SB Physio Blog: Your Guide to Physical Therapy & Movement

Can You Start PT Without a Referral?
Art Van Leuven Art Van Leuven

Can You Start PT Without a Referral?

In California, you can start physical therapy without seeing a doctor first. This is called Direct Access, and it allows you to begin treatment right away. After 45 days or 12 visits, a doctor’s sign-off is required to continue care, but SB Physio helps coordinate this quickly so your progress isn’t interrupted.

Read More
Pickleball: Fun, Fast-Growing… and Tough on Your Body
Art Van Leuven Art Van Leuven

Pickleball: Fun, Fast-Growing… and Tough on Your Body

Pickleball is fun, fast, and easier on the body than many sports — but it still comes with a high rate of overuse and impact injuries. At SB Physio, we’re seeing more players dealing with elbow pain, shoulder issues, knee strains, and other pickleball-related problems. Understanding the common injuries and how to prevent them can help you stay healthy and keep playing longer.

Read More
Why Ankle Range of Motion Matters
Art Van Leuven Art Van Leuven

Why Ankle Range of Motion Matters

Limited ankle mobility affects far more than your feet — it can change how your knees, hips, and back move. Learn why ankle range of motion matters and how to test it with the simple ankle-to-wall test.

Read More
Why Single-Leg Stance Is a Key Measure of Function
Art Van Leuven Art Van Leuven

Why Single-Leg Stance Is a Key Measure of Function

The single-leg stance test is one of the simplest and most accurate ways to assess balance, stability, and lower-body control. Here’s why it matters and what it can reveal about your fall risk, strength, and overall function.

Read More
Prevent Falls, Build Strength, and Stay Social with BalanceStrong
Art Van Leuven Art Van Leuven

Prevent Falls, Build Strength, and Stay Social with BalanceStrong

BalanceStrong is SB Physio’s signature balance and strength class designed to help older adults stay independent, confident, and active. If you’ve noticed slowing down, unsteadiness, or early signs of fall risk, this class provides the strength, stability, and community support to keep you moving safely.

Read More
Unlocking Athletic Gains with Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training
Art Van Leuven Art Van Leuven

Unlocking Athletic Gains with Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training helps you build strength and muscle using lighter loads, reducing stress on joints while still triggering powerful training effects. Athletes and rehab patients use BFR to accelerate progress, recover safely, and get stronger with less strain.

Read More
Art’s Favorite Foot & Ankle Exercises — Now in the SB Physio App
Art Van Leuven Art Van Leuven

Art’s Favorite Foot & Ankle Exercises — Now in the SB Physio App

Build stronger, more stable feet and ankles with Art Van Leuven’s favorite exercises — now inside the SB Physio App. These drills are the foundation of better movement, better performance, and better rehab, with video demos and customized routines you can follow anytime.

Read More
Blood Clots: What You Need to Know
Art Van Leuven Art Van Leuven

Blood Clots: What You Need to Know

Learn how to spot early signs of blood clots, understand your risk, and support safe recovery after surgery or injury. This guide breaks down what a blood clot is, why DVT is more common than most people realize, and how movement and circulation tools can help keep you safe.

Read More
How We Use HRV at SB Physio
Art Van Leuven Art Van Leuven

How We Use HRV at SB Physio

Heart Rate Variability helps us understand your stress, recovery, and daily readiness. Here’s how we use HRV at SB Physio to guide smarter training, rehab, and long-term health.

Read More
How to Improve Your HRV Naturally
Art Van Leuven Art Van Leuven

How to Improve Your HRV Naturally

HRV is one of the best markers of your stress and recovery balance. Learn simple, evidence-based ways to improve your HRV naturally and support better health and performance.

Read More
Sleep, Stress, and the Recovery Equation
Art Van Leuven Art Van Leuven

Sleep, Stress, and the Recovery Equation

Sleep and stress drive your body’s ability to recover and adapt. Here’s how both influence your nervous system—and how to improve your recovery cycle for better health.

Read More