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theptdoctor.com
718.747.2019
Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December 2025
ON THE
MOVE
To the Last-Minute Shoppers, the Overachievers, and the ‘Don’t Get Me Anything’ Crowd THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!
As the Christmas season rolls in and the trees go up and stockings get hung, gifts and presents are on everyone’s mind. Some people absolutely live for it. They’ve got their lists done in October, every package wrapped perfectly with matching bows and tags. And then there are others who just wing it. They run through the store on Christmas Eve, grabbing whatever looks halfway decent, hoping it says “thoughtful.” You’ve also got the folks who say, “Don’t get me anything, really. I have everything I need,” or the ones who just want money. It’s a whole mix, right? Gift giving at Christmas can be tricky business. Because here’s the thing: Some people are great at it. They know exactly what to give, and when you open their present, it feels personal, like they’ve been paying
attention all year. And then there are the others. You love them, but, well, their gifts can be … interesting. Some people want gifts, some don’t, and some secretly judge yours while pretending not to. You know what I mean? You hand it over, they smile, say thanks, but you can see it in their eyes. They’re evaluating. And you’re standing there thinking, Okay, I hope I passed the test. But honestly, I’ve realized over time that gift giving isn’t just for the person receiving it. When we’re kids, it’s all about me, me, me. You’re under that Christmas tree, shaking boxes, counting how many have your name on them. If your brother’s pile looks bigger, it’s a disaster. As you grow up, something changes. You start realizing it’s not only about what you get but about what you give. Because the truth is that gift- giving is also for the giver. There’s real satisfaction in it. It’s not about the dollar amount. It’s the gesture and the act of thinking of someone and wanting to make them smile. That’s why I say it’s not cool when someone refuses to let you give. You’re taking away that moment of joy, the little spark from knowing you did something kind for someone else. Sure, sometimes it goes sideways. Have you ever opened a gift that wasn’t really something you cared for, but you
smiled anyway? And sometimes that gift is wrapped so well that you almost don’t want to open it. The paper is crisp, corners sharp, bow tied perfectly. You’re looking at it thinking, “This is a masterpiece.” Then you open it and it’s just not something you’d use or wear. But hey, credit where it’s due: That wrap job was top-tier. The gifts I remember most, though, weren’t expensive or fancy. My grandmother, God bless her, used to make knitted booties every year. They were basically yarn slippers for around the house. She’d sit on the couch with a big bag of yarn beside her, working on them all year long so everyone had a pair by Christmas. My brother and I would wear them out running around, and she’d just make more. Eventually, she started thickening the soles so they’d last longer, and I swear she put pure love into every stitch. When I was about 8, she tried teaching me how to knit. And listen, no judgment (especially from any macho guys reading this), but it didn’t go well. My “square” came out looking like a crooked rhomboid. But it gave me a new appreciation for the time and care she put into every pair. Those little gifts meant more than anything store- bought ever could.
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When a migraine or headache hits you unexpectedly, the throbbing pain can bring your day to a screeching halt, making even the easiest tasks feel impossible. What if you didn’t need to reach for the medicine cabinet or curl up in bed? What if you could stretch your way to relief? Physical therapy isn’t just for sore backs or weak knees. PT can reduce migraines and their side effects. No matter your fitness level, a physical therapist can walk you through exercises to get past the brain fog. Ready to reclaim your headspace? Let’s get moving. Why does your head really hurt? Headaches happen when the pain nerves in your face, neck, or head are irritated. Some of the most common causes include a pinched or pulled nerve, temperature or environmental causes like chemicals or burns, and the most likely culprit: tension in the neck or upper back. Physical therapy is an excellent method to discover the root cause of the headache, such as pressure on the nerves. A physical therapist can create a treatment plan and routine designed to ease recurring migraines by focusing on postures and activities causing the problems. They can determine exercises to create better posture and movements. Beat the Brain Fog PT’S PATH TO A HEADACHE-FREE LIFE
real game-changers. Moves that focus on improving muscle strength, endurance, and mobility in areas like your face, head, and neck help to resolve tension leading to headaches. Think of moves like chin tucks, shoulder blade exercises, and yoga. A physical therapist can also use hands-on techniques, such as massages, on your muscles and joints to alleviate pain. Stress is also a significant source of migraines, so your PT will likely teach you relaxation methods. Deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation techniques can help you manage physical and emotional stress so they don’t become a headache. Can PT help you? Everybody is different, but if you experience headaches or migraines regularly, physical therapy could be an effective option for you. Some of the most common triggers for headaches are perfect opportunities for PT to come in and correct. If you are recovering from a concussion, have poor posture, are dealing with tight neck tissues and muscles, or have any skeletal misalignments, PT is particularly useful. When you start your physical therapy journey to headache relief, your team will work to identify what’s triggering the migraines and guide you through exercises and treatment to provide you with real relief without relying entirely on pain medications.
Try targeted moves for migraine triggers. Physical therapy is never a one-size-fits- all solution; it’s customized based on your body, needs, and the specifics that may be causing your migraines. The goal is to target the triggers for your headaches, reduce their frequency, and address the pain when it’s impacting you most. Regular exercise, like strength training and aerobics, is essential to your PT plan because it improves
With physical therapy, you can shake off that headache haze and get back to living your best pain-free days. Peace of mind is just a few stretches away.
overall health. But the exercises tailored to
your headache triggers are the
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WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING INSIDE YOUR JOINTS CRACKING THE MYSTERY
Most people have experienced it: You stretch in the morning, bend your knees after sitting too long, or crack your knuckles during a meeting, and suddenly you hear a pop! The sound is so familiar that we barely notice it, but it sparks curiosity. Why do our joints make these noises, and is it something to worry about? What’s the science behind the pop? Synovial liquid, a slick liquid that cushions and lubricates our joints so bones can glide smoothly, is the main culprit. This fluid also contains dissolved gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. So, when you pull, twist, or bend a joint, the space inside the joint capsule suddenly expands. That drop in pressure forces the gases to form a bubble, a process called cavitation. The “pop” we hear comes from the quick formation and partial collapse of that bubble. Why can’t you crack again right away? Have you ever noticed that after cracking a knuckle, you can’t immediately repeat it? That’s because your joints need a refractory period. Gases usually take 15–20 minutes to dissolve back into the synovial fluid and reset the system for another crack. Is it bad for you? Despite warnings from parents and grandparents, cracking your joints isn’t linked to arthritis. In fact, studies have found no evidence that habitual knuckle-popping damages joints.
One famous doctor even cracked the fingers of just one hand for more than 60 years as a personal experiment and found no adverse effects compared to his other hand. That said, cracking isn’t always 100% innocent. If the noise is paired with pain, swelling, or stiffness, that could indicate an underlying problem, like arthritis, cartilage wear, or ligament irritation. Joints make noise for other reasons. Not all joint sounds are
bubble-related. Sometimes, tendons or ligaments snap as they slide over bony structures. Knees can grind or crunch when cartilage thins, a sound known as crepitus. Shoulders and hips might click as muscles or connective tissues shift during movement. These sounds aren’t always harmful, but if cracking a joint causes discomfort, it’s wise to consult a health care professional.
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
... continued from Cover
Now, my niece, who never even met my grandmother, has picked up crocheting. She’s making little animals and starting an online shop. I told her, “You’ve got the genes.” It’s funny how that kind of thing passes down without you even realizing it. These days, my kids don’t ask for much. They’re grateful, and that’s maybe the best gift of all. We still make a big deal out of the holidays and have a great time just all being together for Christmas. Because at the end of the day, it’s not really about what’s under the tree. It’s about the connection and the love behind it. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope your gift hunting and shopping is fun and painless!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto • 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise • 1/4 cup fig preserves • 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese • 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese • 1/2 cup melted butter • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 2 chopped garlic cloves • Black pepper, to taste
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving.
–Dr. Robert Morea
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
718.747.2019
212-73 26th Ave. Bayside, NY 11360
theptdoctor.com
Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1. You Can’t Please Everyone (but You Can Still Try at Christmas) INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2. Stretch Away Migraines
3. Why Do Our Joints Snap, Crack, and Pop?
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
4. Rebuilding Muscle With the Power of Protein
Why Protein Is Your Post-Workout Best Friend POWER UP YOUR MUSCLES
Crushing workout after workout might boost your ego, but your muscles need more than sweat to grow stronger. That’s where protein comes in, aka the ultimate repair kit for your body. After you push through squats, lifts, or a killer cardio session, your muscles form micro-tears. Protein swoops in to help repair and rebuild those fibers, and as a result, you not only reduce soreness but also build new muscle! How much protein do you need? Experts suggest that 20–40 grams of protein after exercise is usually enough to give your muscles the boost they need, but the exact amount varies from person to person. And while the old advice was to chug protein immediately after your workout, research now shows the window is much wider, sometimes up to 24 hours! So, don’t stress if you
can’t grab a shake right away. The key is hitting your total daily protein goals. Choose the right protein sources. Not all protein is created equal. Animal- based options like meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy are considered “complete” because they have all nine essential amino acids your body can’t create on its own. Plant-based sources like beans, rice, and quinoa can work, too, but you may need to combine them to get the complete amino acid profile. For example, pairing black beans with brown rice fills that nutritional gap. Get your protein in creative ways. Muscle recovery doesn’t have to be boring! Try blending a smoothie with Greek yogurt, berries, spinach, and protein powder for a refreshing post-workout pick-me-up. Chia seed
pudding made with almond milk, protein powder, and nuts offers slow- burning energy. And don’t forget savory options: hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese with veggies, or a hearty salad with grilled chicken or chickpeas. All are excellent ways to satisfy your protein needs. When you fuel smart, you can recover faster, reduce soreness, and keep building strength without missing a beat. Your muscles and your next workout will thank you!
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Join us for our Holiday Bash!
from wellness goodies to gift cards — and the grand prize … you guessed it: a flat-screen TV raffle! We will be catering with 6-foot long sub-sandwiches... good for both vegetarians and meat lovers!
When: Thursday, Dec. 11 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. Where: The Physical Therapy Doctor Facility 212-73 26th Ave. Bayside, NY 11360
So, bring your appetite! God bless you and have a wonderful holiday season. Hope to see you here. Best regards, –Dr. Robert Morea
R.S.V.P. by Dec. 8!
Join us for our Holiday Lunch Party featuring the PT Trivia Olympic Games — a fun, fast round of mini-challenges where you’ll guess our therapists’ hobbies, favorite workouts, and quirky likes/dislikes! It’s a lighthearted way to get to know your care team beyond the treatment table, cheer on your favorite PTs, and snag raffle entries along the way. Patients and guests can play, vote, and win awesome prizes
Don’t miss our Grand Prize Raffle. Win a flat-screen TV!
Halloween 2025
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