Take a look at our December newsletter!
DECEMBER 2023
KaizenSeattle.com | 206-524-6702
A Year of Triumphs and Challenges at Kaizen PT What I’ve Learned and Accomplished in 2023
December is the peak of the holiday season, the start of winter, and for many people, the opportunity to enjoy some time away from work. For me, December, of course, means all of those things, but it also provides a reminder to look back and take stock of what I’ve accomplished over the year, both personally and professionally. The past year has been an incredible journey for me, my family, and the clinic. 2023 had joy-filled highs, challenging lows, and just about everything in between. I’d like to give a huge thanks to my family, friends, and team here at Kaizen PT; without them, the highs would have been much harder to reach and the lows much harder to overcome. One of my challenges this past year was finding the right work-life balance. Kaizen is celebrating its fifth year in practice, but the initial years were particularly tough, as I had little to no time off. Each day felt like a constant whirlwind of tasks, and somehow, I was always running out of time. Seven days a week were dedicated to work, with five and a half of those treating patients and the remaining one and a half trying to manage administrative work. Most days, I would come home from work, eat, tuck the kids to bed, and then dive into several more hours of tasks. And none of this is to say I was unhappy or even upset with the situation. When you love what you do, work doesn’t feel like work. But one day, I realized I was missing out on a lot of my kids’ childhood. I never really went to their extracurricular activities or even had intentional “downtime” with them. A BIG ‘THANK YOU’ TO OUR KAIZEN PT TEAM! I’m incredibly grateful to my excellent team for their dedication and hard work this year. Thanks to your help, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones, and I look forward to a bright future!
So, this year, I decided to take a step back and reevaluate my approach. I decided to restructure my workweek so I could fit those administrative tasks I was doing on the weekends into one day at the office. Now, I no longer take patients on Wednesdays but instead use that time for those “weekend” office tasks. In 2024, my goal is to adjust my schedule even more so I can perform office tasks twice a week and treat patients three days a week. And so far, this seems possible thanks to the professional growth we’ve had. This year, I was able to bring two incredible physical therapists onto the Kaizen team, and we’re looking to expand into the building space next to us next year so we can help more people while still maintaining a strong presence. These additions are even more exciting, considering Kaizen PT has officially surpassed the coveted “five-year mark.” Five years is a huge milestone for small-business owners because, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of all businesses fail by then. The companies that make it past five years have an exponentially lower fail rate. We are SO honored to have the most incredible patients who have helped us get here. Also, fewer than 9% of small businesses ever make $1 million in revenue, and this year, Kaizen PT is on track to reach that milestone, too. This will allow us to do all of the fantastic things we’ve been dreaming of, like expanding into that space next door, investing in training for our team on new therapies and technology for the clinic, and ultimately providing our patients the best experience possible. Providing exceptional patient care has always been a cornerstone of our practice. And as I write this, I can’t help but begin to think about what next year will bring. I look forward to embracing 2024 with hope, excitement, and all of you!
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Winter Wonderland Hazards: How to Stay Safe and Avoid
Common Cold- Weather Injuries
While we may get a good laugh from viral videos of people fumbling on ice, injuries that come from these falls can be dangerous. Increased ice and snowfall in winter means everyone should be cautious when treading through this rugged weather, especially those traveling to winter wonderlands this season! Be aware of common winter injuries and causes. With increased risk for injuries during the winter, be aware of the most common types of accidents. The most typical situations leading to severe injury during winter include:
Lastly, take it slow. When walking on ice, be sure not to rush. Slow, short steps are much safer than quick, long strides. Also, ensure you have your cellphone with you in case of an emergency. Drive safely in winter conditions. We should always be driving with the utmost caution, but traveling in winter conditions requires you to be even more alert and prepared. Slick roads and snow-covered streets are a recipe for disaster, but there are a few ways to prevent a collision and keep yourself safe. First, installing winter-grade tires is always a good idea as the season begins in full force. These tires are designed to handle slippery roads, icy conditions, and freezing temperatures. Next, inspect your brakes and your entire vehicle to ensure it can safely drive through winter weather. Finally, use good judgment; if you don’t have to go outside in severe weather, don’t! Play winter sports with caution. For many, winter means the best sports and activities, including snowboarding, skiing, ice hockey, and much more. However, because these sports occur on slippery ice and snow, you’re more prone to injuries. To stay safe, take some extra precautions: Do some warmup exercises. • Wear protective gear, including helmets, gloves, padding, and goggles. • Always stay informed of the weather conditions and heed any storm warnings. • Have fun with a friend in case of an emergency. • Stay hydrated to prevent exhaustion. • Know what to do if you experience an injury. Injuries happen, and it’s essential to assess the severity of the damage as soon as you can. If pain is recurring, seek help from a medical professional. Undergoing treatment as soon as possible is the best way to ensure a speedy and complete recovery. With these wintertime safety tips, you can stay happy and healthy this season! Have fun!
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Slipping and falling on ice
Getting into a car accident caused by icy roads and snowstorms Participating in winter sports and activities
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The resulting injury from any of these situations can occur anywhere throughout the body and range in severity. Shoulder pain, wrist strains, back injuries, head injuries, hip fractures, and ankle sprains are just a few common examples. The best way to prevent an injury is to take safety precautions, especially when facing the season’s harsh elements. Stay safe on the ice. Falling on ice can be painful and even lead to severe injuries for older adults. Salting your driveways and sidewalks is one of the best ways to keep them slip-free so you can avoid a disastrous fall. Another critical way to prevent falls is wearing proper footwear for icy conditions. If you know you’ll be outdoors, put on winter boots or sneakers with good traction!
2 • KaizenSeattle.com
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The Surprising Science Behind Your Shaky Muscles
TAKE A BREAK! Imagine you’re running through a basic exercise routine. You feel good, so you push yourself harder than usual — and your muscles suddenly start shaking! Every athlete has experienced that moment of panic when tremors hit. But have you ever wondered why your muscles shake? The answer is more complicated than you might think. Shaking muscles can mean at least three things: You’re underprepared for your workout, pushing yourself too hard, or breaking new ground and building muscle! To figure out which option explains your scenario, ask yourself these questions: 1. Did I drink plenty of water today and get at least seven hours of sleep last night? If not, your muscles could be shaky because of dehydration or fatigue. 2. Am I doing a new exercise? If you’ve never done a jump squat or bench pressed 200 pounds,
you’ll probably feel shaky the first time you try a full set. That’s because your body is adjusting to the new motions at a cellular level. Simply put, when you start a workout, your muscle fibers tell your muscle cells whether to contract or relax — and those fibers can get tired of doing their job. When one fiber becomes fatigued, your body adjusts to rely on another. Trying something new (essentially, asking your fibers to give new directions) can confuse your body and delay the tradeoff, making your muscles shake. 3. Am I pushing myself harder than I ever have before? When you amp up the intensity of your workout, your body will often do more muscle fiber “tradeoffs” than usual because you’re demanding more output. When too many tradeoffs happen at once, that can make your muscles shake.
Muscle tremors aren’t always a bad sign. If you’re trying a new exercise or pushing for improvement, they’re part of the learning process! However, if you’re struggling with exhaustion or dehydration, or you think you’re overworking yourself, shaking can be a red flag. Consider reducing the intensity of your workout or taking a rest day. When in doubt, discuss the issue with a physical therapist, especially if you’re recovering from an injury.
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE Inspired by TheModernProper.com
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 1/2 cup butter • 1 cup chopped onion • 1 cup sliced celery • 2 cups sliced carrots • 1/2 cup flour • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1/2 tsp celery seed • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 cup milk • 2 cups chicken stock • 2 cups peas • 4 cups cooked chicken • 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed • 1 egg
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes. 3. Add flour, salt, pepper, celery seed, and garlic powder to pan and stir. Sauté for 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate milk. 4. Add stock and bring to a simmer, whisking until mixture thickens. Add peas and chicken. 5. Roll out pastry sheet into 16-inch square
on floured surface. Cut into 3-inch squares and place overlapping onto chicken mixture.
6. In a small bowl, whisk egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush egg over pastry and place in oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
206-524-6702 KaizenSeattle.com
5025 25th Ave. NE, #201 Seattle, WA 98105
1. 2023 at Kaizen PT: A Year of Transformation and Expansion 2. Your Guide to Winter Injury Prevention and Safety 3. Why Your Muscles Shake During a Tough Workout Skillet Chicken Pot Pie 4. A Truck Driver’s $14,000 Christmas Miracle INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Truck Driver Received an Emotional Secret Santa Surprise
When truck driver Carl opened his trailer door to a news crew in 2022, he did not appear to be in the mood for company. The 72-year-old East Idaho resident initially seemed standoffish and skeptical of the unexpected correspondent and his camera, asking several questions about why they were visiting him. But when reporter Nate Eaton handed Carl an early Christmas gift from “an anonymous person,” he warily relented and invited the crew inside. When he opened the gift box, Carl found a stack of gift cards inside. He appeared surprised and puzzled, so Eaton explained that four gift cards were worth $500 each for gas for his truck. Another $2,000 was included on four additional cards from a local supermarket so he could purchase groceries. In shock, Carl responded, “Holy crap!”
He began to tear up at the unexpected generosity and shook the reporter’s hand in gratitude when Eaton announced he had one more surprise left. He then handed Carl a cashier’s check worth $10,000 to spend however he wanted. “Thank you so much,” Carl replied emotionally before trailing off, “You don’t know …” It’s unclear how East Idaho News and their Secret Santa chose Carl as the subject of this generosity, but the selection was no accident. Carl had lost a leg above the knee 37 years prior but still worked four days a week at age 72, sometimes clocking 14-hour days. He’d also suffered more recent setbacks; his wife died from a brain aneurysm in 2010. Meanwhile, he had three COVID-19 infections in less than three years. Despite worsening health and
pain caused by his amputated lower leg, Carl continued to begin work at 2 a.m. while also making time to attend his grandchildren’s sports games. Carl explained the gift meant he could finally retire. He repeatedly requested the identity of his Secret Santa, but East Idaho News refused to say. So, Carl instead thanked his anonymous gift-giver through the camera. His hard exterior melted away, leaving only gratitude and awe behind. In his last words in the broadcast, Carl promised to “pay it forward” by finding a way to help someone else.
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GIVE THE GIFT OF RELIEF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Holiday Laser Discount: Valid during the month of December, get 10 laser sessions for only $325! (Regularly priced at $399)
5 Reasons You’ll Love Deep Tissue Laser Therapy: 1. It Works: This is the No. 1 reason you’ll love laser therapy! Deep tissue laser therapy can provide powerful pain relief, promote tissue repair, and reduce swelling. 2. It’s Fast: Treatments typically last 4–7 minutes, and many patients report pain relief and
improved range of motion after the very first treatment. 3. It Lasts: Benefits extend far beyond the treatment itself and continue working for 36 hours after the machine is turned off. 4. It’s Safe: Laser therapy offers a safe alternative to opioids and surgical intervention in many cases. 5. It’s Proven: Researchers have concluded that laser therapy is effective at reducing pain, increasing range of motion, and improving overall quality of life. Treatable conditions:
Scientifically proven to reduce pain and inflammation! Scan the QR code to find out how:
Call us at (206) 524-6702 to take advantage of this deal while it lasts!
And many more, including nerve pain and neuropathies, TMJ, arthritis, sprains, and strains!
206-524-6702
www.KaizenSeattle.com
Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what these patients had to say about their experience with laser therapy!
“My husband has been dealing with neuropathy in his feet for several years. After just a few laser treatments, the incidents have decreased greatly to just once in a while. I was treated for a sore hip and leg by Colin. After about 8–10 treatments, it went away, and I could walk without pain.” –Margaret E.
“I came to Kaizen to see if laser therapy and PT could help my pain. I was diagnosed with three pinched nerves in my lumbar area and torn muscles in my hip about six months prior, and nothing relieved the pain, numbness, and tingling down my leg to my toes. Arthritis in my spine is the cause of the inflammation that pinches my nerves. I had difficulty walking, my balance was terrible and I was crabby, too … I ruled out surgery as too risky. The laser therapy reduced my pain within the first 5–6 treatments. Then I continued the laser and started PT sessions with Barry. After two months, I am almost pain-free. I have learned so much from Barry about how to strengthen my core. I can now go up and down stairs, walk on uneven surfaces, and generally not let my spine keep me from the activities I enjoy. Kaizen gets my thanks for restoring my hope.” –Mary M.
“My injury came from a serious fall on my hip while skiing. At 70 years of age, I was concerned and wondered if I would ever ski again, but Natalie carefully and systematically helped me gain confidence and strength. After reading about the laser treatments, I was able to give it a try. It was amazing for my hip, and I then wanted it for my shoulders. Natalie monitored my progress and continued to listen to my concerns and adjust to my needs. I felt like we were partners in my recovery.” –Linda D.
Call us at (206) 524-6702 to schedule now!
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