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WEST HILLS 7230 MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 401 WEST HILLS, CA 91307 WEST LOS ANGELES 10474 SANTA MONICA BLVD, SUITE 435 LOS ANGELES, CA 90025
WWW.M3PT.COM / LA · 310.275.4137 / WEST HILLS · 747.888.3562 / JANUARY 2019
M3 AND ME
Because I started at M3 Physical Therapy back when we were still on the corner of Wilshire and Linden in 2001, many of our long time patients are probably familiar with my story. Still, I wanted to take this opportunity to share a little bit about my journey as a physical therapist and how it has informed my approach to care. Since I’ve been a practicing physical therapist for 34 years, I’ve had the pleasure of growing and evolving along with the profession itself. I was fortunate to find my way into physical therapy in the first place. From the moment I was really able to consider what I wanted to be when I grew up, I knew the answer — I wanted to be someone who helped people. But as a young man, fast approaching that point where college classes needed to be chosen and career paths decided upon, I was having trouble finding the right fit. HELPING MYSELF HELP OTHERS MY JOURNEY INTO PT
is where serendipity comes in. It just so happened that one of these pioneering universities was in my hometown — Cal State Northridge.
The even bigger blessing was that I was accepted to the program. As the classifieds had shown, demand for trained therapists had exploded beyond what academic institutions could keep up with. The year I applied there were 40 seats open in the Northridge PT program. Over 500 students competed for those slots. Thankfully I made it in, graduating in 1983. That’s when the stars aligned once again. As a student, I suffered from recurring instances of chronic aches. I had neck problems, knee pain, and recurring headaches. In my early years of study I never really equated these things to something a physical therapist could help with. After all, these weren’t sprained muscles or torn rotator cuffs. But when I did a post-graduate program in the Bay Area, I was exposed to manual therapy as a means of addressing aches and pains in the body. I soon became my own test subject. The main issue, I found, was my posture. Those whom I help with posture and alignment today may find this hard to believe, but as a teen I was a very bad sloucher myself. I let everything deflate, and I paid the price down the road. Using the manual therapy techniques I’d been taught, however, I was able to correct my posture alignment, and many of my aches and pains faded away. These days, you wouldn’t know that my early life was plagued with knee problems. When I’m not helping patients regain their own mobility at the clinic, you can find me hiking one of the many scenic trails here in LA, usually with a science fiction paperback in hand. Looking over my life and career, it’s hard to understate how fortunate I am. Not only did I get to help others when I grew up, I specifically got to help people overcome many of the same pains I myself used to face. In healthcare, being able to empathise with a patient is an incredible gift. I’m grateful to call this community clinic home, and I’m grateful for the close bonds of friendship it creates between my coworkers and patients.
That was when a friend of mine mentioned a then-new field of medical care: physical therapy. I did some research — which back before Google meant turning to the classifieds section of the newspaper. Column after column listed medical institutions and private practices that were desperate for trained physical therapists. “This is it,” I thought, “This is what I’ve been searching for.” But there was one problem: Where could I go to learn how to
become one?
Here’s to the next 34 years.
In 1980, there were only a handful of colleges in California with physical therapy programs. This
–Chris Hisamune
LA · 310.275.4137 / WEST HILLS · 747.888.3562 | 1
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BALANCE BORN OUT OF HARDSHIP THE ORIGIN OF THE PILATES SYSTEM
KNOWLEDGE THROUGH ADVERSITY
When most people think of Pilates, they think of the exercise trend that was the butt of a hundred ’90s sitcom jokes. In reality, this system of stretches and workouts is a great option for people of all ages looking to stay active, tone their muscles, and improve their balance, all with minimal space and equipment requirements. One need only look at the history of Pilates to understand how this century-old discipline has helped shape exercise science today. The man for whom the Pilates system is named, Joseph Pilates, was no stranger to health challenges. Born in Germany in the late 19th century, Joseph suffered from both asthma and rickets, making any form of physical activity difficult. But rather than shy away from exercise, he enthusiastically followed his father into UNLIKELY BEGINNINGS
gymnastics, later picking up bodybuilding and martial arts. Instead of being held back by his body, Joseph made it his life’s mission to help himself and others live healthy lives. Eventually, he would begin developing his own fitness theories.
In this internment camp, the system that would eventually become Pilates was developed. Because of the constraints of captivity, Joseph had to devise exercises that didn’t rely heavily on equipment and could be performed in tight, confined spaces. To this day, Pilates remains one of the most flexible, scalable fitness methods around. The techniques first developed by Joseph Pilates are still practiced today, helping thousands of people develop their core postural muscles, gain better fitness, and improve their balance. As a result of his forward-looking techniques and steadfast spirit of personal development, Joseph Pilates remains an inspiring figure in the world of physical fitness.
LIGHT IN A DARK TIME
Joseph became a known quantity in the fitness world, going as far as training Scotland Yard officers in self-defense after moving to England in 1912. Then the First World War broke out. Despite having worked closely with English law enforcement, Joseph’s nationality was enough to land him in an internment camp alongside fellow German citizens. As the world was consumed by the bloodiest conflict it had yet seen, the young fitness instructor did what he did best: He helped those around him get stronger and healthier.
MANUALLY MAKING A DIFFERENCE UNDERSTANDING MANUAL THERAPY WHAT IT TREATS
As Chris mentions from his personal experience on this month’s cover, manual therapy can make a difference in many instances of recurring pain, from headaches to knee conditions. This form of hands-on therapy has existed in one form or another for centuries, and has been increasingly incorporated in physical therapy over more recent decades. Many people are unfamiliar with this versatile, non-invasive means of treatment. So, for those not in the know, here’s an overview: “Manual therapy” is an umbrella term referring to several techniques used by clinicians to treat musculoskeletal conditions, typically by hand. The most well known of these techniques is massage therapy , where repetitive rubbing, stripping, and kneading is used to alleviate inflammation in muscles and fascia tissues. For ailments like joint pain, a tougher solution is required. Manipulation therapy uses the rapid application of force to cavitate (or pop) joints back into working order. Between manipulation and massage, there’s mobilization therapy , which uses slow, controlled articulations to stretch soft tissues and improve joint mobility. TYPES OF MANUAL THERAPY
Taken together, these techniques address a wide range of aches and pains, from temporary injuries to chronic conditions. The list includes:
• Adhesive capsulitis • Shoulder impingement • Shoulder stiffness/limited range of motion
• Tennis elbow • Golfer’s elbow • Pinched nerves • Limited range of joint motion • Capsule tightness • Post-surgical stiffness • And much more
WHY IT MATTERS
At M3 Physical Therapy, we are proud to offer manual therapy as one of our treatment options. As a conservative, non-invasive means of healing aches and pains, these techniques offer many advantages compared to other pain management options like opioids. Manual therapy easily complements other forms of treatment, providing relief and facilitating healing. If you’re curious if manual therapy is right for you, stop by either of our locations for a free screening!
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CHRONIC PAIN AND PT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BIG PICTURE
MORE THAN JUST PAIN
Chronic pain, a widespread and debilitating condition, is defined as discomfort that lasts more than several months. It has been estimated that 25 million U.S. adults have experienced pain every day for the past three months. With such prolonged healing times, even minor pain can become unbearable. But what causes chronic pain, and how can those living with it address it effectively? Chronic pain can affect any area of the body, and stems from a variety of causes. Here at M3 Physical Therapy, we commonly treat patients who have chronic pain in the following areas: • Headaches caused by postural syndromes or work- related activities • Neck pain caused by car accidents, postural syndromes, or work-related activity • Lower back pain caused by car accidents, lifting injuries, or slip-and-fall injuries • Hip pain as a result of osteoarthritis or injury • Knee pain as a result of osteoarthritis or sports injuries COMMON CAUSES
Regardless of the source or severity of the pain, any prolonged condition can affect a person’s life. As once-easy activities grow difficult and other means of masking the pain (such as opioids) become more enticing, the effects of chronic pain begin to seep beyond the part of the body in distress. Worsening physical health and hygiene from debilitating pain are common, as are feelings of ennui. Finding a way to manage pain helps keep you moving, which in turn helps you stay healthy and happy. HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP Physical therapy is uniquely equipped to help people suffering from chronic pain. Beyond treating damaged muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, we also address the big picture. Through strength training, pain management exercises, posture instructions, and more, PT clinicians work to treat not just your pain, but the negative physical and mental effects that radiate from it. So if you or a loved one is suffering from ongoing pain, please reach out to us. Our clinical professionals won’t just treat the source of your pain, we’ll empower you to be more healthy and active throughout the healing process.
CITRUS AND AVOCADO SALAD
TAKE A BREAK
INGREDIENTS
• 1 blood, cara cara, or navel orange, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded • 1 Meyer or regular lemon, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 bunch arugula • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves • 1 avocado, cut into wedges • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss citrus slices with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast citrus until lightly charred and caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Let cool. 3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine onion and lemon juice. Season with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. 4. Add citrus, arugula, and mint to onion mixture. Drizzle with remaining oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss thoroughly. 5. Add avocado, combing very gently to not crush avocado.
LA · 310.275.4137 / WEST HILLS · 747.888.3562 | 3
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10474 SANTA MONICA BLVD, SUITE 435 LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 PHONE: 310.275.4137 FAX: 310.274.1815
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Chris’s Journey
2
The Origin of Pilates
2
Can Manual Therapy Help You?
3
Addressing Chronic Pain
3
Citrus and Avocado Salad
4
The Best Skiing Destinations in the World
FORMERLY KNOWN AS WILSHIRE LINDEN PHYSICAL THERAPY — SAME TEAM, NEW NAME!
3 OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST WINTER SPORT DESTINATIONS WHO’S READY FOR SOME POWDER? WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
The sound of the first carve through fresh powder is the anthem of all winter sports enthusiasts. Here are three of the world’s best places to experience that powder you’ve been craving all year.
A destination that looks like a cross between a Nordic paradise and Olympic-level runs, Whistler is filled with true magic, winter activities, and a town that captivates the senses. When you see the mountains of British Columbia, you’ll understand why they hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The location’s beauty is only part of your stimulating experience, because every curve of fresh powder makes your pupils dilate. Once you’re done flying down the hill where Bode Miller took the bronze, head over to the winter wonderland of the old Olympic Village for a cozy night in a picturesque town. If you want a great location for next year’s Christmas card photo, there’s no better place than the Tyrolean Alps. Nestled in a valley between perfectly molded mountains, the Austrian landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter excursions. The densely wooded areas and the bright reflection of the snow frame the vibrant town that’s just waiting to be explored. When you’re ready for world-class runs, hop in one of the 11 gondolas and zip down the hills that hosted the 2001 Alpine World Ski Championships. ST. ANTON, AUSTRIA
BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO
John Denver’s anthem “Rocky Mountain high” is about the freedom he felt here. Where there are great mountains, there’s even better snow. If
you’ve ever seen the groomed trails of Breckenridge, you’ll understand why. The ski resort boasts five peaks, 187 trails, 34 lifts, four terrain parks, and a renowned cross-country trail. After a day on the slopes, head into the town of Breckenridge for dining and activities that ditch the glitz and glamour of Vail or Aspen and take you straight to the heart of fun.
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