North County Water and Sport Therapy Center - June 2024

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PATIENT PULSE

(858) 675-1133 | www.waterpt.com

15373 Innovation Dr. #175 | San Diego, CA 92128 | (858) 675-1133 12171 World Trade Dr. | San Diego, CA 92128

EMBRACING SUMMER LONG DAYS, WARM NIGHTS, AND BIRTHDAY DELIGHTS

Hello, summer! It’s that wonderful time of the year again when the days stretch longer, the sun feels warmer, and life feels just a bit sweeter. Summer offers tons of juicy fruits, tropical vibes, and the perfect opportunity to kick back and relax. Let’s embrace the slower pace of summer, enjoy the abundant sunshine, and celebrate the simple joys this season brings. For me, the arrival of summer is extra special because my birthday is at the beginning of June! In fact, as a kid, I felt like my birthday was always the unofficial start of summer. Looking back, my childhood birthday parties are some of my favorite memories. They were always timed perfectly at the end of the school year when everyone was still in town and able to celebrate with me. We’d often have parties outdoors in New Hampshire just as the weather was warming up. I loved running barefoot through the fresh REFERRALS WELCOME! A referral is the greatest compliment you could ever give us. If you know someone in need of our expert services, we welcome the opportunity to help! Feel free to pass along this newsletter, or have them give us a call at (858) 675-1133. We greatly appreciate it!

green grass, with “lightning bugs” beginning to twinkle at dusk. The warm days extended into our evenings, allowing us to swim even after the sun went down. We were wild kids — dashing through the lawn sprinklers, sipping water straight from the hose, biking to the local pool for swim lessons, chasing down the ice cream truck, and playing outside until the sun set — I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Reflecting on my sweet summers as a kid reminds me of the importance of simple pleasures — like feeling the grass between your toes, the deliciousness of sipping a cold lemonade, or the sweet taste of freshly grilled corn at a barbecue. I remember one summer when I was around 7 or 8, I had lost both my front teeth, and I was so disappointed not to be able to bite into corn on the cob. My mom had to cut the kernels off the cob for me, and I was so bummed!

and I firmly believe that age is just a number. We should embrace growing older with joy because the alternative is not growing old at all, and nobody wants that. Celebrating another year should be a cause for joy, not dread. After all, it’s summer! So, in honor of my birthday this year, declare a day in June your own “carefree day” and have a mini summer vacation! Take time to enjoy summer’s sweet splendors — life is beautiful!

While I don’t typically schedule a full summer vacation, I love to set aside a few days just to let go — declaring them “carefree” days. These are

times when I forget about adult responsibilities and might even run through a sprinkler, just like when I was a kid!

This year, I’m turning 55. Honestly, I don’t feel my age,

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FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH Olympian Steiner Overcame Adversity to Win Gold

In June 2007, just one year before the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, an SUV traveling on the wrong side of the road hit 22-year-old Susann

“Weightlifting is a sport without mercy [and] it is very tough to make progress,” Matthias said in an interview with the Olympic Channel. “Every time you touch the bar, you realize that you are always alone in weightlifting, the weights are getting heavier and heavier, everything hurts.”

Steiner — wife of German Olympic weightlifter Matthias Steiner — while she was driving. She was rushed to the hospital, and it was there that Matthias promised her he would win a gold medal in her honor. Tragically,

Susann died as a result of her injuries, but Matthias’ promise to his late love lived on.

But Matthias was not alone. His memory and dedication to Susann inspired him to attain

strength he never imagined possible. As it turned out, he needed every ounce of his strength to claim victory. The competition was incredibly close. Matthias’ victory was not secure until the last lift; he needed to clean and jerk an astounding 569 pounds — more than he had ever lifted before — to fulfill his promise.

Wanting to make his wife proud, Matthias trained harder than ever before. He had been lifting weights since he was just a teenager, and though he had won medals and championships before, he had never claimed the ultimate prize: an Olympic medal.

Matthias also had to compete in the super heavyweight category against the

“I came to North County Water and Sports Therapy after having major back surgery to relieve leg and lower back pain. The surgery went well. The PT I received worked on my core strength, back strength, leg and glutes, and balance strengthening. Eric and Laura were great — reassuring and firm with my treatment. “We worked week in and week out, and my strength improved 100%! Now, I can use my legs and core to stand and walk much better. I appreciate all the work from Eric, Laura, and the entire team!” –James Despenza Incredibly, he succeeded. He edged out Chigishev by 1 kilogram, winning the gold medal with a score of 461 against Chigishev’s 460. After he had completed his lift, he fell to his knees in tears. At the podium, he held his gold medal and a bouquet of roses in his right hand and clutched a picture of Susann in his left. Matthias honored Susann’s memory with his gold medal victory, exactly as he promised. A SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY JOURNEY From Major Back Surgery to Enhanced Mobility Photo: Dacoucou

strongest weightlifters in the world. Among his competitors were the formidable Russian Evgeny Chigishev, an Olympic veteran and champion, and the Latvian Viktors Scerbaiths, who won the silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.

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How Power Walking Boosts Your Fitness STRIDING TO SUCCESS

Runners and other workout buffs often make fun of power walkers, saying that walking — even at a vigorous pace — isn’t a real workout. Try telling that to TikTok fitness influencer Stefana Avara. Avara says she got great results from power walking 30–45 minutes daily at a 15-minute mile pace (about 4 mph on a treadmill). In the past, she had built strong, bulky thighs playing lacrosse and claimed she wanted to smooth out her quads. After just five weeks of power walking, she attained slimmer thighs while maintaining excellent muscle tone. Power walking involves moving faster and with more intention than regular walking. You keep your arms bent at a 90-degree angle and pump them vigorously back and forth as you stride. Power walkers also move their feet smoothly from heel to toe while striding ahead. Doing this correctly engages your whole body, including your core muscles, raises your heart rate, and burns more calories. LAUGH THERAPY

A brisk walk elevates fat-burning hormones. According to Health.com, an hour of power walking uses more than 500 calories, compared with the 340 calories burned by a brisk walker and the 238 calories consumed by a casual stroller. Power walking is also easier on the joints than running. Power walkers’ feet never leave

the ground at the same time, while runners’ feet repeatedly strike the ground with greater force.

People who take frequent, vigorous walks reap almost as many health benefits as runners, according to a peer-reviewed 2013 study by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Hartford Hospital. Another study found that runners and vigorous walkers showed similar reductions in the risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease. Vigorous exercise also reduces such mental health problems as depression and anxiety, according to a 2006 study. To get the most out of a power walk, keep your chin up and focus your eyes on a point about 10 feet ahead of you to lengthen your stride. Pull your abdomen muscles in toward your spine. Tighten your glutes to help propel you ahead. Follow these rules of good form and swing your arms while striding energetically ahead, Avara says, and you will get a workout worth doing!

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These fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with nutrients!

INGREDIENTS •

2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Place sweet potato wedges in a large bowl and add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. 3. Arrange the sweet potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. 4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

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Monday—Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (858) 675-1133 www.waterpt.com

15373 Innovation Dr. #175 San Diego, CA 92128

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1 Celebrating the Season of Sun, Fun, and Birthdays! 2 Steiner’s Emotional Road to Olympic Glory

A Successful Recovery Journey 3 TikTok Embraces Power Walking

Baked Sweet Potato Fries 4 San Diego Events to Fill Up Your June Calendar DON’T MISS THE SUMMER FUN! Add These Events to Your Calendar This Month

OCEANSIDE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE Get a head start on the Fourth of July festivities with a patriotic parade in Oceanside on June 29. It’s a colorful, festive way to show your stripes with floats, flags, food, and more! BALBOA PARK EXPLORATIONS Even with the heat of summer, Balboa Park makes for an awesome afternoon outing! With 17 museums, stunning gardens, yummy restaurants, and countless cultural and historical gems, this 1,200-acre area is your go-to for fun, education, and enjoyment. San Diego County Fair From June 12 through July 7, the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar Fairgrounds is an excellent opportunity to enjoy concerts, rides, attractions, food, drinks, and special events! The theme this year will also take you back to different decades — a perfect time to go retro and have some fun! What are you waiting for? Add these to your calendar, and get ready to dive into some summer fun with the community!

It’s getting hot out there, San Diego! We’re gearing up for a summer with some fun in the sun. To keep your June calendar full, here are some ideas for activities and events for you and the whole family to enjoy. 43RD ANNUAL OCEAN BEACH STREET FAIR & CHILI COOK-OFF On June 22, dive into the fun at this eventful street fair, which features three stages of live music, vendors, crafters, and an exciting chili cook-off! Bring the kids or just your appetite for chili and join over 50,000 attendees in one of San Diego’s most popular events.

6TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL

On June 22–23, feel the summer vibes while lounging by the bay, jazz notes floating through the air at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. There will be tons of entertainment, food, drinks, and events for all ages to enjoy! Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

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Relief Through MOVEMENT Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition, limiting your mobility and impacting your daily life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 50 million Americans experience chronic pain, and 17 million have substantial reductions in activity because of pain. Beyond limiting activity or your ability to work, chronic pain has been linked to depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and substance abuse. Chronic pain is complex. There’s no single intervention to treat it, but physical therapy should be part of the mix. Here’s why: HOW PT APPROACHES PAIN

improving flexibility for a better range of motion, and correcting any imbalances or postural problems that might contribute to pain. Use a Multifaceted Approach A PT treatment plan will be customized based on the evaluation. In addition to therapeutic exercise, a PT might use various techniques. Examples include: • Manual Therapy: PTs use massage, joint mobilization, and trigger point therapy to address muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate pain. • Modalities: Techniques like ultrasound, heat therapy, or electrical stimulation can reduce inflammation, promote healing, and manage pain. • Aquatic Therapy: A warm, therapeutic pool supports your body and joints while offering gentle resistance. This can often make it easier to start moving again after being in pain for an extended time. Educate and Empower Patients PTs equip you with the knowledge and tools to manage your pain independently. This might include learning a new exercise routine, how to modify activities, or how to modify your daily schedule when you’re feeling better (or worse) than normal. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, call your physical therapist. They might have the key that will unlock a pain-free life.

Physical therapy often provides relief that’s just as effective as medication but without the potential side effects. Here’s a breakdown of how PT tackles pain and its effectiveness.

Identify the Root Cause PT goes a step further than medication that masks pain. Therapists assess your posture, muscle strength, flexibility, and joint mechanics to pinpoint the source of your discomfort. Address the Underlying Issues Based on the evaluation, PT focuses on strengthening weak muscles that support your joints,

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Chronic Pain Among Adults — United States, 2019–2021 | MMWR (cdc.gov) The impact of combining pain education strategies with physical therapy interventions for patients with chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 37:4, 461-472 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2019.1633714

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Preferred Communication Strategies Used by Physical Therapists in Chronic Pain Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis, Physical Therapy, Volume 102, Issue 9, September 2022, pzac081 Preferred Communication Strategies Used by Physical Therapists in Chronic Pain Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis - PubMed (nih.gov)

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The Influence of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Pain, Quality of Life, and Depression in Patients Receiving Physical Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1016/j. pmrj.2018.09.029

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This is a patient’s success story about how physical therapy helped him feel better, move better, and live better!

“When I first walked (limped) into my first appointment here, I could barely walk. I had been dealing with plantar fasciitis for around four years. I couldn’t touch my toes, had a flat foot (fallen arch), and I couldn’t walk barefoot for more than two steps without needing to sit or put my shoes back on. Now, after four months of PT, stretching, being stretched, and learning to use the muscles in my feet, I can walk barefoot on concrete with no pain and have transitioned

into minimalistic (barefoot) shoes! The progress I made here has been life- changing. I had tried everything short of foot surgery before coming here. Steroid injections, custom insoles, massages, expensive shoes, casts — nothing worked! I am grateful to God I came here. I got my physical life back. Walks, sports, playing with my dogs, things I didn’t think I could do anymore.” –Benjamin Isaacs

Do you want to feel better, move better, and live better? Give us a call today at (858) 675-1133. Do you know someone who could benefit from physical therapy? If so, please give them this sheet and ask them to call us at (858) 675-1133.

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