Check out our March newsletter!
MARCH 2026
6358 EDGEMERE BLVD. EL PASO, TEXAS 79925 915-562-8525
11855 PHYSICIANS DR. EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 915-855-6466
Where Orthopedic Meets Neurological Care
WHAT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS MONTH REMINDS US
our work. Tools like EMGs allow us to evaluate nerve function and determine whether symptoms are coming from a pinched nerve in the spine, a peripheral nerve issue, or something more complex. We also use musculoskeletal ultrasound to visualize soft tissues in real time and guide treatment decisions. These tools help us answer one of the most critical questions in health care: Are we treating the right problem? Sometimes, the answer is physical therapy. Sometimes, it’s surgery. And sometimes, it’s a referral to another specialist. What matters most is that patients get the right care at the right time, so when pain or numbness begins to take over, your first step should always be coming to us. Our commitment to understanding the nervous system extends beyond the clinic walls. This month, we’re hosting an Introduction to Neurodiagnostics for Health Care Professionals seminar to share what we’ve learned with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and fellow therapists. When the medical community understands the role of nerve diagnostics, patients benefit. It’s that simple. Treatment has evolved alongside diagnostics. One of the most exciting tools we use today is the Neubie device,
Just recently, I discovered that March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, which reminded me just how much the world of physical therapy has changed during my career. Early on, I thought of myself strictly as an orthopedic physical therapist, the kind who treated backs, knees, shoulders, and post-surgical recovery. Neurological therapy felt like a completely separate world reserved for strokes, spinal cord injuries, and conditions like MS. Over the years, though, my perspective has shifted in a big way. The truth is simple: You can’t treat bones and joints without understanding the nerves that control them. That realization led our clinic to embrace what we might call a “neuro-ortho” approach. Nearly every day, patients walk through our doors describing numbness, tingling, burning, or unexplained weakness. Sometimes, they arrive convinced they have a muscle injury or joint issue, only for us to discover the real story lies in their nervous system. Other times, what seems like nerve pain turns out to have a mechanical or orthopedic cause. Either way, the key is finding the root cause before deciding on a treatment plan. This is why diagnostic testing has become such an important part of
which directly influences nerve function. For orthopedic patients, this can mean helping muscles “wake up” after surgery when the nerve signals aren’t firing correctly. If someone struggles to activate their quadriceps after knee surgery, the problem often isn’t the muscle but actually the nerve signal. By helping reset those signals, we can improve strength, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery. For patients with neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, the goal is different but just as meaningful. While we can’t cure MS, we can help maintain function, improve balance, and support muscle strength. Because MS affects how nerves communicate with muscles, therapies that support nerve function can make a real difference in daily life. Helping someone walk more confidently or maintain independence longer is incredibly rewarding work. What I’ve learned over the years is that the body doesn’t operate in silos. Muscles, joints, and nerves are part of the same conversation, and when we listen carefully, we make better decisions together. If you’ve been living with unexplained numbness, tingling, or weakness, don’t ignore it or assume you just have to live with it. The first step is understanding what’s really going on. From there, we can determine the best path forward and make sure you’re getting the care you truly need.
Do you know a friend who needs physical therapy? Have them call our office! If they mention our newsletter, they’ll score a FREE 15-minute consultation. They can call 915-562-8525 for the Edgemere Boulevard clinic or 915-855-6466 for the Physician’s Drive clinic.
–Harry Koster
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Published by Newsletter Pro | NewsletterPro.com
Where Movement Meets Buoyancy Aquatic Therapy Brings Relief to Those Who Need It Most
Chronic pain can be debilitating. After months of dealing with pain and discomfort, it starts to feel like there’s no relief available. Traditional physical therapy or massages may provide temporary aid, but before long, the lingering pain returns. It doesn’t matter whether a prior injury, arthritis, or an unknown cause spurred it on. Once you start to experience the long-term symptoms of chronic pain, such as fatigue or mental health decline, you become even more desperate for help, but where can you turn when all of the usual solutions come up short? The answer you’ve been looking for may require you to get a little wet! Aquatic therapy is a growing trend in the physical therapy world, and it’s proven to be incredibly beneficial for those facing chronic pain that won’t fade. Exercise is a great way to improve your overall health and get relief from persistent conditions. Still, those facing intense, chronic pain may not have the capability or capacity to head to the local gym for a quick workout. Aquatic therapy reduces these challenges thanks to water’s natural buoyancy. You don’t have to worry about extreme pressure on your joints, which allows you to complete strength and stretching exercises that wouldn’t be possible on dry land.
Exercising in the water offers additional benefits you may not be aware of. Performing simple movements in the water will strengthen your muscles to a greater level because they have to work harder against the water’s density and resistance. That strength helps ease the pain of chronic conditions. Furthermore, spending time in water will make you feel better mentally. It can be relaxing and elevate your mood, even when you’re pushing your body to its limits. But aquatic therapy isn’t as simple as hopping in your local pool and swimming laps. Ideally, you’ll work with a physical therapist who directs each exercise and ensures you maintain the proper form to get the most out of your effort. Just like regular physical therapy, you get a program tailored to your needs. Every action you take in the water can ease specific symptoms and help you achieve your short-term and long-term goals. There will likely be adjustments as the process progresses, but hopefully, you will feel relief quickly. If you aren’t a strong swimmer or don’t know how to swim at all, you can still participate in aquatic therapy. Most aquatic therapy exercises take place in water that is waist or chest-deep. Specific exercises depend on the location and level of pain, but some of the most common include water walking, leg raises, and water cycling. After learning how beneficial aquatic therapy can be for those struggling with chronic pain, you may be wondering if it’s right for you. While certain variables and factors matter, most people medically diagnosed with specific conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, muscle spasm, and peripheral neuropathy may see improvements in managing their pain. And in some cases, aquatic therapy can benefit those recovering from a traumatic brain injury or stroke. Check with your doctor or physical therapist to see if aquatic therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At times, chronic pain can make you feel limited in your own life and keep you from enjoying your favorite hobbies or even spending time with loved ones during flare-ups. Aquatic therapy isn’t a magical solution that will render you pain-free, but it may provide some real relief.
2 • spinerehab.net
Published by Newsletter Pro | NewsletterPro.com
Tom Brady’s Game Plan for a Long, Healthy Life Goal Line Gains
What if the secret to a 23-year NFL career wasn’t superhuman genes, but a set of habits and routines anyone could do at home? Tom Brady, one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of all time, has mastered longevity. The former football star credits proper sleep, plant-based nutrition, and regimented training for his athletic prowess. Get ready to “set-hut” your way to better health, just like Number 12. Super Bowl Sleep Proper sleep is essential to a long, healthy life, and this pro athlete takes his snoozing seriously. Tom gets about nine hours of shut-eye each night and has a focused evening routine. He transformed his room into the ultimate arena for
rest, keeping it cool, quiet, and dark. His bedtime is always 9 p.m., and he puts down all his digital devices a half hour before his head hits the pillow. Goal Line Greens Brady’s diet is primarily plant-based, with 80% of his meals being vegan or vegetarian, and the remaining 20% focusing on lean proteins. The football star knows that plants score big on the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are crucial for good health. But you don’t have to skip meat altogether to eat like a quarterback. Focus on whole foods and make sure to include veggies on your plate. He also starts his day by drinking water, aiming to consume at least half of his body weight in water throughout the day. He calls hydration the ultimate “amplifier” of his routine. Playbook Performance Structured exercise and recovery don’t just get you ready to make a touchdown; they are key for longevity and muscle quality, especially as we age. Tom starts early with a preworkout, followed by a strength and conditioning routine. To help his body recover, he does a post-workout routine and enjoys using a roller for 20 seconds on any sore or tight areas of his body. Maintaining muscle mass relies on a balance of training and recovery. Even if you’re not dreaming of a Super Bowl win, you can take a page from Tom Brady’s playbook on living a long, healthy life.
SPINACH ARTICHOKE PIZZA
TAKE A BREAK!
DIRECTIONS
1. Thaw dough according to package directions and let it rise for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 450 F. 3. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray, then gently stretch dough to fit. 4. Spread garlic herb cheese evenly across the entire dough layer. 5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses evenly over dough, reserving a small amount of each. 6. As the topping, scatter chopped artichoke hearts, followed by a layer of torn spinach leaves, and then the reserved cheeses. Add black pepper to taste. 7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
INGREDIENTS • 1 loaf frozen bread dough • 2 tbsp garlic herb spreadable cheese • 1 cup mozzarella cheese • 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese • 7 oz artichoke hearts, chopped • Several handfuls of fresh spinach • Pepper, to taste
Inspired by BlueBowlRecipes.com
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Published by Newsletter Pro | NewsletterPro.com
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915-562-8525 | SpineRehab.net 6358 Edgemere Blvd. El Paso, Texas 79925
1. Not Just Rehab. Real Answers for Numbness, Tingling, and Weakness INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2. How Water-Based Therapy Eases Chronic Pain’s Grip
3. Quarterback-Quality Habits at Home Spinach Artichoke Pizza
4. The Tiny Nutrient That
Supercharges Your Brainpower
OMEGA-3S ARE YOUR MIND’S SECRET WEAPON BEAT BRAIN FOG FAST
Omega-3s and Cognitive Decline A growing body of research suggests that maintaining higher levels of omega-3s may help protect the brain as it ages. Reviews show associations between higher omega-3 intake and reduced risk of dementia or cognitive deterioration, with DHA appearing especially important. Additionally, newer trials suggest that omega-3 supplementation may enhance motivation and mental clarity in individuals experiencing inflammation- related mood or cognitive symptoms. While omega-3s aren’t necessarily magic, they are fundamental to building and maintaining a healthy, resilient brain. Regularly incorporating fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, or chia seeds, or using supplements when needed, can support clarity, memory, and long-term brain health.
Ever wonder why some days your thinking feels sharp and effortless, while other days your mind feels foggy? Part of the answer might come down to nutrition. The brain may weigh only a few pounds, but it consumes a remarkable amount of energy and relies on specific nutrients to keep its billions of cells communicating smoothly. Among the most important of these nutrients are omega-3 fatty acids, which act as structural building blocks and chemical support systems for the brain at every stage of life. The Brain’s Need for Omega-3s Omega-3s, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), play essential roles in forming and maintaining healthy brain tissue. DHA is a major component of gray matter and contributes to the flexibility and integrity of neuronal membranes. Research
shows that during pregnancy and early childhood, DHA is selectively drawn into the developing brain, shaping cognitive and visual function long before we’re old enough to think about nutrition. Omega-3s and Cognitive Performance The benefits of omega-3s continue well beyond early development. Studies have linked adequate levels of DHA and EPA to sharper memory, stronger learning ability, and improved overall cognitive performance. For example, adults with low dietary DHA have shown notable improvements in memory after supplementation, suggesting that even shortfalls in young, healthy individuals can impact brain function. Other research shows improvements in attention, mental stamina, and mood regulation, further demonstrating the wide-ranging cognitive value of omega-3 intake.
4 • spinerehab.net
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