Synergy PT Sports Medicine February 2018

Synergy PT's online newsletter for February 2018

THE SPECTATOR

FEB. 2018

Bridging Fitness and Physical Therapy How Synergy Helps You Crush Your Fitness Goals

R ight around the middle of Year’s resolutions. They give up, they forget, or they simply don’t have time to keep up with their goals. When it comes to losing weight, getting in shape, or exercising, people often give up because they sustain an injury early in their new routine. As people set their resolutions and goals for the year, they often find themselves at the gym for the first time in months, if not years. There isn’t always a qualified trainer around to help them get started, guide them, or help them stay safe. That’s when people get hurt. From jogging on the treadmill to lifting weights, there are countless ways people can injure themselves. Then later, when they feel sore and achy, they stop going to the gym. This is where a physical therapist comes in. Through a complimentary injury screening by a physical therapist or certified athletic trainer, you can find the right course of action for achieving your fitness goals. To take this a step further, if you have a gym membership for a local gym and you want to ensure you stay safely on track, we’ll gladly speak to your trainer February is when most people stop working on their New

on your behalf. Together we can work to discuss modifications in your exercise routine to safely guide you toward your fitness goals. Alternatively, you can take advantage of Synergy’s own fitness programs. Since we opened our doors, we’ve received a lot of feedback from patients and community members. They enjoy having everything under one roof, so to speak. We try to have something for everyone, from our tai chi classes (which have a limited availability within the community) to our personal or group fitness programs. Another great way to stay on target with your fitness goals and address any pain, injury, or weakness, is to make use of direct access. We’ve mentioned direct access in the past, and it’s something a lot of people can utilize. But not a lot of people realize they can. Direct access has been a part of North Carolina law since the mid-1980s. The law lets you see a physical therapist without a physician’s referral. But sometimes, we are bound by a patient’s insurance. There may be fine print that requires you to get a referral before they reimburse you for PT care. In many cases, direct access saves people a lot of time and money, and it may even get you to a solution faster.

You can skip making an appointment with your primary care physician who may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for further consult or prescribe medications, depending on the situation. Instead, you can schedule directly with your PT. If you’re trying to get back into the rhythm of good physical fitness and find yourself struggling, you can use direct access to come in and take care of the problem — whether it’s an

ache, a pain, or you just need a fitness program that is more your speed. We’re here to help.

Kira Boyd

1

910.238.2259

Achieving Your Goals ... TOGETHER

NOT CARING Forced Sharing Is

forced sharing teaches them the following thoughts. • If I cry loud enough, I get what I want.

When we teach kids that they can use an object for as long as they’d like and that they can give it to the other child when they are finished, we are teaching them the following thoughts. • I can ask for what I want. Sometimes, I get a turn soon, and sometimes I have to wait. • It’s okay to cry, but it doesn’t mean I get my way. • I don’t have to whine and convince my parent that I need a turn, because I know I will get it. • When I give my toy to my sibling, I feel good inside. I’m a generous person. According to Markham, this helps your child learn patience and empathy, which may leave them better equipped to handle bigger situations in the future. Forced sharing may seem positive in nature, but the harmful competition it creates may rob children of the chance to be truly generous and communicate their feelings and desires. • I don’t get everything I want.

• Parents are in charge of who gets what and when, and it’s arbitrary, depending only on their whim and how dramatically I beg for my turn. • I am in constant competition to get what I need. • If I make my parent miserable, I’ll get what I want. Forced sharing undermines children’s ability to lose themselves in play while also plaguing their relationships with other children with constant competition. In the end, neither child gets to experience true generosity from their peer. So, what should be taught? Markham says children need to be given the tools to handle sharing situations. “We do want our child to notice when another child would like a turn, and to ensure that child gets a turn,” she said. “And when someone else has something that our child wants, we hope that she’ll be able to control her impulses and use her words to work out an arrangement so that she can use the object in the future.”

One of the most common principles of early childhood education is teaching children to play well with others, and oftentimes, this includes teaching them to share. While this aspect of education seems like a no-brainer to some, others have started to question the importance of sharing. In fact, this movement is taking the internet and nation by storm, one blog and social media post at a time, and it’s gaining traction with parents and preschools alike. According to Laura Markham, clinical psychologist at Columbia University and author of “Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings,” “Forcing children to share doesn’t teach the lessons we want them to learn.” During preschool, kids are learning to meet their own needs, and rather than teaching kids to speak up for themselves,

TESTIMONIAL

“After having my first baby, I couldn’t even put my pants on without pain. Going from Marine to full-time mom was a tough transition, but Sarah was able to help reduce my pain and got me through hip surgery. Bridget and Liz got me back into walking without pain, and now, I can jog. I’m finally back in the gym after 11 months of therapy, and I can coach soccer practice with little to no pain. I’m so thankful for the professionalism and knowledge of all the therapists and techs, and I’m confident in trying for baby No. 2! Thank you, Synergy!” –Sarah Alvarado 2 www.synergyptnc.com

BALANCE Discussed Here How To Prevent Falls And Improve Your Unsteadiness

• Have you fallen in the past? • Are you afraid of falling? • Do you ever feel like the world is spinning and your equilibrium is off?

• Has your balance become more unsteady? • Has your walking become more difficult? • Have you started using a cane or walker recently?

If you answered yes to any of these questions (or if you have a stubborn spouse or parent who is in denial), the Balance and Fall Prevention Workshop may be a life- changing (and possibly lifesaving) event for you.

Dear Friends of Synergy Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine,

As you get older your balance naturally begins to get worse. I see this every day, and it can completely ruin your quality of life.

• You start to hold on to furniture when you walk • You start to walk slower and constantly look at the floor • You avoid going out of the house whenever possible • You are scared because your world spins as you move or lie down a certain way • You are afraid you will fall … or fall again • You become more reliant on family members, often making you feel guilty about being a burden • You are no longer able to enjoy life (go out with family and friends, take vacations, etc.)

And the more you avoid doing these things, the more fearful you become that you will fall, experience depression, increased stress, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking.

Details on other side >>>>

Here at Synergy Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, our balance and fall prevention specialists have helped hundreds of people right here in the neighborhood improve their balance and get back to doing the things they love. It’s what we do. So by request, I’m hosting a Balance and Fall Prevention Workshop here at Synergy Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine on: Saturday, February 24th from 10:00–11:00 AM

IF YOU’RE CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT TO DO AND LOOKING FOR ANSWERS, HERE’S SOME OF WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Who is most at risk of falling • The 3 parts of our sensory balance system • Quick do-it-yourself balance tests to determine your risk of falling

• How to avoid and overcome the biggest mistake most vertigo and balance sufferers make • And most importantly, you will see what successful treatment could possibly look like

Call our office now at 910.238.2259 and secure your spot for my Balance and Fall Prevention Workshop! This workshop is ABSOLUTELY FREE but I am only taking 30 attendees, so call 910.238.2259 NOW to reserve your spot.

Looking forward to seeing you there,

Kira Boyd

Physical Therapist

P.S. Call 910.238.2259 now to secure your spot for my Balance and Fall Prevention Workshop on Saturday, February 24th from 10:00–11:00. P.P.S. When you register, you can bring a guest (we do this because many people ask to bring their spouse or another family member).

A Better Fitness Companion The Benefits of Tai Chi

Last month, we took a look at a few of our fitness initiatives. As you know, fitness is an important part of the physical therapy process. It plays a big role in improving your physical health and getting you back to doing what you love. One great way to improve your fitness is with tai chi. A form of martial arts, tai chi is closely associated with the philosophy

any way harsh on the body. Our classes are specifically designed for people of any physical ability or limitation.

• • • • •

Improving balance

Improving bone health

Managing stress and anxiety Decreasing blood pressure Achieving better sleep quality

Benefits of tai chi include the following:

• •

Building up muscle strength

Tai chi benefits people with the following:

Improving flexibility

• • • • • • • • •

Arthritis

Fibromyalgia Heart disease Hypertension Osteoporosis Chronic pain

of yin and yang. It is a gentle form of martial arts and can be very relaxing. It’s a way to get your body in

COPD

motion that is conducive to balance and focus. You focus on breathing, alignment, self-awareness, and control of every movement, big and small. These attributes make tai chi an ideal post-PT companion as well as a beneficial form of fitness independent from therapy. Plus, it’s great for people of all ages and abilities. Movements are not forced or in Laughter Is the Best Medicine

Anxiety or depression

Low endurance

If you have questions about tai chi or want to know more about our tai chi classes, please feel free to get in touch!

Sweet and Zesty

DETOX SALAD

Ingredients

For the Salad •

3 cups chopped kale leaves 2 cups chopped broccoli florets 2 cups chopped red cabbage

• • • • • • •

1 cup matchstick carrots 1 cup chopped cilantro

• • • • • •

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds

1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger

1/3 cup sliced green onions

1 tablespoon honey

1 diced avocado

1 tablespoon white miso 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dressing •

1 large carrot, roughly chopped

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

Instructions 1. To make the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine. 2. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. 3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately. 3 910.238.2259 (Recipe inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com.)

Achieving Your Goals ... TOGETHER

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

233 E Bell Fork Rd. Jacksonville, NC 28540

IN S I DE

1 2 3 4

Use PT to Achieve Your Fitness Goals

Sharing Isn’t Caring When It’s Forced Testimonial How Tai Chi Can Help You Whip Up This Winter Salad in a Flash!

3 Holistic Remedies Hiding in Your Kitchen

Need a Little Spice in Your Life?

NUTMEG This spice, known for its earthy, nutty flavor, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Want to calm nagging pain? This spice has been used to treat joint pain and arthritis. It can even be used to remedy bad breath. Nutmeg is most potent when it’s freshly grated, so it’s recommended you purchase whole nutmeg seed, found in most specialty food stores. You can incorporate nutmeg into your diet by taking it as a supplement in capsule form or simply sprinkling it into your next chai tea. Your achy joints will thank you. GINGER This root is an essential natural anti- inflammatory. It can help ease an upset stomach and finally tame your nausea. You can safely eat it raw, candied, as a supplement, in tea, or in baked goods. Ginger is most effective when it’s ingested

Spices and herbs add much more than flavor and aroma to your favorite beverages and treats. They also offer many health benefits. When properly utilized, these spice rack staples can ease a variety of symptoms. Ready to find your new holistic health kick? Read on.

raw or in capsule form. If you have morning sickness, raw ginger might do the trick. Just ask the people of ancient China. Like many spices, ginger’s use as a supplement goes back centuries. Southeast Asian countries used it to ease their own common ailments.

Call it tried and true. PEPPERMINT

You can use peppermint as an essential oil, steep the leaves for tea, or take a supplement capsule. Each form comes with its own benefits. As an essential oil, peppermint is great for treating colds. It’s a mild decongestant, and it helps with coughs and stuffed-up noses. It also soothes sore throats and headaches. Rub one or two drops under your nose, on your temples, or over your sinuses and feel the relief wash over you. Even further, a study published by The BMJ found that when administered as a capsule, peppermint helped reduce the symptoms of IBS in a majority of patients.

4

www.synergyptnc.com

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6

www.synergyptnc.com

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs