Your resource for health, wellness, and caring for your body.
NEWSLETTER Your Resource for Health, Wellness, and Caring for Your Body
TRANSFORM YOUR RECOVERY WITH PRE- AND POSTOPERATIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY
YOUR HOME CARING PHYSICAL THERAPY!
NEWSLETTER Your Resource for Health, Wellness, and Caring for Your Body INSIDE: • PT Solutions Our New Name! • The Road to Surgery • Seasonal Recipe
LOUDOUNPT.COM Leesburg: (703) 443-6700 Lansdowne: (703) 858-9880
One of our patients, who we’ll call Michael, was a middle-aged teacher with a passion for hiking; faced an unexpected challenge when a sharp pain in his knee turned into a persistent problem, affecting not only his favorite outdoor activities but also his ability to stand comfortably in front of his classroom. After several consultations, an MRI revealed a torn meniscus requiring surgery. The prospect of surgery was a big concern to Michael, who had never faced such a significant medical procedure. However, his orthopedic surgeon recommended a comprehensive approach to ensure the best possible outcome: engaging in pre- and postoperative physical therapy. The Road to Surgery: Preoperative Physical Therapy Understanding the importance of being in optimal physical condition for the surgery, Michael was referred to Loudoun Physical Therapy for preoperative care. Our goal was to maximize his range of motion and strengthen his knee as much as possible before the surgery to aid his recovery. Michael met with one of our physical therapists, who explained how pre-surgical physical therapy could make a significant difference in his recovery process. His therapist tailored a program focusing on building strength, improving his mobility, and getting him as prepared as possible for surgery and the recovery afterward. Preoperative physical therapy sessions included a variety of exercises designed to enhance the stability of Michael’s knee alongside manual therapy techniques to free up restrictions, mobilize his knee, and help manage his pain. TRANSFORM YOUR RECOVERY WITH PRE- AND POSTOPERATIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY
His therapist also educated Michael about how to best prepare mentally and physically for post-surgery rehabilitation. This proactive approach helped Michael enter the surgery with a stronger knee and equipped him with the knowledge and confidence needed to face his recovery. Navigating Recovery: Postoperative Physical Therapy After the surgery, Michael’s journey to recovery began with postoperative physical therapy. The first few sessions focused on managing pain and reducing swelling. These are crucial steps to ensure a solid foundation for more intensive rehabilitation. His physical therapist guided Michael through the following treatments: • Range of Motion Exercises: To gradually increase knee range of motion. • Strengthening Exercises: Targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles to support knee stability. • Swelling and Pain Management: Using compression and elevation to reduce swelling and pain. • Manual Therapy: Soft tissue massage and joint mobilizations improve joint function and decrease pain. • Gait Training: To improve walking patterns and ensure proper weight distribution and knee alignment. • Balance and Proprioception Training: Exercises that help restore balance and knee joint position are crucial for preventing re-injury. • Functional Training: Focused on returning to daily activities and specific sports or hobbies with proper form and without pain.
PT: THE ULTIMATE RECOVERY HACK One of the pivotal aspects of Michael’s postoperative care was the personalized attention he received. His therapist continuously adjusted his plan based on his progress, ensuring each exercise was challenging and achievable. This customization was crucial, as it kept Michael motivated and engaged in his recovery, even on days when progress seemed slow. Postoperative therapy also included education on proper movement patterns to prevent future injuries and ensure the longevity of his knee’s health. Michael learned how to adjust his daily activities to protect his knee and support its healing. The Impact of Comprehensive Physical Therapy The benefits of Michael’s commitment to both pre-and postoperative physical therapy were clear; not only did his recovery timeline exceed expectations, but he also experienced a significant improvement in his knee’s functionality compared to before the surgery. Michael’s dedication to his therapy and his therapist’s expertise transformed his recovery into a journey of personal growth and resilience. The knowledge he gained about injury prevention and physical wellness became integral to his daily life, influencing his return to hiking and his approach to physical activity in general.
A Return to the Trails After his rehab ended, Michael stood at the base of his favorite hiking trail, ready to tackle it again. This moment was the culmination of hours of physical therapy, perseverance, and the unwavering support of his therapist. As he ascended the trail, each step was a testament to the importance of comprehensive physical therapy in recovery from surgery. Michael’s experience underscores the transformative potential of pre- and postoperative physical therapy at Loudoun Physical Therapy. By engaging in targeted exercises before and after surgery, patients can accelerate their recovery and improve their overall physical function and quality of life!
SEASONAL RECIPE | SLOW COOKER IRISH STEW
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or to taste • 2 pounds beef chuck roast • 3 russet potatoes, diced • 1 pound baby carrots • 1 large onion, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1 (16 ounce) bottle stout beer
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste • 1 cup beef broth • 1 tablespoon garlic powder • 1 tablespoon onion powder • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika • salt and ground black pepper
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef; cook until evenly browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Place potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in a slow cooker; top with browned beef. Pour 1/4 cup beer into the same skillet and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of beef off of the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Stir in tomato paste; cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Pour beer mixture into slow cooker. Pour beef broth, remaining beer, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into slow cooker. Cook on Low for 8 hours.
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WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING
I’m so glad I found Loudoun Physical Therapy! I was warmly greeted at the front desk and the staff quickly helped me get set up with an evaluation. Chelsea was kind and supportive as she evaluated my complex medical needs. I asked for Aquatic Therapy and felt instantly comfortable with Terri at the pool! Terri, and her tech Marisa, are both encouraging with exercises and creative with modifications to meet everyone’s needs. I appreciate that Terri balanced teaching me skills and proper muscle engagement while also letting me trust my body and adapt for my needs. As a person with hypermobility and POTS the pool was a helpful place to rebuild strength after months of less movement due to injury. I’ll continue going to the pool regularly to do a full exercise program that Terri
created for me. This team planted seeds of healthy movement and strength that I’ll nurture for years
Dear Valued Patients, I hope this letter finds you well. Today, I am excited to share some important news about the future of Loudoun Physical Therapy. After more than 30 incredible years serving our Leesburg and Lansdowne communities, I have made the decision to partner with PT Solutions Physical Therapy, a trusted provider within the VHC Health System. This partnership represents a new and exciting chapter, offering enhanced opportunities to serve you better. Reflecting on the past three decades, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the trust and support you have shown me and my team. Together, we have achieved countless milestones—from helping you recover from injuries and surgeries to seeing you return to the activities and lifestyles you love. It has been the honor of a lifetime to be part of your journey toward health and wellness. Through our partnership with PT Solutions, we are now able to expand our resources and provide even greater access to exceptional care. PT Solutions shares our commitment to patient-centered, compassionate care, and they bring with them advanced technology, innovative treatments, and a network of highly skilled professionals. This collaboration means we can now offer an even broader range of services and support to help you achieve your health goals. Importantly, our Leesburg and Lansdowne locations will remain open, and our dedicated team of therapists will continue to provide the personalized, high-quality care you have come to rely on. What’s more, through PT Solutions’ partnership with VHC Health, you will now have access to an expanded network of 10 additional locations across Northern Virginia—including Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Gainesville, Lake Ridge, Manassas, McLean, Potomac Yards, Tysons Corner, and Vienna. This growth ensures greater convenience and flexibility for you and your loved ones, so you can receive the care you need, when and where you need it. As we embrace this new chapter, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you. Your resilience, determination, and optimism have inspired me daily, and I am honored to have been a part of your journey. I look forward to continuing to support you as part of the PT Solutions family and to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals in new and exciting ways. If you have any questions about this transition or how it might enhance your care, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to guide and support you every step of the way. Thank you for your loyalty, trust, and support over the past three decades. Together, we will continue to move forward, stronger than ever. With deepest gratitude, Genevieve “Genny” Griffin, PT, DPT, GCFP Loudoun Physical Therapy
to come! -Beth G.
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LOUDOUNPT.COM Leesburg: (703) 443-6700 Lansdowne: (703) 858-9880
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