CALDWELL 1906 Fairview Ave., Ste. 410 Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 454-9839 Nampa, ID 83686 (208) 465-9418 THE ASCENT NAMPA - MIDLAND 130 S. Midland Blvd. Nampa, ID 83686 (208) 461-5057 NAMPA - SOUTHSIDE 3151 E. Greenhurst Rd.
DECEMBER 2018
AND THE END OF A GOOD YEAR CELEBRATING HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
As the year winds down, I’d like to take a moment to share some of our traditions with you and celebrate the wins we had in 2018, both on a personal and professional level. On a personal note, in 2018, we celebrated weddings and the addition of new family members. We welcomed our first grandchild this fall, which was a huge moment for us. We’re visiting the little one as often as we can. I’m also happy to share that we’ll be welcoming our second grandchild in 2019. We look forward to settling into these new roles as grandparents and watching our kids become parents. It’s a special time. In the Weatherston family, our kids have spread their wings a bit and live in different cities and states. They’ve been growing our family by getting married and having kids of their own, which makes the holidays even more special for us. This season is one of the times of year that brings everyone together. Several years ago, our kids started a tradition of making each other gifts. At Thanksgiving, everyone draws a name, and they make that person a gift for Christmas. It’s been so cool the see the creative gifts our kids have come up with.
On Christmas Eve, we usually host a big dinner at our house. One of our neighbors is an elderly couple that doesn’t have family in town and we invite them to join us, too. They’ve become our adopted grandparents, and it’s been a really nice tradition to celebrate with them. After dinner, we open presents — traditionally we get a new pair of pajamas for each person — and then we act out the story of Christmas. I have to admit, it usually ends up being more of a comedic interpretation of the story than a spiritual one. The role of Baby Jesus has typically been filled by a stuffed gorilla. With a new grandbaby, though, the gorilla might become the understudy. At Altitude PT, we welcomed three new physical therapists in 2018. They bring their passion for the field to our clinics. Elizabeth, Kayla, and Kyle are great additions to our team, and I’m excited to see them grow with us in the coming year. Our strong team of PTs continues to provide physical therapy services to the Treasure Valley in Caldwell and Nampa, and we are always enthusiastic to add more PTs to the staff so we may treat a larger number of Idaho residents who need our care.
I love that physical therapy can help people feel better without medication, injections, or surgery, and it’s a message I’m eager to share with people. This past year, we’ve worked on holding more workshops to educate our community directly. These workshops have focused on sharing the benefits of physical therapy with people, and I can’t wait to bring them to a wider audience. You can read more inside the newsletter about our upcoming shoulder workshop on Dec. 18 and our free-screening day on Jan. 8. Before we all rush off to get ready for the festivities, I want to say thank you for being part of our community and letting us share the incredible gift that is physical therapy with you. We appreciate that you trusted us during a tough time. It is our joy to help you feel better.
From all of us at Altitude PT, Happy Holidays!
–Sean Weatherston
P.S. If you have deductibles that reset in January, now is the time to take advantage of those benefits! Give us a call to schedule your appointment.
1 (208) 454-9839
‘WHAT THE FLUFF?’
How to Make Your Dog Think You’re a Magician
Dog owners across the world are confounding their sweet pups with the latest internet craze, aptly known as the “What the Fluff?” challenge. For this puppy prank, the rules are quite simple. The owner stands in front of their dog and lifts up a blanket in front of them. As their pet looks on, the owner runs away and lets the blanket fall to the ground. From the unsuspecting pup’s point of view, it seems as if their beloved owner has disappeared into thin air! Some of the dogs stare ahead befuddled, some spin in circles, and others run around the room trying to find where their owner is hiding. It’s all fun and games for humans, but a lot of dog lovers can’t help but wonder what is going on in the minds of their pets. Zazie Todd, a professional dog trainer who holds a Ph.D. in psychology, explains that the “What the Fluff?” challenge demonstrates that dogs exhibit object permanence: the understanding that objects exist even when you can’t see them. Scientists have long known that dogs, unlike newborn babies, understand
object permanence. In 2013, a team of animal cognition scientists at the University of Kentucky conducted an experiment reminiscent of “What the Fluff?” They showed a dog a bone, hid it behind a screen, and swapped it with a bone of a different color. When they revealed the new bone, the dogs spent more time inspecting the swapped-out bone than they did when the scientists revealed the same bone as before. Because the dogs were perplexed by the incongruity, the team concluded that dogs exhibit object permanence. So how does a dog feel when their owner disappears suddenly? It’s hard to say. Most animal cognition scientists are hesitant to hypothesize about something so subjective as emotions, but after watching the pups’ reactions on Instagram and YouTube, most experts deem the prank harmless. “What the Fluff?” is akin to playing peekaboo with a baby. Does it cause some confusion? Definitely. Is it destructive? Not likely.
Physical therapy can be effective in alleviating pain without the need for costly surgeries that require a lot of down time. At Altitude PT, our caring team is devoted to personalized, one-on-one treatment that addresses pain or mobility issues our patients have. That’s what we’re here for. SEE WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING
See what our patients have to say about their experiences at Altitude PT.
“My experience with PT has been fantastic. I have learned new ways and stretches to relieve the pressure in my back. I had trouble sitting for long periods of time and numerous muscle spasms, but now with the tools I have gained, my spasms have lessened significantly.” –Kayla “Sean is a great physical therapist. He explained what he was doing and why. I was shown simple exercises, and in just a few weeks, I am on the mend. Sean and his staff made me feel like family; he has a great sense of humor! I would rate my experience with Altitude Physical Therapy with five stars.” –Randall
“I came to Altitude after my surgery on a recommendation of a close friend who is a physical therapist. I was not sure how my experience was going to be. I can testify that it was hard work, but Sean never let me give up. With the positive and friendly attitude of the staff and Sean, I was able to reach the goals that were set for me. I will be forever grateful to Altitude Physical Therapy for their help to make me an active person again. It has been a wonderful experience. If I ever need physical therapy again, I will be back!” –Jeryl Thank you Kayla, Randall, and Jeryl, for your kind words. We appreciate hearing from you. Readers, if you’re thankful for the experience you had with your physical therapist, let them know on our Facebook page!
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RETHINKING PAIN TREATMENTS COULD PT HELP PATIENTS AVOID SURGERY AND MEDS?
DON’T LET YOUR BENEFITS GO OUT WITH 2018 Remember all the money you paid to your insurance company this
When Bianca Frogner felt a sudden shooting pain in her back while moving boxes, she turned to physical therapy to treat it. The result? Physical therapy helped her without the need for surgery, drugs, or a doctor.
Ms. Frogner’s situation isn’t unique. In two studies from the University of Washington, researchers found that treating lower back pain with decreased activity, opioids, and surgery doesn’t work for most patients. What does? Physical therapy that focuses on pain-coping skills and relaxation techniques. Covering 150,000 insurance claims, the study found that patients who saw a physical therapist first for lower back pain decreased their chances of having costly services prescribed.
Physical therapy can help patients avoid all sorts of unnecessary and expensive surgeries and imaging. And instead of taking addictive medication, patients can reduce pain and promote healing by working with a licensed physical therapist. So before you agree to costly procedures or medication, consider what you’ll save by trying physical therapy to treat your lower back pain. Do you already have pain or an injury you’re worried about? If you haven’t talked to a PT about it yet, make it your New Year’s resolution. Here’s the perfect opportunity at our clinics: ALTITUDE PT FREE-SCREENING DAY Tuesday, Jan. 8
year? Not using your benefits means all that money goes to waste. If you have deductibles that reset in January, now is the time to schedule your appointment. Once your benefits expire, they’re gone for good. Appointments do fill up quickly, so call today to reserve yours.
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Patients were 89 percent less likely to be prescribed opioids.
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They were 28 percent less likely to need an MRI.
Get the physical therapy treatment you need with the benefits you’ve earned.
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Patients were 15 percent less likely to visit an emergency room.
TAKE A BREAK
30-MINUTE CAULIFLOWER SOUP
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
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1 small head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cored and sliced
1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter into warm oil. Add onion and leek, season with salt and pepper, and cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes. 2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add cauliflower, broth, and cream. Simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 15 minutes. 3. Using a blender, purée in batches until smooth. 4. Top servings with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of pepper.
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1 leek, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
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(208) 454-9839
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1906 Fairview Ave., Ste. 410 Caldwell, ID 83605
(208) 454-9839 www.altitudept.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Celebrating 2018 Victories The ‘What the Fluff?’ Challenge Hear From Our Happy Patients Have You Tried PT Before Surgery?
30-Minute Cauliflower Soup Holiday Decoration Tours
YEARLY YULETIDE IN SANTA CLAUS, INDIANA This one’s for the Christmas lover. If you can’t make it out to Santa Claus, Indiana, this holiday season, you can still celebrate Christmas in this tiny Midwestern town in January, June, or even October. Embracing its unique name, the town boasts a museum, holiday shopping center, and a Christmas theme park. In a moving tribute, the town’s residents also write responses to children’s letters to Kris Kringle himself. It’s impossible to avoid holiday cheer in this town. DISNEY WORLD’S CHRISTMAS MAGIC What better place to celebrate the most magical time of the year than in the most magical place on Earth? Walt Disney World’s halls are decked to the max with a parade, gingerbread homes, strings of lights, and festive parties. Plus, costs to visit Disney World can be cheaper during the Christmas season, so keep an eye out for a vacation steal. GET AWAY AND BE FESTIVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON CHRISTMAS TOURS
There’s nothing quite like the magical lights of the holiday season, and some destinations in the U.S. have perfected the craft of holiday decoration. If you’re looking to get away this December and still engage in seasonal festivities, add one of these places to your must-visit list.
NEW YORK CITY’S ROCKEFELLER CENTER New York City is an iconic location for Christmastime. The scene is like a Hallmark card: Ice-skating lovers whiz past miles of twinkling lights underneath an exceptionally tall and amply decorated tree. The tree is specially selected by Rockefeller Center’s landscaping crews, who scout out trees years in advance. It remains lit from November to early January, so you have plenty of time to check it out.
RANCH CHRISTMAS IN JACKSON, WYOMING Jackson, Wyoming, takes its frontier culture to the next level during the Christmas season. All year, the city proudly displays four elk antler arches, but around the holidays, they are lit up with white string lights and flanked by snow. The Christmas decorations and lights surrounding the archway make for a Western-themed holiday pulled right out of a John Wayne classic. For holiday admirers looking for a unique spin, Jackson has you covered.
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ONE DAY SPECIAL OFFER FOR ALL PAST AND PRESENT PATIENTS OF ALTITUDE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Dear Altitude Client, The new year is nearly here, and many of you will make New Year’s resolutions about being more active. Sometimes the reason you’ve let things slip is because you’re hurting … well, we want to help! As a BIG THANK-YOU for allowing us to serve you, we want to help make sure pain, stiffness, achiness, fear of getting hurt, or not knowing what to do won’t get in the way of your goals! To thank you, we’re having a day of completely free exams for:
• All past patients who have not been seen by a PT for more than 3 months • All present patients who have another problem not currently being treated
• All loved ones, family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers of our past and present patients If you are a past or present patient, call the most convenient number below to schedule your free exam: Caldwell: (208) 454-9839 Nampa Midland: (208) 461-5057 Nampa Southside: (208) 465-9418 If you are referring a friend or family member, give them this letter and have them call the number for the clinic closest to them to schedule their free exam. The day of the free exams will be Tuesday, Jan. 8th, 2019, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free exam consists of a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with a PT. The PT will talk to you about the history of your problem. He or she will take measurements to test how well you are moving and your strength. After a thorough exam, you’ll get a written copy of the cause of your pain or problem AND a plan for successful treatment. The appointments are free but are limited, as each therapist only has 12 available spots. Call the closest clinic now to schedule your spot! The free exam is ideal for people suffering with: Lower Back Pain If you are having pain or problems with daily activities such as walking, standing, sitting for long periods, going up or down steps, getting in and out of the car, sleeping, driving, playing with the kids or grandkids, running, or being active, then this is an excellent opportunity to see one of our world-class therapists and find out the cause of your problem. Call the clinic closest to you to schedule your free exam on Tuesday, Jan. 8th, 2019! Sincerely, Sean Weatherston, PT Owner, Altitude Physical Therapy Sciatica Arthritis Neck Pain Headaches Shoulder Pain Knee Pain Walking or Balance Problems
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