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Larchmont Chronicle Neighborhood newspaper representing Hancock Park, Larchmont Village
Miracle Mile, Park La Brea Fremont Place in the Wilshire center area of Los Angeles. Local News and
stories about the local Los Angeles Scene. Historical informattion regarding the Larchmont Chronicle and
Hancock Park area. Founded in 1963 on Larchmont Bouelvard, Los Angeles, CA, California

June 5, 2009

LARCHMONT PHYSICAL THERAPY MARKS 25TH YEAR

Laura Eversz

Larchmont Physical Therapy owner Kathy Whooley has seen a lot of changes since the business opened in the medical building at 321 N. Larchmont Blvd. in 1985. “For one thing, physical therapy practices used to be located in building basements,” she says.

There’s nothing dungeon-like about Suite 825. Three treatment rooms painted in creamy shades have a spa-like feeling. They feature adjustable tables—better ergonomically for the therapists—made up in soft cotton linens instead of the usual paper coverings.

Therapy techniques have changed as well, but remain focused on enabling patients to return to functional activities, be it pain-free walking, sports, recreation or the activities of daily living, said Whooley.

Along with her staff of three, Whooley provides a wide-range of services include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, sports rehabilitation and conditioning, posture and body mechanics awareness and personalized fitness programs. A Pilates Reformer and Wunda Chair are used to increase strength, endurance and flexibility, and equipment such as stability balls and foam rollers help older people improve their balance.

One of the newer techniques in pain management is laser light therapy, said Whooley. “We use it for inflammatory conditions, pain control and wound healing, she explains while treating a huge raw spot on the heel of patient John Barrile. The wound is the result of a blister he earned while participating in a race, said the Paramount Studio employee. A former marathoner, “I came here following surgery for a hip injury with a goal of competing in a half marathon. They really helped me get there.”

Now that he’s on his way, Barrile returns twice a week to do a fitness program the therapists customized for him in Larchmont Physical Therapy’s fully-equipped gym.

While the majority of patients come from physician referrals, many, like Barrile, continue past their prescribed physical therapy, says Wholley.

Another technique uses Kinesio Taping, which gives support and stability to joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion, and is also used to treat swelling and pain.

Prevention is another focus, says Whooley, whose patients include golfers, tennis players and student athletes. An avid golfer, she has been the fitness consultant to the Wilshire Country Club since 1998. She also regularly visits Marl-borough School to educate students on issues like posture and the risk of carrying heavy backpacks.

Whether young or old, the goal is to improve quality of life, said Whooley. “By asking people ‘how do you get up from a chair; what makes up your day; how do you sleep, drive, lift, bend, reach, we try to create an awareness in our patients of good body mechanics. The idea is to empower them.”

Larchmont Chronicle
542½ North Larchmont Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90004

Editor & Publisher: Jane Gilman
Associate Publisher: Irwin Gilman

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Information about the Larchmont Village, Hancock Park, Miracle Mile, Park LaBrea areas of Los Angeles, california. The larchmont Chronicle provides information, news stories, local events, advertising, real estate information, real estate listing advertisings, Los Angeles area demographics and other neighborhood news.