 minutes to travel 100 feet, because everyone stops to talk to him.”

What makes Brad a great trainer?

So Brad clearly makes a lasting impression – but how? Well, whether you are a weekend warrior, a high school athlete or someone who earns a living playing a sport, Brad will work you to your own 100 percent effort. And he’ll offer great advice along the way and have you feeling and performing like you never have before. (And the fact that he’s professional and personable certainly doesn’t hurt!)

One of Brad’s own trainees Mark Ovenden knows all this first-hand. He was playing racquetball on a Sunday with a good friend who happened to blow out his Achilles. He called Brad on a Sunday and, even though he had never met Mark’s friend, got him in a boot that night and in surgery Monday morning.

That’s what Brad does – he strives to make sure everyone else is in good shape.

But what about Brad outside of work?

Since it’s June and we recently celebrated Father’s Day, it’s only fitting we hit the job that Brad is most proud of – raising two daughters, Sophie and Olivia. Brad says it is hard to talk about his girls without tearing up – take it directly from him:

“Raising my girls has many similarities to working with athletes. Some days they need a kick in the pants, and some days they need a hug. They put up with me being gone a lot with my work and never complain about it. My wife and I cherish all of the great memories they have given us and look forward to all of the new adventures. I am so proud of my girls because they have become such loving, caring and passionate young women.”

When you ask the Pfeifle girls about their dad, they just light up with enthusiasm and love for him:

“He is one of the most influential people in our lives. He works so hard, and when he comes home he always has time for us. People ask us all of the time if he is the same at home as he is at work, and we tell them he is the same genuine, fun-loving guy! We love his motto that we’re sure his patients hear all of the time, and that is, ‘When in doubt, knees out.’ But the saying we love hearing from him every day is, ‘I love you.’”


 Brad is just one of the many great, highly qualified trainers we have on-hand at Orthopedic Institute – get to know what our team has to offer.

Insider Tips: Exercising Like a Physical Therapist

Insider Tips: Exercising Like a Physical Therapist

When you exercise like the pros do, you save yourself a lot of aches and pains down the road. That’s why taking the advice of a physical therapist on your workout regimen is a smart road to take for keeping your body high-functioning and healthy.

Try out the below tips next time you head to the gym. 

Stretch for Cardio

We all know that stretching before exercise is advised, but it’s particularly important before doing cardio. Why? Well, these types of exercises put your body through a lot, so it’s all the more important to prep beforehand to avoid tightness, soreness or even injury.

When you work out rigorously, the muscles you’re working will experience lactic acid buildup that will tighten them up. Your body creates this lactic acid to route oxygen to your body to fuel your physical activity. This tightness increases the probability you’ll tear something. That’s why stretching before cardio is a good idea – it helps release potential tightness both before and after your workouts.

Work Your Muscles

Beyond stretching, when it comes to safely working your muscles, remember that choosing the right weight or level of resistance is key to keeping from being injured. A good rule of thumb is to select a level that challenges you – even making the last few reps a little difficult or tiring – without choosing a level that totally obliterates you. If the reps feel too easy or too hard, add or remove weights in small increments, like two or three pounds at a time, until you hit your sweet spot.

Keep this regimen going on a regular schedule so your body gets used to your workout routine. And don’t neglect one part of the body in favor of another – combine upper- and lower-body workouts. Keep this up for the long term, and your body will build to more resistance and more weight at a healthy pace.

Detecting an Injury

In the midst of a workout, it can sometimes be difficult to tell when a pain is an injury or just soreness. That’s why it’s important to know the things to check to give yourself a mini-assessment. Start by checking if you felt anything pop or break – injuries are almost always caused by a specific event. Next, check to see if there are any signs of injury, like tenderness or bulging.

Beyond that, it’s all about time and intensity. Has this pain been sustained for a long period of time, and is it moderate, severe or unbearable? These are things you can ask yourself to determine if a visit to your physical therapist is in the cards or if you can prescribe yourself some over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or heating or icing your pain away. 


 

Keep these tips in mind during your next workout to make sure you’re exercising safely, healthfully and smartly – your physical therapist wants to see you in top form, so make good decisions!

6 Things Every Orthopedic Surgeon Wants You to Know

6 Things Your Orthopedic Doctor Wants You to Know

At Orthopedic Institute, we have seen firsthand that the choices you make in your youth can affect the way your body ages. Our doctors have seen that many of our patients who age most gracefully have adopted common habits that help them maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Check out these 6 tips that your doctor would likely want you to know about how best to approach your orthopedic care.

Take care of yourself

This one goes without saying, but your physician wants you to take the proper precautions with your day-to-day decisions to ensure your overall health stays in top form. Don’t smoke, cut back on unhealthy foods and get moving – cutting out bad habits and getting proper nutrition and exercise will have positive effects on your joint health. 

Maintain a healthy weight

Orthopedic surgeons have seen firsthand what being overweight can do to your joints and bones. Most notably, it can lead to osteoarthritis, or “wear-and-tear arthritis”. Staying at a healthy weight will also decrease your chances of breast cancer and diabetes during your later years. Lastly, it can increase your energy, enhance your mood, and help your body fight off illness. For more information on a weight loss plan our physicians recommend click here.

Build an active social life

Spend time with people you enjoy and who make you feel upbeat. Many of our happiest elderly patients are those who interact or converse with another person at least once every day. Find the strength to be the person who initiates outings such as lunch, days at the park and shopping. Volunteering is a great way to meet people with similar interests while giving back to the community.

Get a good night’s sleep

As adults, it is easy to place sleep at the bottom of the priority list. But this is a huge mistake. Your body needs sleep in order to heal from daily activities. If you’re not sleeping, this is not happening. If you have trouble falling asleep, increase your daytime activity. Develop bedtime rituals such as soaking in a bath, or listening to music to help you relax. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and cool. Of course, we now know that lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, increase obesity, and put us at risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, so sleep does matter.

Exercise and stay active

As has been mentioned numerous times above, exercise is one of the most important ways to stay healthy. Exercise can have a profound effect on the brain by helping to prevent memory loss, cognitive decline and dementia. It can often improve your overall mood, as well as help lessen the effects of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.


 

Now that you’re in the know, put these tips into action. However, if you have ongoing joint pain, it’s time to contact Orthopedic Institute and get the appointment ball rolling.

Thank You for Voting Orthopedic Institute “The Local Best”

Congratulations goes out to Orthopedic Institute’s Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy departments for being voted THE LOCAL BEST 2015-16!

Our physical therapists, all of whom have advanced training are:

The Occupational Therapy clinic at Orthopedic Institute specializes in upper extremity evaluation and treatment.  Our therapists are able to provide care for each patient’s individual needs.  Our occupational therapists have master level degrees in occupational therapy along with clinic study and years of experience.

  • Nationally certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
  • Licensed by the state of South Dakota
  • Certified in use of therapeutic modalities
  • Trained in the specialized area of upper extremity rehabilitation and therapeutic interventions
  • Find out more:  Hand Therapy or Occupational Therapists

 

 

Orthopedic Institute Teaming Up with Two Great Partners to Offer Wellness Screening

November 2nd from 4-8PM
November 7th from 8AM-12PM
at GreatLIFE Woodlake

  • 30-minute screening
  • $25 – pay by cash, check or credit card at the time of your screening

GreatLIFE members may have the fee charged to their account. If you have DAKOTACARE coverage you may use your Flex Spending Account.

 

Functional Movement Screening provided by Orthopedic Institute:

  • One-on-one consultation with a physical therapist/athletic trainer to assess quality of movement and injury risk

Biometric Health Screening provided by DAKOTACARE Health Coaches:

  • Lab testing (total cholesterol, LDL & HDL, triglycerides, cardiac risk ratio, blood glucose)
  • Blood pressure
  • Body composition (body mass index and waist circumference)
  • Personal/family health history
  • Lifestyle review
  • One-on-one consultation with a nurse

Limited space available.
Sign up at GreatLIFE
Woodlake today!

At your screening, enter to win a GreatLIFE Massage,
Personal Training Session, or XLBT Wireless Headphones!

For more information or to sign up contact:

GreatLIFE Woodlake Athletic Club

4600 S Tennis Lane

Sioux Falls, SD 57106

605.361.0445

Common Foot Problems: Hallux Rigidus

Hallux rigidus at base of right big toe

Hallux rigidus is characterized by loss of motion, pain, redness, and swelling at the base of the big toe. It’s a chronic condition caused by arthritis, often brought on by an old injury.

Doctor’s care may include using pads and an oral medication to relieve the inflammation, or cortisone may be injected directly into the joint.

Surgery is performed in severe cases. Bony spurs and part of the joint at the base of the big toe may be removed. Sometimes the joint is fused, rebuilt, or replaced.

What Orthopedic Institute offers with pedorthic care:

  • Custom Orthotics
  • Running/Walking Analysis
  • Shoe Recommendations
  • Diabetic Foot Care
  • Amputee Foot/Toe Filler
  • Custom Bracing/ AFO
  • Shoe Modifications
  • External/Internal Heel Lifts

Dr. Watson specializes in foot and ankle medicine, and also general orthopedics. He completed his fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at GIKK in Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Reid Herrboldt, MS, ATC, CPED

Our pedorthist, Reid Herrboldt, has many years of field experience and specializes in diabetic care, athletics, and pediatric care for orthotics and bracing.

To make an appointment to see one of our specialists please call 605.331.5890 or 888.331.5890 E-mail: contactus@ortho-i.com