513-874-8800 www.stretchphysicaltherapy.com Painless News
March 2018
Why My Daughter IS MY INSPIRATION
My daughter, Megan, is one of the most incredible, inspiring people in my life. Ever since her diagnosis of POTS in 2016, a syndrome which causes her to intermittently and suddenly faint, it’s been a difficult road. Nonetheless, she’s continued to push forward, taking every step with her signature verve and confidence. Now, she’s in her third semester of her Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati, relying on her peers and incredible service dog, Nora, to keep her safe. Though she’s had some tough times and scary moments while attending school, she’s also experienced a lot of success.
“I’m constantly amazed by her perseverance, and I’m proud to call her my daughter.”
tell by her face that something was wrong. As Megan suddenly collapsed, he caught her, just before she hit the ground.
Luckily, her campus is filled with medical professionals going about their daily routines, and the student body is kind and supportive. One day, during her second semester, Megan was stepping
When she woke up, she was surrounded by a small group of gawking strangers, the doctor, and a paramedic checking her vitals. The doctor had called 911, though after the emergency personnel took over, he went on his way. Megan, in her post-fainting state, was unable to even say thank you. The doctor was unaware of her condition —we’ve since gotten her a medical bracelet so that 911 isn’t unnecessarily called — but it was fortunate that he was in the elevator with her, otherwise she may have injured herself from the fall. In the midst of all these faintings, Megan continues to work through her degree. Fortunately, most of the episodes are much less dangerous and dramatic than the one in the elevator. She recently switched her research focus to aortic aneurysms, and she now gets to work with a smaller, more intimate team. The work is less stressful, so it’s much easier on her health. Plus, the new topic will give her insight into POTS, which is essentially caused by an increased heart rate and lower blood pressure. Megan lives about 30 minutes away here in Cincinnati and with our busy schedules we don’t get to see each other as much as we’d like to. I’m constantly amazed by her perseverance, and I’m proud to call her my daughter. She hasn’t let her diagnosis hold her back one bit. She still joins in on her best friends’ bachelorette parties, walks down the aisle for their weddings, and pursues an extremely difficult research degree. No matter the obstacle, she lives her life the way she wants to.
into an elevator when her service dog gave her a nudge. This was the dog’s signal for Megan to sit down, warning her that she was about to pass out. Normally, Nora would warn her 10 minutes in advance, so she figured she was fine for the moment.
As the elevator doors closed, Megan noticed a man, a doctor, also on his way up. He gave her a
–Kim Nartker
strange look — apparently, he could
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WHY YOUR HEEL ACHES EVERY MORNING
The Skinny on Plantar Fasciitis
Most people take their two feet for granted, assuming they’ll remain resilient and pain-free forever — that is, until an injury strikes. That’s when we realize just how much we depend on our feet to navigate our everyday lives.
Plantar fasciitis is among the most common of these injuries, affecting upward of 2 million Americans every year and accounting for more than 11 percent of all foot injuries that send patients to a specialist. If you’re suffering from persistent foot pain, it’s important to understand the basics of the syndrome. Armed with this knowledge, you can determine whether the symptoms of plantar fasciitis match your own and figure out the best way to heal your injury. The heel of the foot is a complicated network of muscles and ligaments, all supported by a thick band of tendons called the plantar fascia. This structure holds up the arch of the foot and undergoes tension as the foot bears weight. As you walk, the plantar fascia elongates and tightens repeatedly, acting like a spring that conserves energy and facilitates a proper gait. However, with repetitive stress and/or overuse, the plantar fascia may begin to suffer degenerative decay, particularly at the point at which it connects
to the heel. This can result in severe pain across the heel, forcing you to avoid putting your full weight on the bottom of the affected foot. Typically, this pain is worse when you first get up in the morning or after you take your first steps following a long sedentary period. Plantar fasciitis is especially common among people 40–60 years of age, but it can affect individuals at any stage of their life, particularly runners, military personnel, teachers, restaurant workers, and other professionals who spend most of their day on their feet. Depending on your particular case, an experienced physical therapist can guide you through a set of exercises that will reduce your pain, increase your range of motion, and steadily heal your damaged fascia. If you believe you may suffer from plantar fasciitis, it’s vital to seek treatment soon. It most likely will only get worse until it’s addressed. Luckily, the syndrome is often treatable through noninvasive methods like physical therapy.
Testimonials
“I have now had three laser treatments with Stretch, and I am already starting to notice a huge difference! I have had pain in my left upper trap for years now, and no matter what I’ve tried, nothing has helped me. When I learned about the laser treatments they offer, I was a bit skeptical at first, but willing to try. After the second treatment I received, I experienced much less pain, and I have had better workouts because of it! “I actually just got back from a 27-hour road trip across the country, and sitting straight up for a long period of time is where I experience the most pain. However, after a few treatments, I have no more pain! It’s crazy.” –Karly Morris
“I came in for laser on my neck and upper traps. It started from pulling a muscle while bartending. I play a lot of tennis, so it bothered me when I played. I went through PT here at Stretch, and that helped me regain my mobility. Laser helped me maintain that. I noticed when I lifted heavy boxes, I would feel something and expect to be in pain after. But with the laser, the pain was not there, and that was after just a few sessions. I am doing Pilates now, and I worked a lot on the shoulder that would have caused some pain after, but I did not experience pain afterwards.” –Kerry Hendel
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Free Food • Free Stretches • Free Prizes
FIRST ANNUAL HEALTH CARE FAIR April 14, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn everything you need to live pain-free without injections, medications, or surgery! Stretch Physical Therapy in Westchester
4851 Wunnenberg Way Westchester, OH 45069
WORKSHOPS:
Low Back PainWorkshop
9:00 AM
Learn the real cause of your lower back pain, run through a few tests, and discover how you can eliminate your pain once and for all!
Learn the three nonnegotiable principles to help your spine last 110 years. Get Your Spine to Last 110YearsWith 3 Simple Principles
9:30 AM
Shoulder PainWorkshop
10:00 AM
We’ll teach you a powerful plan to combat shoulder pain without medications, injections, or surgery.
Balance and Fall PreventionWorkshop
10:45 AM
Have you fallen in the past? Are you afraid of falling? Has you balance become less steady? If you answered“Yes” to any of these questions —or if you have a stubborn spouse or parent who is in denial —our instructive Balance and Fall PreventionWorkshop just might change your life!
Continued on back >>>>>
WORKSHOPS CONTINUED ...
Knee PainWorkshop: DoYou Need a Replacement?
11:30 AM
Learn the top three causes of knee pain, and find out what’s causing your knee to constantly ache. Learn how a piece of equipment we use in our clinic has helped decrease recovery time by 29%!
For more than 15 years, Jen Beck has worked with clients struggling with their weight and other chronic conditions. She is dedicated to cutting through the noise of fad diets to make nutrition work for you, to turn your health around, and to reclaim your well-being! Nutrition and the Role of Inflammation in Gut Health, Presented by Jennifer Beck, Owner of Complete Health Revolution
12:30 PM
Runner’sWorkshop
1:30 PM
Injuries are common when running, but they don’t have to be. Allow us to equip you with the 3 simple keys to an injury-free running season!
After experiencing the impacts of dementia on her own family, Colleen Busboom changed her career path and vowed to help others going through the same process. As a certified trainer through the National Institute for Dementia Education, she works to provide dementia education to the community whenever possible. Understanding Dementia and How to Prepare or Plan Ahead, Presented by Colleen Busboom
2:30 PM
To register and get more info, call Stretch Physical Therapy at 513.874.8800 or go to stretchphysicaltherapy.com/healthfair But act fast—only 30 spots per workshop are available!
TRAITS OF PEOPLE Who Avoid Back Surgery
3. They find the best specialist for healing without medications, injections, or surgery.
Have you had back pain or sciatica in the last 30 days? Have you been told something by a surgeon like, “You might not be able to walk in a year if you don’t have surgery?” Physicians will often act like your only option is surgery, but it’s important to know your options. Here are five secrets the experts at Stretch Physical Therapy have learned about patients who want to heal naturally and avoid going under the knife. 1. They don’t like taking medications. Medications may change how we sense our back pain, but they don’t actually correct it. For example, if you have a stone in your shoe and you take an Advil to relieve the pain, you may stop hurting, but the source of the problem is still firmly lodged in the bottom of your shoe. The general story for those who resort to surgery starts with medication, then moves to injections, which then turns to surgery. 2. They realize the shortfalls of X-rays and MRIs. American adults over 50 years of age have a 95 percent chance of showing stenosis, arthritis, or a degenerative disc disease in an X-ray or MRI, but far fewer adults actually suffer from these issues. These tests measure what’s going on with your spine when you’re laying down on your back, not when the pain bothers you most.
Surgeons know the highly specialized field of surgery, but they certainly don’t know the best treatments to avoid surgery. Physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and naturopathic doctors are experts on avoiding surgery and getting better naturally. 4. They take care of their body. People who want to avoid surgery make taking care of their body a top priority. Getting plenty of rest, minimizing stress, eating healthy, and getting regular exercise are key components to a surgery-free recovery. 5. They don’t wait. People who want to avoid surgery don’t listen blindly to those telling them to go under the knife. They keep looking for answers. And when they reach an answer, they act immediately. Don’t resort to surgery at the first recommendation. Get a second opinion and learn how to heal naturally without medications and long recovery times. Call Stretch Physical Therapy at 513-874-8800 and eliminate your back pain for good!
BE INSPIRED!
Colcannon
Inspired by foodnetwork.com
When you think of St. Patrick’s Day cuisine, corned beef and green beer are probably the first things that come to mind. This year, consider adding colcannon to your March 17 menu. It’s basically mashed potatoes on steroids, and it’s utterly delicious.
Ingredients
• • • •
3 pounds potatoes
•
1 pound cooked bacon, chopped into small pieces
2 sticks butter
1 1/4 cups hot milk
• • •
4 scallions, finely chopped
1 head cabbage, cored and shredded
Parsley, for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Steam potatoes for 30 minutes. Peel skins and mash flesh thoroughly. 2. Chop 1 stick of butter into small cubes and add to warm potatoes. Once melted, slowly add milk, stirring constantly. 3. Boil cabbage in water. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to tenderize. 4. Add cabbage, bacon, and scallions to mashed potatoes, gently stirring to combine. 5. Serve garnished with parsley and a pat of butter. 513-874-8800
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Phone: 513-874-8800 stretchphysicaltherapy.com Monday–Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Inside
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Nora and Megan
Why Does My Heel Hurt Every Morning?
AWord FromOur Patients
Avoid Back SurgeryWithThese 5 Traits
St. Patrick’s Day Cuisine
Heart Attack Symptoms inWomen
HEART ATTACK
Symptoms in Women
When people think of heart attack symptoms, they often think of stabbing chest pain. However, that’s not always how symptoms manifest, particularly in women. The following are serious symptoms that can indicate a looming heart attack. If any of these symptoms are present, consider seeking medical attention. Chest Discomfort The most common symptom is chest discomfort, including pain, tightness, squeezing, or pressure. In women, chest discomfort is more likely to feel like pressure or tightness. Radiating Pain Pain isn’t necessarily restricted to the center of the chest. It may be felt at the sides or even in the upper abdomen or back. It can also radiate into your shoulders, jaw, neck, or arms. Remember, anything above the waist could be related to the heart. Shortness of Breath Sometimes your body will present symptoms well before an attack. For instance, you may experience
shortness of breath during normal activities. If you notice this symptom, your doctor may run blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose tests and administer an EKG. Feeling Faint, Lightheaded, or Dizzy Feeling like you’re going to faint or actually fainting are both warning signs of a heart attack or other cardiac issue. This is especially worrying if it happens while exercising. Sudden Sweating Sudden sweating can easily be confused with night sweats or hot flashes. However, sweating that indicates a heart attack is particularly extreme, doesn’t go away, or can make it difficult to sleep. Nausea or Vomiting Often, women who experience nausea or vomiting think they have food poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, or a bug. However, these are common heart attack symptoms and should be taken very seriously.
Unusual Fatigue
New, unexplained fatigue may be a warning sign of a heart attack. However, fatigue can also be a symptom of many other issues, including anemia, depression, thyroid conditions, and even cancer. So even if it’s not a heart attack, it’s still important check in with your doctor. Research suggests that women often don’t recognize heart attack symptoms simply because they don’t know what they are experiencing. The best thing a woman can do is make herself aware of heart attack symptoms and get checked out immediately if there is a concern.
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