YOUR PASS TO SEE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Nationwide Direct Access
The word “access” usually implies exclusivity. It conjures up images of backstage passes to rock concerts or high-level security clearances to the back rooms of government buildings. Fortunately, there’s nothing exclusive about seeing a physical therapist. “Direct access” means every patient has access to physical therapy services. Rather than having to see a doctor or get a prescription for physical therapy, patients can now just walk through the doors of a therapy clinic to get examined. This kind of freedom hasn’t always existed though. In fact, not long ago, physicians usually had to evaluate patients before they could send them to physical therapy regardless of the kind of pain a patient experienced — even when it clearly stemmed from a car accident, a twisted ankle on the football field, or an old injury. This type of market was a dream for both private practice and hospital-based physical therapists, but it created a lot of wasted time and money for everyone else.
Fortunately, some form of direct access now exists in every state, and it has made a world of difference for patients and therapists alike. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, direct access empowers physical therapists to take control of their own businesses rather than being forced to rely on referrals. Additionally, it helps forge long-lasting bonds between therapists and patients because patients don’t have to be shuffled around from clinic to clinic, and the therapists are able to understand, diagnose, and treat patients’ pain and injuries as soon as possible. Although every state maintains some form of direct access, many Americans are still unaware of it and think they have to jump through hoops in order to get the physical therapy they want and need. Here in New Jersey, we have direct access, so you can come to Cornerstone anytime without a prescription. If you have any questions about scheduling an initial examination following an injury, don’t hesitate to give our office a call!
SPICY, CREAMY SWEET POTATOES
Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but they’re often the blandest thing on the table. Luckily that’s not the case with this recipe, which features Thai spices and coconut milk.
INGREDIENTS
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5 pounds sweet potatoes 1 cup canned coconut milk
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1/2 cup dark brown sugar 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
1 tablespoon kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375 F. On a large sheet pan, bake potatoes until very soft, approximately 75 minutes. 2. Let potatoes cool until they are safe to handle, then peel and mash. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine coconut milk and curry paste. Once mixed, add the mixture, salt, half the sugar, and half the butter to potatoes. 4. 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 425 F. Spread potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. 5. Uncover potatoes and dot with remaining butter and sugar. Broil until brown, crusty, and delicious. Serve hot.
Inspired by The New York Times
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