Take a look at our October newsletter!
OCTOBER 2023
6358 EDGEMERE BLVD. EL PASO, TEXAS 79925 915-562-8525
11855 PHYSICIANS DR. EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 915-855-6466
3 Big Changes That Have Happened in PT
THEY ALL IMPACT YOUR TREATMENT!
In my 36 years of practicing physical therapy, I’ve watched the field evolve significantly. Of course, some tried-and- true methods have stayed the same, but countless new techniques and technologies have altered how we treat patients like you. Since October is National Physical Therapy Month, I want to share a bit about those transformations and how they help my team give you, your friends, and your
ago: to provide you with the best physical therapy and most advanced treatments possible, not just the bare minimum. Integrated Cutting- Edge Technology If you look around in our clinics, you’ll see that I have invested a lot in our patients' health. We use some of the most advanced
family the best care possible. The Rise of Manual Therapy
Over the last 30-plus years, manual therapy has become a staple in American physical therapy. When I completed my physical therapy education in the Netherlands in the 1980s, manual therapy was part of our basic education and was a big part of what physical therapists did to help their patients get better. But when I came to the United States, I discovered it was almost nonexistent here. Fortunately, this has changed, and for my team, manual therapy (aka "hands-on" treatment) is a big part of what we do with our patients. Effective Exercise Routines Another important part of what we do in physical therapy today is exercise therapy. Some clinics have standard flow sheets or protocols and take their patients through a preset regimen of exercises. At Spine & Rehab Specialists, we give each patient unique exercises that are specifically tailored to their needs. We realize that every patient is unique, with a unique set of problems. Each person also has specific activities they want to go back to, and those goals have a big influence on the exercises we recommend. Basic manual therapy and therapeutic exercises form the foundation of physical therapy, but I’ve found they benefit patients like you more when I take them to the next level. This is precisely why I wanted to start my own clinic many years Know a friend who needs PT? Have them call our office! If they mention our newsletter, they’ll score a FREE 15-minute consultation. They can call 915-562-8525 for the Edgemere Boulevard clinic or 915-855-6466 for the Physician’s Drive clinic.
technologies available to supplement the manual therapy and therapeutic exercises that form the foundation of our practice. Here are a few pieces of equipment I’m most proud of. • The AlterG anti-gravity treadmill provides adjustable air pressure so our patients can reduce the pain and pressure on their joints when they walk or do exercises. • The Biodex Balance System SD is a sophisticated measuring and training device for static and dynamic balance testing and training. Balance is an important part of rehab for people with a high fall risk. Balance is also an issue after surgeries like a total knee replacement or ACL surgery. • Our Hydroworx 500 aquatic therapy pool uses warm water to help patients unload their painful joints and move their bodies. • The Neubie by NeuFit is the latest addition to our clinics and is an excellent tool to help patients with nerve conditions like peripheral neuropathy. It also helps alleviate chronic pain and strengthen muscles. In addition to those technologies, in the last few years, we have added diagnostic testing to our clinics. These tools have really elevated our treatment, helping us identify the source of each patient’s problems and come up with better solutions.
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STEP UP YOUR RUNNING GAME
What Shoes Fit Your Running Style?
Instead, factor in the type of running you usually do and what kind of support you need from your shoes. Shoes for Everyday Road Runs For those who simply need shoes for their morning or evening run around the neighborhood, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 29 is a great choice. Lightweight, durable, and breathable, these ASICS will take you countless miles around the block. Another reliable shoe recommended to daily runners and beginners is the Brooks Ghost 15, which features the right cushion for support while remaining lightweight. Shoes for Ultra-Fast Racing Ready to zoom past your opponents? Then slip on the Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 2. These shoes feel like they boost you as you run due to the Nike ZoomX foam, which provides a “propulsive
sensation” for an extra spring in your step. Another Nike shoe great for racing is the Nike Vaporfly 3, which shares a similar energy bounce. There’s a reason most top runners race wearing a pair of Nike Vaporfly. Shoes for Hitting the Trail For those hitting the rockiest trails and terrain, a shoe with a substantial but lightweight grip is a necessity. The Salomon Speedcross 6s provide an infallible grip, even on wet surfaces. Because they are still lightweight, you can jog through uncharted territory without a hitch. If comfort is more of a concern, try the HOKA Mafate Speed 4, which ensures you keep a grip on the ground while cushioning your feet. Always try on running shoes before purchasing them. You want to ensure the fit is perfect and the shoe feels right for your running needs!
While the shoes don’t make the runner, they significantly impact how you run and how your body feels doing it. Many brands flood the market, so searching for the best shoes for your specific running style can be daunting. The last thing you should do is pick the first pair you see or even the priciest ones.
CORE STRENGTH BEYOND CRUNCHES
Discover the Truth About Effective Ab Workouts
To say crunches are not fun would be an understatement. Repetitive and sometimes downright painful, this exercise has been touted for decades as the primary way to strengthen your core and get those picture-perfect abs. Well, new research suggests that statement isn’t 100% true. In fact, most trainers and fitness experts now discourage people from doing crunches. When done incorrectly, which most people do, you can cause damage to your spine and neck while gaining few to no results. Even if a person does achieve those prominent ab muscles through situps and crunches, they likely still have weak core strength. Those exercises only work your external muscles, not your inner core muscles. So, while they may be able to flex their abs, they likely couldn’t hold a plank for very long. What is your core? You may hear the term “core” thrown around often, but where exactly is it, and what does it do? Your core is more than just abdominal muscles and includes muscles around your spine and pelvis. Your core muscles allow you to do most of the movements you make throughout the day, such as bending forward, rotating left and right, and holding yourself upright.
When your core is weak, the muscles may not support you properly as you move about your day, which may lead to back or neck pain. As a result, if you suffer from backaches, try core-strengthening exercises to better support your spine. Try an alternative to crunches. Since crunches aren’t the best for core strengthening, it’s time you start trying something different. There are plenty of core-strengthening exercises for every fitness level, whether you’re a beginner, injured, or a pro. In particular, Pilates is an incredible type of exercise that focuses entirely on core strength and will have you feeling stronger in no time. If you want to get started, try some easy movements at home. Planks, bridges, toe taps, and swimmers are all great
ways to build your core strength. However, you should always consult your physical therapist about the best core exercises for your unique needs.
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Strengthen Your Heart With These Foods
Greens Not every green is a health-boosting superfood, but dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and bok choy all contain lutein and carotenoids, antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease. These greens help compact the bile acids in your body and remove cholesterol from your system. Berries
Your cholesterol levels directly impact your heart health, and with heart disease being the leading cause of death in the U.S., we should all be working toward improving our cholesterol levels. Your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the “bad” type that can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. The best way to control our LDL cholesterol is through the foods we eat. If you want to keep your cholesterol levels in check and your heart healthy, add more of these foods to your diet. Oatmeal Oats contain a significant amount of
Delicious and versatile, berries are filled with fiber to help lower cholesterol. Berries also
contain numerous antioxidants and anti- inflammatory compounds that can benefit your body in countless ways. All fruit is excellent for your health, but berries pack the punch needed to support healthy cholesterol levels. Legumes
soluble fiber, which decreases cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. Start the day right with warm oatmeal, overnight oats, or Cheerios, which are surprisingly made with oats, not wheat! Add fruit on top to boost your fiber intake even more. Nuts Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and peanuts are rich in monounsaturated and other heart-healthy fats, but minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are also crammed in these crunchy snacks. Nuts have shown
If you’re seeing a common trait here, you realize that soluble fiber is the key to making these foods beneficial for your health! Legumes, which include beans, peas, and lentils, all contain a significant amount of soluble fiber, protein, and minerals. While these foods are incredible for your body, those seeking to lower their cholesterol levels should speak with their doctor first to discover the best course of action for protecting their heart.
significant heart-healthy benefits in numerous studies, including one which proved that just 2 ounces of nuts per day can decrease your LDL cholesterol.
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• Electromyograms (EMG/NCS or "nerve tests") can help identify the origin of your pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Pinpointing the source of your problem can lead to more effective treatments and help you avoid unnecessary procedures. • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSK-US) is imaging of soft-tissue structures like muscles, tendons, and ligaments to help spot the root of your problems. It's often faster, cheaper, and more comfortable than an MRI and typically gives you the same information. Of course, the list could go on. As you can see, while we firmly believe in the power of traditional methods, we also supplement them with cutting-edge technology to provide you with excellent care. With better insight into your pain and injury, we can create a tailor-made treatment plan that has you back on your feet in as little time as possible! Passion for Our Practice While these advances in PT have been important for our practice, I think what really sets us apart is our undeniable heart. I’m dedicated to what I do, and I built a team around me that shares that dedication. While we live in a big city, I think our clinic has a comforting small- town feel. We get to know you and have our own little
community here at our clinic. I’m grateful to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month with my incredible team and inspirational patients like you, who constantly remind me how much I love what I do.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
915-562-8525 | www.SpineRehab.net 6358 Edgemere Blvd. El Paso, Texas 79925
1. How PT Has Transformed Into the Treatment You See Today 2. The Best Running Shoes for Every Type of Runner Why Fitness Experts Are Steering Away From Crunches 3. Eat Your Way to a Healthy Heart 4. Discover the Celebrity-Approved Secret to Flawless Skin INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Is Red Light Therapy the Holy Grail of Skin Care? What do Kate Hudson, Emma Stone, Kourtney Kardashian, and Chrissy Teigen have in common? Flawless skin and a love for red light therapy! While sitting under a glowing red lamp or wearing a robot-like mask may feel silly, countless celebrities have shared their red light therapy journey. Before you add red light devices to your virtual cart, you should learn how this unique skincare treatment works and if it’s right for you. How Does It Work? Not just any red light will give you flawless skin, but low levels of red or near-infrared light (ranging from 620 to 750 nanometers), performs skin regeneration. How? Photobiomodulation is the process where skin responds to light wavelengths. Scientists have found that red light can penetrate the skin as deep as 6 millimeters below the surface and cause skin cells to work harder. This results in reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. If you’re still doubting the science behind red light therapy, then know that NASA was the first to discover the skin healing benefits of red light. The red light was first aboard a 1995 U.S. Spacelab mission for plant growth experiments. However, astronauts found that scratches quickly healed on their hands while tending to the plants. Nothing can heal in space, so NASA dedicated years of study to red light therapy. Now, we know that this form of light is proven to help skin rejuvenation!
All the Benefits of Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy is known to: • Boost collagen levels • Minimize wrinkles and fine lines • Treat acne • Heal scarring • Stimulate hair growth The advantages don’t stop there. Experts are still studying countless other positive effects. For instance, red light therapy may generate weight loss, promote brain health, treat injuries, and help those experiencing chronic pain. You can try red light therapy at medical offices, spas, tanning salons, or even your home! There are plenty of red light devices you can buy, and many are celebrity endorsed for those looking for that red carpet glow.
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