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PAUL'S POINT OF VIEW
MARCH/APRIL 2022
WWW.SUMMIT-PHYSICALTHERAPY.COM | (503) 699-2955
ACCENT HIJINKS, CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS, AND THE ROAD TRIP THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING INSIDE MY EARLY ADVENTURES IN THE MIDWEST
In early 1987, my first days in Detroit, Michigan, featured extreme weather changes. I can vividly recall wearing a T-shirt and standing on a frozen lake, just basking in the warm sun. Then, it snowed again that night! While I grew accustomed to the weather, Detroiters got used to me. I remember asking a gentleman in an inpatient bed at the Detroit Receiving Hospital, “Are you walking?” After listening to my thick New Zealand accent, he replied, “No, I’m unemployed!” The accent issue cut both ways. The other staff
The weather turned hot and sticky, and by my birthday (July 4) I was out west in San Diego, California, celebrating with Lisa and her family in the little beach house they owned on Mission Beach. We drove up the coast to San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. Now those were mountains! Because of my history growing up in a mountainous country, enjoying the outdoors, and what I’d read in books, the West appealed to me, particularly Oregon. So, when I started looking to relocate after 15 months in Detroit, I contacted recruiters and asked if they could find me a job there. In the meantime, another Detroit winter started. I experimented with running in minus 20-degree weather one night, and the results were definitely
on the ward often cheerfully called me “Scorpio” in honor of a “General Hospital” character on TV at the time who had an Australian accent. For a while I lived in downtown Detroit next to the Detroit Receiving Hospital. Some days I went out for a run, often attracting several local kids who hadn’t seen a guy who looked or sounded like me. At the time, you could buy a house in downtown Detroit for $1 if you promised to repair it. Eventually I moved to St. Clair Shores, a suburb east of Downtown Detroit. There, I cut my skiing teeth on the low local ski hills. I also took a trip to Northern Michigan, where 1,000 vertical feet was considered a high mountain! Gradually winter turned into spring and
interesting! The super-cold air made me wheeze when it hit my lungs, and I didn’t sweat a drop. As soon as I got back indoors, the sweat started pouring. I didn’t repeat that experiment! In preparation for my move, I passed the Michigan State Licensure Exam, which had reciprocity with Oregon. I received word that a couple of jobs had opened up, so I flew to
Portland in the spring of 1988. I liked Portland a lot, but the only job that came through was at the Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, about four hours away. I decided to accept it contingent on my H-1B visa. In May, I finally packed up my Ford Escort and left Detroit to embark on a cross-country trip. I traveled through Upstate New York, New York City, and the tip of Long Island. Then I drove down the Atlantic seaboard to Key West in Florida. Finally, I headed west to San Diego where I stayed at the beach again for my birthday before traveling up the Pacific Coast to Oregon where my job was waiting … and waiting. My H-1B visa approval took much longer than expected, but eventually I got to work! In next month’s newsletter, I’ll tell you all about my Oregon adventures and how I married my wife.
summer. My then-girlfriend, Lisa, came to visit from California several times, and I joined the hospital’s coed softball team. I enjoyed frequenting nightclubs and bars on the weekends. The head hospital orderly, Mr. Spears, quickly took a liking to me and often came along. One night at Flood’s Nightclub, he introduced me to his “good friend” Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, the professional boxer. While I lived in Michigan, I also managed to attend several Detroit Pistons basketball games, partly because they played in the Pontiac Silverdome in those days where crowds of 40,000 people were common. I remember Michael Jordan in his prime, and once Larry Bird and the Celtics ran past me when I was close to the court during a playoff pregame.
–Paul Kane, P.T., BSC, CMP
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Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults have been diagnosed with arthritis — and as the population ages, those numbers are only expected to increase. Arthritis affects the joints, and it can have a significant impact on a person’s well-being, ability to work, and overall quality of life. With cases being so prevalent, it’s wise to know the facts. Who is at risk of arthritis, and what are the treatments? Here’s everything you need to know. Symptoms The symptoms of arthritis will largely depend on the type of arthritis a person has. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Most types cause stiffness or pain in the joints, and it can affect only one joint, some joints but not others, or all joints. Some types of arthritis develop gradually, while others have a sudden onset, and symptoms may be persistent or come and go. If you suspect you have arthritis, you should visit a doctor for a formal diagnosis. Your physician will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and request X-rays or blood tests to confirm your arthritis and the type. That way they can target treatment effectively. Arthritis Is More Prevalent Than You Realize GET THE FACTS
Risk Factors Unfortunately, the causes of many types of arthritis are unknown, but the existing science does have something to say about who is at risk of developing the condition. Some factors you can’t control. For example, two-thirds of people with arthritis are women, and the risk of arthritis rises as you get older. Some people also have inherited genes that increase their disposition toward developing arthritis. Some factors, however, can be mitigated. People who are overweight or smoke are more likely to develop different types of arthritis. Studies have linked joint injury and infection to arthritis, so make sure to seek medical care for any pain or swelling. Further, people who don’t engage in physical activity during leisure time are the most likely to have arthritis, so exercise may help prevent the condition. Treatment There is currently no cure for arthritis, but collaboration with a doctor can help you manage the condition. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, minimize joint damage, and improve overall ability and function. Depending on the arthritis type, treatment can include physical therapy, exercise, medication, or even surgery. A doctor or physical therapist can help you understand how to move safely and recommend healthy exercises for your joints. But the key is to ask for help in the first place. If you suspect you have arthritis, or if your arthritis is currently untreated, you should seek the advice of a medical professional right away. There is hope for managing your condition, reducing your pain, and increasing your quality of life. A qualified doctor or physical therapist can help you improve your daily function and comfort so you can get back to doing the things you love.
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How to Treat Injuries at Home ICE OR HEAT?
Injuries You Should Apply Heat To If you have chronic pain, it’s best to apply heat to that area. This pain can tell you that your body hasn’t fully healed from the injury. You can use heat for muscle pain or soreness, stiff joints, arthritis, and recurring injuries.
Whenever we suffer an injury that doesn't require a doctor visit, we are usually told to do one of two things: ice the area or apply heat to it. Different injuries require different treatments. For example, applying heat to an ankle sprain will not help as much as applying ice. Let’s look at which injuries require heat or ice and how it relieves pain or reduces swelling.
Applying heat allows your blood vessels to expand and help your
Injuries You Should Apply Ice To You want to apply ice to acute or short-term injuries. Acute injuries consist of ankle or knee sprains, muscle or joint sprains, red or swollen body parts, and pain after an exercise. Icing an area will lower the amount of swelling you have and make the healing process quicker. Be sure to limit icing sessions to 20 minutes. Over-icing can irritate your skin or cause tissue damage. If you have an ice pack or frozen packages in your freezer, you can use those to treat the painful areas. If not, you can put ice in
muscles relax. Only use heat in 20-minute increments and don’t sleep with any heating treatment. This can cause blisters, irritation, and maybe burns. You can use heat for 2–3 days after the injury occurs. Use a heating pad or a hot, wet towel, or take a hot shower or bath to relieve pain.
An easy way to determine if you need to ice or heat an area is this: If it’s swollen, apply ice. If it’s stiff, use heat. But if you’re unsure if you should use ice or heat, or if the pain is still occurring after treatment, contact your PT for assistance. They will provide you with further treatment options to help you with your discomforts.
a bag. Wrap it or any other item you’re using in a paper towel or washcloth before applying it to your skin. You should continue to ice your injury for the next two days.
TAKE A BREAK!
EASY MARCH MADNESS CHILI
Inspired by MyRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS
• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce
DIRECTIONS
1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.
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(503) 699-2955 | www.summit-physicaltherapy.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
6464 SW Borland Rd., Ste. B5 Tualatin, OR 97062
1. PAUL’S ‘80S ADVENTURES IN THE MIDWEST 2. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ARTHRITIS 3. IS YOUR INJURY SWOLLEN OR STIFF? EASY MARCH MADNESS CHILI 4. YOUR GUIDE TO PROPER CLOTHING FOR PT INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Wait ... You Can’t Wear That! The Do’s and Don’ts of Dressing for PT
A physical therapy appointment isn’t exactly a night at the prom, but the two do have something in common: the moment you find yourself in front of the mirror wondering, “What the heck should I wear?” If you’re nervous ahead of your first physical therapy appointment, let these do’s and don’ts guide your outfit choice. DO wear comfortable, flexible clothes. A pencil skirt may look great in the office, but it’s not the best outfit for physical therapy. You'll need to get physical at your appointment. If you don't have a good range of motion in your outfit — in other words, if you can’t toss a ball or do a lunge — it’s probably not PT-friendly. DON’T wear flip-flops or dress shoes. Closed-toed, high-traction sneakers and socks are better choices. There are
tripping hazards like mats and exercise balls in the clinic, and your PT would hate to see you get hurt when you’re there to get help! DO dress according to your injury. PTs generally ask that you wear a full outfit of loose-fitting clothing for treatment, but you need to pay particular attention to the area of your injury. A tight-fitting sweater will make it hard for your PT to access your rotator cuff, and if you have a knee injury, then tight leggings are a bad choice. Instead, look for pants you can roll up over your knee. DON’T come straight from the gym. Since activewear and close-toed shoes are recommended for PT, you might be tempted to book your appointment right after your gym visit or hospital shift. Don’t do it! Your clothes need to be clean, not sweaty or germ-covered.
DO layer up. Physical therapy often involves heating pads and cold compresses, which can make you sweat or shiver. To keep yourself comfortable, wear layers you can peel off or add on according to your treatment. DON’T lather on lotion. Some PTs recommend against using lotion before your appointment because “it can reduce the traction that the therapist needs for your treatment.” When in doubt, go without.
With these tips in your back pocket, you can start or return to PT with confidence.
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