Category Archives: Blog

January 2017 Events

December 28, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Events

Check out our Physical Therapy Monthly Events Calendar! Focusing on events from PTandMe.com participating physical and occupational therapy clinics. Read more to find out what’s happening in your community in January 2017!

NEVADA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

TAHOE MEADOWS, NV
DATE: January 7th, 2017, 9:00AM – 12:00PM (and every following Saturday until the snow melts!)
HIIT Snowshoeing Training Program
CLINIC: Custom Physical Therapy – Reno
Join Custom Physical Therapy and Sierra Strength and Speed in Tahoe Meadows for a 60 minute snowshoe High Intensity Training Program session with warm-up, aerobic and anaerobic challenges, and simple fun. The only prerequisite: want to have fun and challenge yourself with a group of other crazy people. It is just for fun and to build community in our area! For more information about Custom Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://custom-pt.com.

TEXAS PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

HOUSTON, TX
DATE: January 29th 2017, 12:15PM – 2:00PM
Fitness Expo 2017
CLINIC: Action Physical Therapy – Houston
Action Physical Therapy is proud to be a part of Houston First Baptist Church’s Fitness & Recreation Center Expo for 2017. Please stop by the Action Physical Therapy table. We’d love to get to know you and talk about the benefits of physical therapy. We can’t wait to see you there! For more information about Action Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://action-pt.net.

VIRGINIA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

BLACKSBURG, VA
DATE: January 20th, 2017, 1:30PM – 5:00PM
WellFest 2017: Student Health and Wellness Fair
CLINIC: University Physical Therapy -Blacksburg
If you are a VA Tech student or staff member please stop by the University Physical Therapy table at this years WellFest 2017: Student Health and Wellness Fair located in McComas Hall. We would love to get to know you and talk about the benefits of physical therapy and explore opportunities that are available to keep you performing at your best! For more information about University Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://universityptonline.com.

WISCONSIN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

JEFFERSON, WI
DATE: January 21st 2017, 10:00AM – 1:00PM
JUMP Community Health & Wellness Fair
CLINIC: Sport & Spine Physical Therapy – Jefferson
Sport & Spine Physical Therapy is proud to be a part of the JUMP 2017 Healthy Family Activities Event located at Jefferson High School. JUMP invites individuals of all ages to come to our community healthy activities free event. Activities for all ages, as well as demonstrations.
Water Aerobics 10:00AM – 11:00AM
Open Swim 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Open Gym 10:00AM – 1:00PM
The goal of JUMP is to continue to strengthen our community while working to improve our community’s health. For more information about Sport & Spine Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://sportandspineclinic.com.

Elf Injuries and How PT Can Help: Part 3 of 3

December 21, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

It’s that time of year, when we check in on Santa’s helpers to see if they can use some physical therapy. With their heavy lifting and high demand job they’re always experiencing injuries. Our new elf friend Ziggy, is the perfect patient for PT.

Previously…

Ziggy was at one of PTandMe’s partnering physical therapy clinics awaiting the arrival of one of our trusted physical therapists.
Our therapist first performed some stretching techniques on Ziggy to help relieve his aches and pains (Don’t worry Santa said it was okay to touch our “elf on the shelf” friend).

Then so more stretching techniques to help out our little friend…

Now the therapist has Ziggy doing some pulls ups on our wonderful clinic’s pull-up bar to help Ziggy get back to working shape.

Time for deep tissue massage on Ziggy’s aching back…

Thanks to the great physical therapy Ziggy got at our wonderful PT & Me clinics he is now ready to lift all the toys into Santa’s sleigh just in time for the holiday!

THE END.

See Ziggy’s complete physical therapy experience here!

Special thanks to Action Physical Therapy, in Houston, TX, for accommodating the demanding work schedule of Santa’s elves. Click Here for more information about Action Physical Therapy.

Tips for Reducing ADHD Related Holiday Stress and Anxiety

December 21, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

Ah, the holidays. The lights. The carols. The food. The family. It’s the most wonderful time of year. Right? Well, for many of us, the holidays are far more jangled nerves than joyful noise. And if you or a loved one suffers from ADHD, the stress of the holidays can be almost too much to bear. If you have ADHD, you already know how lonely and frustrating it can be when the holidays roll around, and it seems that everyone in the world is in the holiday spirit but you.

Increased Stress, Fatigue, and Sadness are Common During the Holidays
The truth is, though, that the season of celebration is also the season of stress. No one is immune to the pressures of the season. But the disruption of normal, daily routines, the added responsibilities of social engagements and familial obligations, and the abundance of symptom-exacerbating holiday foods make the stresses of the holidays particularly acute for ADHD sufferers.

Nevertheless, whether you or someone close to you has ADHD, or you are just seeking to navigate the season with more pleasure and less pain this year, there are some simple things you can do to manage holiday stress. The following techniques, derived primarily from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), might just help you relax and enjoy the magic of the season.

1. Make a Plan
As much as we hate to admit it, there are only so many hours in a day and there’s a limit to what we can accomplish in those hours. So take some time before the rush and tumult of the holidays begin to prioritize what you want, need, and must do for the holidays. Figure out what matters most to you and yours and set up a clear, incremental strategy for getting it done. Knowing you have a doable action plan in place and working a little each day on your holiday tasks can minimize stress, worry, and fatigue, leaving you with the time and energy to actually enjoy the season. Whether it’s allotting five minutes a day for writing holiday cards or two hours of online gift shopping each Saturday, the best way to eat the elephant is one bite at a time.

2. Be Realistic
Yes, you’re good. You’re a rock star. But as awesome as you are, you’re still just one person. And trying to do it all is just not possible—and it’s also just not fair. The answer? Delegate! Have a sister who is a Mozart in the kitchen? Put her in charge of the meal preparation. Have a spouse who’s a Picasso of design? Let him handle the holiday decorating. Not only will this take some of the pressure off you, but it will enable you to enjoy what the holidays are really all about anyway: spending time and making memories with those you love.

3. Forget Perfection
Face it, life is not a Frank Capra movie (and even good old George Bailey had it pretty rough there for a while). So let go of the fantasy of a Capra Christmas or a humdinger of a Chanukah. Inevitably, something is going to get lost or broken; invariably someone’s going to burn the bread or forget the cookies. And, yes, somebody is going to hurt anyone’s feelings. But that’s life. Real life—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Just remember that the imperfections are what make it real, unique, and, in the long run, beautiful. These screw-ups and squabbles that we put such desperate pressure on ourselves to prevent in our pursuit of some fictitious “perfect” holiday are exactly the things we will remember so fondly, and laugh about most heartily with our dear ones, in the years to come.

4. Practice Extreme Self-Care
No matter what the greeting card companies say, the holidays are not the time for self-sacrifice. The only thing playing the martyr will get you is stress, exhaustion, and resentment. Ho, ho, ho. Instead of running yourself ragged, make sure that you do what you need to do to recharge your batteries, to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Take an hour each day to do something that gives you joy: a warm bath, a long walk, a good book—a nap.

While you’re at it, don’t forget about exercise and nutrition. Indulging in holiday treats is fine. Complete denial will only lead to resentment. But everything in moderation. Rich, highly processed, sugary, and fatty foods can worsen ADHD symptoms. Be selective about what, when, and how much you eat, and remember that exercise, whether an hour of yoga or a brisk bike ride, can help to dispel the brain fog borne of these less-than-healthy foods—not to mention working off some of that holiday stress when it does come!

Begin Reducing Your Stress Today!
Whether you or a loved one has ADHD, or you only want to thrive and not just survive this holiday season, these few simple techniques can make it possible. For more information about ADD/ADHD in adults, please read: https://openforest.net/attention-deficit-disorder-adults/, Wishing you and yours less stress and more joy this holiday season!

Looking for a way to help manage ADHD? You can find natural remedies here.

Written by Terri Beth Miller, MA, PhD. She is freelance writer and contributor to Open Forest, the online mental health self-help website.

Elf Injuries and How PT Can Help: Part 2 of 3

December 16, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, General Information

When we last left off…

Ziggy was at one of PTandMe’s partnering physical therapy clinics.
He first had to check in with our friendly and helpful receptionist.

Then Ziggy warmed up on one of our many clinic’s treadmills to help strengthen his aching back.

Now Ziggy is awaiting the arrival of one of our trusted physical therapists, who will provide him with stretching techniques and exercises to help relieve his back pain.

To be continued…

See Ziggy’s complete physical therapy experience here!

Special thanks to Action Physical Therapy, in Houston, TX, for accommodating the demanding work schedule of Santa’s elves. Click Here for more information about Action Physical Therapy.

Exercising Do’s and Don’ts

December 13, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

In the fourth installment of our “At The Gym” series we examine how to exercise at the gym from start to finish. If you have any sudden significant increase in pain, swelling, or discoloration while performing or following exercise, discontinue immediately and contact your physician or therapist at your next therapy session.

MILITARY SHOULDER PRESS
* How to exercise at the gym top tip: It is generally not recommended to do this exercise due to undo stress and strain at the shoulder joint.
If you do choose to do a military press, avoid bringing the bar behind the head and make sure that the elbows don’t pass 90⁰ at the bottom of the repetition.

START POSITION
• Seated with back against the seat (if available), with feet flat on the ground.
• Barbell held above head with elbows fully extended and wide grip to facilitate 90⁰ bend at the elbows at the bottom of the rep.

ENDING POSITION
• Bring barbell down until your elbows are bent at 90⁰ with the barbell in front of your face.

DON’T
• Lift feet off the ground.
• Lift off the seat.
• Arch your back.
• Bring barbell down to chest.

MACHINE CHEST PRESS

START POSITION
• Seated with back against the seat and feet flat on the ground.
• Arms out to your side and elbows flexed at 90⁰ but not coming back past your body (This picture shows the arms back a little too far with the angle at the elbows being a little too deep. Most chest press machines are built so that you have to start in this position which can compromise the shoulder if lifting heavy. If adjustable start in a position a little more forward than this).

ENDING POSITION
• Back against the seat.
• Elbows fully extended.

DON’T
• Lift feet off the ground.
• Lift off the seat.
• Bring bent elbows past your body.

CHEST PRESS

START POSITION
• Lay flat on bench with feet flat on the ground.
• Arms out to your side at 90⁰ with elbows flexed at 90⁰.
• Palms facing lower extremities.

ENDING POSITION
• Elbows fully extended.

DON’T
• Allow elbows to come down past bench height or 90⁰ bend.
• Left feet off the ground.
• Arch your back.

CHEST FLY

START POSITION
• Lay flat on bench with feet flat on the ground.
• Dumbbells touching each other with palms facing each other with elbows slightly bent.

ENDING POSITION
• Arms out at your side at 90⁰ with elbows flexed at about 120⁰.

DON’T
• Lift feet off the ground.
• Arch your back.
• Allow elbows to come down past bench height.

This information was written by STAR Therapy Services, an outpatient physical therapy group with six locations in Houston, Texas. At Star Houston Therapy Services, their number one priority is the patient. They strive to provide individualized treatment with hands-on, compassionate care. They perform comprehensive evaluations and encourage patient input for treatment planning and goal setting. For more information click here.

Knowing how to exercise at the gym, can build confidence and reduce the likelihood of injury. View the complete Exercising Do’s and Don’ts series below:

Trigger Point Dry Needling

December 6, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Back, Blog, Foot, Knee, Manual Therapy, Shoulder

Dry needling uses small, thin needles to stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular and connective tissues for the management of many orthopedic conditions, both acute and chronic. By inserting a needle into the dysfunctional tissue, it often leads to a contraction of the muscle which then stimulates a relaxation. This leads to a reduction of pain, improvements in flexibility and a restoration of normalized movement when combined with corrective exercises.

WHAT IS A MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINT?
A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle that produces local or referred pain. The trigger point can lead to increased pain, decreased flexibility and decreased muscle function if not treated. Trigger point dry needling is a safe, effective and efficient treatment technique to release these painful spots.

WHAT TYPE OF PROBLEMS CAN BE TREATED?
Muscle dysfunction can be the primary or secondary contributing factor to many neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• Dry needling must be specifically prescribed by a physician.
• Dry needling is not covered by insurance, it is a cash based modality.

This information was written by The Jackson Clinics, a locally owned physical therapy practice in multiple locations throughout Northern Virginia. They specialize in outpatient orthopedics and sports rehabilitation. Their therapists and assistants possess advanced clinical skills in spinal disorders, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and peripheral joint problems, including rotator cuff injuries, knee injuries and foot and ankle pain. They also also have specialty programs in breast cancer rehab, vestibular rehab, pediatrics, post-cancer rehab, aquatic therapy and women’s health. For more information click here.

PT News

November 29, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, PT News

This Month in PT News. Featuring articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

2. Kick the Pain of Gout
Written by the Therapy Team at the Jackson Clinics – Middleburg, VA

In this age of gyms on every corner and fitness-focused reality television shows and entire networks, it’s easy to think of a high-impact workout as a panacea for all kinds of physical ailments. Read more

3. Four Ways to Make Holiday Travel Pain Free
Written by Therapy Team at Momentum Physical Therapy – San Antonio, TX

‘Tis the season for holiday travel. The hustle and bustle is unavoidable with people moving through airports, piling into traffic, and some even traveling by bus to reach their destination. Read more

December 2016 Events

November 22, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Events

GEORGIA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

ROME, GA
DATE: November 23rd – December 16th 2016
Advance Rehabilitation Canned Food Drive
CLINIC: Advance Rehabilitation – Rome
Help Feed the Hungry This Holiday Season.
Advance Rehabilitation is accepting food donations at all locations through December 16th
Pantry Program Needed Items are:
• Canned Vegetables (low sodium or no added salt)
• Canned Fruit (in its own juice or 100% juice)
• Canned Tomato Products (low sodium or no added salt)
• Canned Tuna/Chicken (low sodium)
• Boxed Potatoes
• Boxed/Bagged Stuffing
• Whole Grains
• Brown Rice
All South Georgia locations are accepting donations along with Columbus, GA.
For more information about Advance Rehabilitation, visit them online at http://www.advancerehab.com.

MICHIGAN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

GRAND RAPIDS, MI
DATE: December 6th 2016, 5:30PM – 6:30PM
CPR Downtown Yoga Classes Begin!
CLINIC: The Center for Physical Rehabilitation – Downtown Grand Rapids
Join the Academy at CPR’s Downtown location for an “All Levels Yoga Class”. Whether you are new to the mat, or an experienced student, this class is designed for everyone to work at their own ability and comfort level. New students will be exposed to basic poses and body positioning, while more experienced student will be challenging their body through variations in poses they have mastered.
For more information about The Center for Physical Rehabilitation, visit them online at http://www.pt-cpr.com.

SALINE, MI
DATE: December 10th 2016, 10:00AM – 1:30PM
Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Treasure Trail to Santa
CLINIC: Physical Therapy In Motion – Saline
The event is the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Treasure Trail to Santa at the Saline Shopping Center. Children will go on a treasure trail starting at Physical Therapy in Motion, stopping at all of the businesses for a treat, and end at Busch’s to see Santa. Carriage rides, photo booth, and a petting farm will be available. For more information about Physical Therapy In Motion, visit them online at http://www.physicaltherapyinmotion.com/.

NEW JERSEY PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

NEW MILFORD, NJ
DATE: November 23rd – December 23rd 2016
Spread the Warmth Blanket & Jacket Drive
CLINIC: Madison Spine & Physical Therapy – New Milford
Please support the Madison Spine & Physical Therapy charity campaign by donating today! On December 23rd They will drive into NYC with the Donations & Hand Them Out to Those Who Could Use a Little Warmth!
Items needed are:
• JACKETS
• BLANKETS
• BOOTS
• GLOVES
• HATS
• SCARVES
YOU DONATE, MADISON SPINE DELIVERS! Let’s all come together and make a difference! All locations are accepting donations now. For more information about Madison Spine & Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://madisonspinept.com/physicaltherapy.

TENNESSEE PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

PULASKI, TN
DATE: December 8th 2016, 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Sudden Violence: Surviving an Active Shooter
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy, LP – Pulaski
Giles County Workforce Employer Outreach Committee invites you to join us for an informative lunch and learn. Lunch Provided by STAR Physical Therapy.
Speaker: Barry Crotzer, Agent – TN Homeland Security
Located at: First National Bank Building, 206 South 1st Street, Pulaski, TN
Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 6th online: https://goo.gl/forms/0ckSzRdplrMv89m13
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information about STAR Physical Therapy, LP, visit them online at http://www.starpt.com.

MURFREESBORO, TN
DATE: December 14th 2016, 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Sudden Violence: Surviving an Active Shooter
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy, LP – Murfreesboro
The WEOC is an ongoing effort by the TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development to reach out to Tennessee employers and provide valuable information to foster economic development and to promote our services. Lunch Sponsored by STAR Physical Therapy.
Speaker: Barry Crotzer, Agent – TN Homeland Security
Located at: Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, 3050 Medical Center Parkway, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 12th online: https://goo.gl/forms/qWqCr8LJoPdSk6Ex1
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information about STAR Physical Therapy, LP, visit them online at http://www.starpt.com.

Postoperative Physical Therapy

November 17, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Aging, Blog, Hip, Knee

Postoperative physical therapy after a Total Hip Replacement is essential to your recovery. Your physical therapist will follow your physician’s protocol and will focus on range of motion exercises, progressive strengthening exercises, gait training, balance training, and activity specific training to meet your specific needs. Modalities such as ice and e-stim may be used to help reduce discomfort and swelling. It is very important to complete your home exercise program as directed by your physical therapist and physician.

RANGE OF MOTION EXERCISES
Swelling and pain can make you move your knee less. Your physical therapist can teach you safe and effective exercises to restore the range of motion to your knee so that you can perform your daily activities.

STRENGTHENING EXERCISES
Weakness of the muscles of the thigh and lower leg is typical after surgery. Your physical therapist can determine the best strengthening exercises for you with the goal of no longer needing a cane or walker to walk.

BALANCE TRAINING
Specialized training exercises can help your muscles “learn” to adapt to changes in your world such as uneven or rocky ground. When you are able to put your full weight on your knee without pain, your physical therapist may add agility exercises so that you can safely and quickly change directions or make quick stops or starts. They may use a balance board that will challenge your balance and knee control. These exercises will be safe and fun.

GAIT TRAINING
Your physical therapist will work with you in retraining your gait following your surgery using appropriate assistive devices such as a walker or cane. They will make sure that you will be able to safely and confidently go up and down stairs, negotiate curbs, and inclines, etc.

ACTIVITY SPECIFIC TRAINING
Depending on the requirements or your job or the type of recreational activities you enjoy, your physical therapist will tailor your program so that you can meet your specific demands.

This article about postoperative physical therapy was written by STAR Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group with over sixty locations in Tennessee. Established in 1997 with one clinic and one mission – to serve. Today, they have grown to offer that direct service in more than 60 clinics, and while they’ve grown, one thing that has not changed is their commitment to you, their communities, and their employees. For more information click here.

Exercising Do’s and Dont’s

November 15, 2016 Teresa Stockton - Blog, Sports and Fitness

In the third installment of our gym series we examine the proper ways to exercise at the gym from start to finish. If you have any sudden significant increase in pain, swelling, or discoloration while performing or following exercise, discontinue immediately and contact your therapist at your next therapy session.

SCAPULAR RETRACTION / ROW

START POSITION
• Standing or seated with back in neutral with feet shoulder width apart.
• Squeeze shoulder blades together.
• Elbows slightly bent and forearms parallel to the floor.

ENDING POSITION
• Elbows at 90⁰ flexion.
• Shoulders pulled back.
• Hands at your sides at shoulder width and forearms parallel to the floor.

DON’T
• Swing body back and forth.
• Let the weight pull you forward between repetitions (keep the shoulders back).
• Shrug.

ANTERIOR DELTOID – FRONTAL RAISE

START POSITION
• Standing with spine in neutral position with feet shoulder width apart.
• Palms facing down.

ENDING POSITION
• Arm raised to 90⁰ directly in front of you.
• Elbow in full extension.

DON’T
• Raise arm past 90 degrees.
• Swing body back and forth.
• Rotate wrist.
• Shrug shoulders.

LATERAL DELTOID – LATERAL RAISES

START POSITION
• Standing with spine in neutral position with feet shoulder width apart.
• Elbows bent at 90 degrees.

ENDING POSITION
• Arms raised to 90 degrees at your side.
• Palms facing down.

DON’T
• Raise arms past 90 degrees.
• Swing body back and forth.
• Shrug shoulders.

BENCH PRESS

START POSITION
• Lay flat on bench with both feet flat on the ground.
• Place a rolled towed in the center of the chest.
• Arms extended with wide grip to facilitate 90 degree bend at the elbow at the bottom of repetition.

ENDING POSITION
• Lower slowly until the bar touches the towel
• Elbows should not pass the height of the bench bending to about 90 degrees.

DON’T
• Lift feet off the ground.
• Arch your back.
• Bounce bar off your chest (barbell should only touch the towel lightly).

This information about exercise at the gym was written by STAR Therapy Services, an outpatient physical therapy group with six locations in Houston, Texas. At Star Houston Therapy Services, their number one priority is the patient. They strive to provide individualized treatment with hands-on, compassionate care. They perform comprehensive evaluations and encourage patient input for treatment planning and goal setting. For more information click here.

View the complete Exercising Do’s and Don’ts series below: