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
3
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