Burch Physical Therapy

05/31/2026

🌞 Pain Free by Summer starts now.

If aches, stiffness, or old injuries have been slowing you down, this is your sign to take the next step toward feeling better. Physical therapy isn’t just about recovery—it’s about getting you back to moving, working, and enjoying summer without pain holding you back.

Whether it’s back pain, knee pain, shoulder tension, or a lingering injury, we’ll build a plan focused on real progress—not quick fixes.

Let’s make this your most active summer yet.

📅 Schedule your evaluation today and start your path to pain-free movement.

05/29/2026

Bell’s Palsy: What Is It & How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face due to irritation or dysfunction of the facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII). This nerve controls facial expression, blinking, smiling, and portions of tear and saliva production.

Common Symptoms:
• Facial drooping
• Difficulty smiling or closing one eye
• Facial numbness or tightness
• Drooling
• Changes in taste
• Increased sensitivity to sound
• Eye dryness or tearing

Possible Causes:
Bell’s palsy is often considered “idiopathic,” meaning the exact cause is unknown, but research suggests it may be associated with:
• Viral infections (Herpes Simplex Virus, shingles, influenza, COVID-19, etc.)
• Inflammation or swelling around the facial nerve
• Stress and immune system dysfunction
• Mechanical compression or irritation of the nerve
• Poor positioning or prolonged pressure near the facial region
• Diabetes or metabolic conditions
• Pregnancy
• Recent illness or upper respiratory infection

IMPORTANT:
If you suddenly experience facial drooping, weakness, numbness, slurred speech, severe headache, dizziness, or arm/leg weakness, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms similar to Bell’s palsy can also occur with stroke or other serious neurological conditions.

Physical Therapy & Bell’s Palsy Treatment Approaches:

Gentle Facial Exercises
Specific facial exercises may help improve muscle activation, coordination, symmetry, and motor control. Early movement training can help reduce long-term stiffness and abnormal movement patterns.
Facial Massage & Soft Tissue Work
Gentle self-massage may help decrease tightness and improve circulation to affected tissues. Using a warm heat pad beforehand may help improve tissue elasticity and comfort before massage or exercise.
Neuromuscular Re-Education
A comprehensive therapy approach focuses on retraining proper facial movement patterns while avoiding excessive compensation from unaffected muscles.
Eye Protection
If the eye cannot fully close, protecting the eye is critical. Artificial tears, nighttime eye protection, and physician guidance may help prevent irritation or injury.
NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation)
NMES may sometimes be used to help facilitate muscle activation in specific facial muscles. However, NMES should NOT be used without guidance from a skilled medical professional. Improper use may contribute to poor facial symmetry or abnormal muscle activation patterns. In many cases, therapists recommend beginning facial exercises and massage first, while delaying NMES until appropriate clinical evaluation.
Medical Management
Depending on the cause and timing, physicians may prescribe medications such as corticosteroids or antiviral medications to reduce inflammation and improve recovery.
Recovery looks different for every individual, but early evaluation and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference.

05/27/2026

Our clinic is growing and we are looking to add a Physical Therapist to our team. This is a great opportunity for someone who values collaboration, patient centered care, and a positive work culture. If you or someone you know may be a good fit, please reach out or share this post.

ABOUT US:
Burch Physical Therapy is seeking a Full-Time Physical Therapist for our outpatient clinic in Redding, CA. At Burch Physical Therapy we treat patients with a variety of orthopedic injuries, sports and work-related injuries, chronic, acute, and post-operative spine injuries. We have a dedicated hand rehabilitation department. Our patient populations also include oncology patients. We have a large aquatic patient population.
Burch Physical Therapy is interested in physical therapists who are seeking professional growth and are passionate about the profession of physical therapy. We encourage and provide an atmosphere of learning and sharing of knowledge. Quality of patient care and evidenced based treatment is emphasized.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and decrease or prevent deformity of patients suffering from disease or injury.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Provide educational information about physical therapy and physical therapists, injury prevention, ergonomics and ways to promote health.
Refer clients to appropriate community resources and services as necessary.
Plan, prepare and carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunction in patients.
Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating the data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.
Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
Administer manual exercises, massage and/or traction to help relieve pain, increase the patient's strength, and decrease or prevent deformity and crippling.
Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
Confer with the patient, medical practitioners and appropriate others to plan, implement and assess the intervention program.
Review physician's referral and patient's medical records to help determine diagnosis and physical therapy treatment required.
Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.
Obtain patients' informed consent to proposed interventions.
Discharge patient from physical therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referrals.
Test and measure patient's strength, motor development and function, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency and record data.
Identify and document goals, anticipated progress and plans for reevaluation.
Provide information to the patient about the proposed intervention, its material risks and expected benefits and any reasonable alternatives.
Inform the patient when diagnosis reveals findings outside their scope and refer to an appropriate practitioner.
Administer treatment involving application of physical agents, using equipment, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines.
Direct group rehabilitation activities.
Evaluate, fit, and adjust prosthetic and orthotic devices; refer to orthotist as necessary.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Direct and supervise supportive personnel, assessing their competence, delegating specific tasks to them and establishing channels of communication.
Conduct and support research and apply research findings to practice.
Participate in health-related community activities and help to formulate good public relations.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND LICENSING:
Applicant must be a graduate of an APTA accredited institution approved by The Physical Therapy Board.
Qualified applicants must possess a current physical therapy license from the State of California (or be eligible to obtain).
Must have Outpatient Physical Therapy Experience
Must hold a current CPR certification.
New graduates of DPT programs are encouraged to apply
Burch Physical Therapy is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family.

COMPENSATION / BENEFITS:
$90,000/year
Competitive compensation (negotiable based upon experience and specialty certifications a plus).
Holiday Pay
Paid Time Off
401K
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Employer Sponsored Medical/Dental/Vision
Continued Education Assistance

REDDING, CA IS A BEAUTIFUL AND AFFORDABLE PLACE TO LIVE!
Redding offers local access to hiking and biking on many trails and nearby national forests. Visit Mt. Lassen, enjoy water sports at Shasta and Whiskeytown Lakes, snowboarding and skiing at nearby Mt. Shasta, fishing in the Sacramento River, and more! Anyone who enjoys an outdoor hobby from golf to hiking, kayaking to mountain biking, it’s all available in our community! Redding also offers a wide variety of major retailers, local restaurants, and music venues.
Check out this You Tube video summarizing just some of the activities you can enjoy in our community!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37Yo7rH7DQ0

Submit your resume and cover letter.
REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION
Fax: 530-226-9070

05/26/2026

💥 Tuesday DME Discount 💥

Every Tuesday, receive 10% OFF all DME products at Burch Physical Therapy! 🎉

What is DME and why does it matter in physical therapy?
DME stands for Durable Medical Equipment. These products are designed to support your recovery, improve mobility, reduce pain, and help you move safely during daily activities both during and after physical therapy.

DME may include braces, supports, compression sleeves, walking aids, and other therapeutic equipment recommended by your physical therapist. When used properly, these tools help protect injured areas, encourage proper movement, reduce strain, and support long term healing.

Our therapists recommend DME based on your individual needs so you can continue progressing outside the clinic with confidence.

📍 Stop by the clinic on Tuesdays to see which DME products are right for you and take advantage of 10% off!

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

📣 20-30 Club of Redding #143 - Sunday, May 24, 2026
🌿 River Trail Clean-Up | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Meet at the Sundial Bridge, Redding, CA

Join local volunteers for a quarterly trail clean-up along one of Redding’s most beloved outdoor assets — the Sacramento River Trail — taking care of the environment and each other through hands-on stewardship.

As physical therapists, we love seeing our community move, connect, and give back. Events like this are great for the soul — and the body — but they also involve physical activity that can stress muscles and joints if you’re not careful. 🦵💪

🧍‍♂️ Physical Therapy Tips for Trail Clean-Up Volunteers

Activities during clean-up can include:

Bending to pick up litter
Carrying trash bags and tools
Walking and standing on uneven trail surfaces

Here’s how to protect yourself while giving back:

🌟 Warm Up Before You Begin
Take 5–10 minutes to gently walk, swing your arms, and mobilize your hips and ankles. A quick warm-up increases blood flow and prepares muscles for work.

📦 Lift With Your Legs, Not Your Back
When lifting bags or debris:

Bend at the hips and knees
Keep the load close to your body
Avoid twisting your spine

This reduces strain on your lower back — a common site of injury during repetitive lifting.

🦶 Wear Supportive Footwear
The trail is scenic but can be uneven. Stable shoes with good cushioning help protect your ankles and knees during long stretches of walking or standing.

🧘 Stretch Afterwards
Post-event stretching can help reduce delayed soreness. Focus on:
• Hamstrings
• Calves
• Lower back
• Shoulders

💧 Stay Hydrated & Pace Yourself
Even morning events can warm up quickly. Keep water and healthy snacks handy to sustain energy and reduce fatigue.

🙏 Thank you, Redding!
Your energy keeps our trails beautiful and our community healthy. If you’re planning to be out there on May 24th — we hope these tips help you feel your best during and after the event. 💚

05/23/2026

⛳️ Golf Season Is Here — Is Your Body Ready?

Did you know our very own Bryan Burch, PT is TPI Certified and offers golf swing assessments?

As a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified provider, Bryan can:
🏌️ Analyze your golf swing mechanics
💪 Identify mobility or strength limitations affecting performance
🦴 Address aches in your back, shoulders, hips, or elbows
📈 Help improve power, consistency, and injury prevention

Whether you're looking to add distance to your drive or play pain-free all season long, a personalized golf assessment can make all the difference.

Don’t let pain keep you off the course this season!

📞 Call our office today to inquire about a Golf Swing Assessment with Bryan!

05/22/2026

At Burch Physical Therapy we bring you the power of aquatic therapy! Whether you’re an athlete recovering from injury or a senior seeking gentle movement, the buoyancy of water, supports your joints, boosts balance, and builds strength. From aquatic balance drills to endurance workouts, we tailor each session to your needs. Book a session today and experience movement in a whole new way!

05/20/2026

Fresh Burch merch is here at Burch Physical Therapy 👕✨

Our brand new Burch Physical Therapy T-shirts have arrived and they are comfortable, clean, and perfect for workouts or everyday wear.

💲 $20 per shirt
🎽 Great fit
💙 Support local and rep your favorite PT clinic

Stop by the clinic to grab yours while supplies last. Thank you for always supporting Burch Physical Therapy!

05/17/2026

🌄 Getting Ready for Hiking & Travel Season? Let’s Make Sure Your Body Is Too! ✈️🥾

Planning a big hiking trip or travel adventure? The last thing you want is knee pain on the trail, back stiffness on the plane, or sore feet slowing you down.

At our clinic, we help you:
✅ Improve strength and endurance for long hikes
✅ Increase mobility for uneven terrain
✅ Prevent common travel aches (low back, neck, hips)
✅ Build balance and stability for safer trails
✅ Recover faster between adventure days

Whether you're training for mountain trails, national parks, or a bucket-list international trip, physical therapy can help you feel strong, confident, and pain-free.

Don’t just pack your bags — prepare your body too 💪🌎