Take a look at our February newsletter!
physical therapy and rehabilitation
February 2024
3600 Miller Road, Flint, MI 48503 • 810-620-8042 • horizonptflint.com
HOW I HARNESS MY STRENGTHS TO STAY MOTIVATED A Guide to Staying Energized
Before the pandemic, my professional life was a bustling hub of learning and collaboration. I attended conferences often; it was a source of knowledge and motivation. The dynamic atmosphere, the exchange of ideas with peers, and the chance to witness the latest advancements in physical therapy invigorated me. When they canceled, it left a void in me, and I felt like I was in a rut. My coach suggested I take the CliftonStrengths test, which I did. The CliftonStrengths test identifies your inherent strengths so you can leverage them; this became a turning point for me. We get more satisfaction when we do things we enjoy and excel at. The test highlighted my natural talents and how I could harness them for personal growth and to enhance the quality of care I provide to you, my patients. “The journey of self-discovery and improvement is ongoing, and I am excited to see where it takes me and how it enhances the care I provide to each of you.” The CliftonStrengths test illuminated five key strengths in my personality: achiever, focus, learner, analytical, and competitive. As a learner, my drive stems from the journey of growth — the transition from not knowing to becoming proficient. The journey energizes me and pushes me to seek new knowledge and techniques. In my practice, it means constantly evolving and adopting the latest methods to ensure the best care for you. I actively carve out time for learning and exploration to nurture this trait. The achiever in me thrives on accomplishment. I find great satisfaction in completing tasks and ticking them off my to-do list. I maintain a consistent sense of progress and motivation by breaking down complex tasks into small, achievable goals. It allows me to stay engaged and keep moving forward in my endeavors.
My ability to focus allows me to dedicate my full
attention to every patient, ensuring a thorough and personalized approach from start to finish. However, this trait also comes with challenges. A lack of direction can be frustrating for
me, which is why I always set clear goals. These activities ensure my focus is always aligned with delivering the best possible outcomes for my patients. The cornerstone of my profession is my analytical nature, which drives me to assess and confirm diagnoses. The treatment plans I develop are based on solid evidence and understanding. This trait has been instrumental in helping me overcome life’s challenges with objectivity and clarity. My competitive streak isn’t about winning, though I enjoy that, too. It’s about striving to be the best version of myself. While I am aware of the performance of others, my primary focus is on my own journey and achievements. In other words, I run my own race. In my business, this translates to defining my practice by providing superior service and responding to each patient’s unique needs, not by measuring it against the competition. Discovering and using the CliftonStrengths test has strengthened my gratitude for my collaborative relationships with other professionals. Working with a coach led me to the CliftonStrengths test, which became an instrumental tool to help me analyze my actions and make informed decisions. It has improved my professional life and enriched my personal experiences. By understanding and leveraging my strengths, I am better equipped to serve my patients and contribute positively to my team and other physical therapy professionals. The journey of self-discovery and improvement is ongoing, and I am excited to see where it takes me and how it enhances the care I provide to each of you.
-Dr. Jerome Adams
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Waking up with a stiff neck or a throbbing headache is the worst way to start your day. Often, the culprit is as simple as the pillow you rest your head on. Choosing the right pillow based on your sleeping position is not just about comfort but neck health and sleep quality. Here are three options for your best pillow based on how you sleep. BACK SLEEPERS: A BALANCING ACT Back sleepers need a pillow that supports the natural curve of their neck. A too-high pillow can strain neck muscles, while a too-flat one can cause your head to fall back, both leading to morning discomfort. Ideally, a medium- thick pillow, preferably memory foam, works best. It cradles your head and neck, providing a balanced alignment. SIDE SLEEPERS: HEIGHT MATTERS Side sleepers have a larger gap to fill between their head and the mattress. A firm, high pillow is essential to align your head and neck with your spine. Memory foam or a high-fill down pillow are excellent choices as they conform to the shape of your neck and head, ensuring optimal support. Choosing the Right Pillow for a Pain-Free Morning
STOMACH SLEEPERS: THE FLATTER, THE BETTER Stomach sleeping is generally not recommended due to the strain it puts on your neck and back. However, if this is your preferred position, choose a flat or no pillow. This helps keep your neck as straight as possible. A soft down pillow or a thin memory foam can work wonders in providing just the right amount of comfort without compromising your neck’s position. If you’re unhappy with your sleep position, gradually shift your sleep position. For instance, if you’re a stomach sleeper, try moving to side sleeping with body pillows for support. Remember, changing habits takes time, and comfort is the key to a good night’s sleep. Your pillow plays a pivotal role in ensuring a pain-free wake-up call. Choosing the right one for your sleeping position enhances your sleep quality and invests in your neck’s long-term health. Say goodbye to those pesky neck pains and unwelcome headaches, and embrace mornings filled with pain-free vitality.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES “I feel so refreshed after having physical therapy. The Horizon team will get you together. ‘The Horizon Squad,’ as I call them, cares about your health, and they work as a team, from the front desk to the back door. Thank you, The Horizon Squad.” –Leola B.
“My experience with Horizon Physical Therapy was excellent! Dr. Adams pinpointed what was causing my pain and prescribed a plan that immediately began to provide relief from my pain. The office staff were always polite and friendly. The therapists were knowledgeable about the techniques used to help me get back to feeling better. I will definitely recommend Horizon Physical Therapy to others for their physical therapy needs.” –Maria W.
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YES, YOUR HOME EXERCISE PLAN MATTERS! THE ROLE OF PAIN MEDICATIONS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY A Therapist’s Insights on Pain Relief
Pain is a common hurdle when working toward recovery in physical therapy. Thus, we incorporate pain management tactics that include alleviating discomfort while creating an environment where the body can heal and rehabilitate effectively. Short-term pain relievers can enhance patient comfort and facilitate more effective treatment. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are often the first defense against mild to moderate pain and effectively reduce inflammation. Topical
ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). They are particularly beneficial before, during, and after physical therapy sessions. However, there are risks associated with long- term NSAID use, which can include increased risk of heart attack, stroke, stomach ulcers, and stomach bleeding. Prescription medications, like opioids, often used for acute pain resulting from traumatic injuries or surgeries, come with a significant risk of dependency and other side effects, making them less suitable for long-term pain management. Examples of opioids are codeine, tramadol, and morphine. The risk of opioids and long-term NSAID use underscore the importance of using these medications carefully and under a physician’s guidance, especially in high doses or for regular use. Pain relievers are short-term solutions to manage discomfort. Physical therapy is a long- term solution that addresses the root causes of pain and improves functional abilities.
The goal of physical therapy is to eliminate the need for pain relievers. Physical therapy strengthens the body, improves flexibility, and enhances overall physical function, gradually reducing the need for medication. It provides short-term benefits against pain, such as immediate relief following a session, and long-term benefits in relieving chronic pain by rectifying underlying issues. Research from Stanford and Duke has shown that patients who receive physical therapy within three months of the aggravating incident have 10% less opioid use. Thus, early intervention and the potent role of physical therapy can be an essential part of sustainable pain management. Pain relievers are a bridge, making it possible for patients to participate more comfortably in therapy sessions, which are the cornerstone of long-term recovery and pain relief. Your physical therapist will create a comprehensive plan that combines the best of both worlds — effective pain relief and a path toward lasting recovery.
pain relievers, such as Aspercreme, BenGay, and Icy Hot, are also popular for directly targeting sore muscles. Commonly used OTC
pain relievers include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like
Have a Laugh
Marry Me Chicken
Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com
Ingredients
This dish will have your guests going down on one knee to marry you ... or this delicious chicken. Remember, the quickest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach!
• • • • •
3 boneless chicken breasts
• • • •
1/2 cup heavy cream 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes 1 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt and pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chicken broth
Directions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
810-620-8042 3
3600 Miller Road Flint, MI 48503
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
THIS ISSUE Inside
A Strengths-Based Approach to Care
The Secret to Pain-Free Mornings
Client Success Stories
The Role of Pain Medications in PT
Marry Me Chicken
Ancient Brews, Smoking Chimps, and Ghostly Wins!
UNLOCK HISTORY’S STRANGEST SECRETS
OUR ANCESTORS WERE WEIRD!
RACING TO THE GRAVE One of the most astonishing stories in sports history involves jockey Frank Hayes. In a 1923 horse race at Belmont Park, New York, Hayes achieved victory from beyond the grave. Suffering a fatal heart attack mid-race, he miraculously remained in the saddle, and his horse, Sweet Kiss, crossed the finish line in first place. This extraordinary event remains the sole known instance in sports where a participant posthumously claimed the gold medal. A SMOKING MONKEY Looking to the East, North Korea’s Pyongyang Zoo featured another oddity in 2016: Azalea, a smoking chimpanzee. Trained to ignite and puff on cigarettes, this chimpanzee was a peculiar draw for visitors. In sparking controversy over animal rights, Azalea illustrates the bizarre and often questionable ways humans have historically interacted with animals. These stories demonstrate that the annals of history are not just repositories of conventional wisdom and significant events but also a collection of the bizarre, the unusual, and the extraordinary. These peculiar tales help us gain a more nuanced and colorful understanding of our collective past, shedding light on the complexity and eccentricity of our history.
History is more than just a chronicle of battles and treaties; it’s a rich tapestry woven with odd and almost unbelievable events that can mystify us now. A dive into the quirky corners of the past can reveal historical anomalies, including ancient beverages and victories from beyond the grave. Besides entertaining us, our history shows our ancestors as multifaceted, creative, and peculiar as we are today. THE FIRST BEER
In ancient Sumeria, people were not just trailblazers in writing and architecture but also avid brewers. Archaeologists unearthed a 5,000-year-old Sumerian tablet depicting individuals consuming a beer-like substance through reed straws from a shared bowl. This ancient concoction,
possibly the earliest known beer recipe, underscores the
longstanding human passion for alcohol and communal gatherings.
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