Advanced Practice Physical Therapy - January 2026

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JANUARY 2026

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Keeping Patients Moving This Season

A WINTER CHECK-IN WITH PTA KARLY

Hey, everyone! My name is Karly Davison, and I’ve been a physical therapy assistant at Advanced Practice Physical Therapy for about four years now. I came into the field after serving in the Air Force. My mother-in-law is a pediatric PT, and when I started learning more about her work, I found myself really interested in the way physical therapy could help people day to day. I completed my clinical training here and have been part of the team ever since.

to their appointments. Montana ice can turn a simple walk from the car into a genuine concern, especially for older patients. But we don’t want to let that worry derail anyone’s progress or extend their recovery time. That’s why we strive to make it as easy as possible for you to reach us here at Advanced Practice. We keep ice grippers for canes and other tools to help our patients get from the car to the clinic. Our team will also come outside and walk with any patient who is feeling nervous about

My favorite part of this job is easy to name. It is the patients. Helping people and seeing the difference you make in their lives is incredibly rewarding. I work with people of all ages, from young children to older adults, and my approach adapts to each individual and their specific goals. I meet regularly with PTs to adjust treatment plans. We want to make sure we are on the same page, and that steady communication helps me tailor each session so patients know what they are working toward. Many patients come in discouraged or tired of dealing with pain. I listen, give them manageable goals, and stay with them until they start feeling stronger and more confident. One message I repeat often

getting inside safely. Simply call the front desk, and we will meet you in the parking lot.

Our team also wants to make sure people know about something new we are offering this season. We’re calling it our Greatest Promotion Ever, and it’s a chance for anyone curious whether physical therapy would help them to come into the clinic and get a quick, free screening. There is no treatment involved, but you’ll get to meet with a physical

therapist, talk about your concerns, and see what the next steps might look like. We’ll be running the promotion from now through the end of March. If you are interested,

is that progress does not always move in a straight line. Sometimes, we are in a valley. But as long as we are trending upward overall, that is what matters. Patients often need to hear that, especially when pain flares or life gets busy. I remind them that setbacks are inevitable and encourage them to continue doing what they can at home. Of course, winter in Montana often slows people down. At this time of year, the snowy weather, cold mornings, and shorter days make it significantly harder for many patients to stay active. It can also interfere with people making it

simply call the office to arrange a time.

As we head into 2026, our goal at Advanced Practice remains unchanged: We want to help people get back to doing the things they care about. The cold weather might slow us down a bit, but as long as we all keep moving forward, we’re on the right track. I wish you all a safe winter season and a good start to the new year!

–Karly Davison

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MIND OVER MARQUEE Meditation Makes Stars Shine Within

Have you ever wondered how Hollywood’s stars keep cool under

describing it as an exercise that allows you to be still enough to know the difference between “the voice” and you. It helps you resist the messaging that you are not enough. One of her main tips for newbies is to start small, just taking a moment to appreciate the little joys of everyday tasks, like the sound of birds outside or the smell of your shampoo. Musical Meditators Musicians often face a lot of pressure, especially when on the road or recording. Pop star Katy Perry said meditation grounds her and helps her be more present, even when performing. Lady Gaga has been very open about her struggles with PTSD and chronic pain from fibromyalgia. For her, meditation is a way to improve her mental health and gain relief from her physical discomfort. Even Sir Paul McCartney of The Beatles fame gains stability and calm from this practice. He’s been meditating for over 50 years and said even a few minutes will help. No matter his schedule, he always finds time to gain a “still moment.”

the paparazzi’s lens? It turns out that even celebrities deal with stress and have to find their

zen behind the velvet ropes and red carpets. For famous names

like Oprah Winfrey, Katy Perry, and Sir Paul McCartney, transcendental meditation is the star of the show. This mindfulness practice deepens awareness, requiring you to focus your mind for a set amount of time for better mental and emotional balance. Ready to reach a new level of Oscar-worthy consciousness like the A-listers? Oprah’s Om Media mogul Oprah Winfrey is known as a trendsetter, and she’s often praised the power of meditation. She’s such a fan of this mindfulness practice that she curated a collection of meditation and wellness podcasts, retreats, discussions, and content. The star credited meditation for improving her life,

Whether you are center stage or just navigating life, taking a few moments to meditate is the ultimate way to keep your cool and shine. Design Your Dream Days in Retirement Find Purpose and Passion Beyond Your 9-to-5

After years of structure, responsibility, and hard work, retirement allows you the freedom to create days that belong to you. But with so much free time, it’s natural to feel adrift. Gone are the days of planning around PTO and weekends. You only need intention and self-compassion to design a full, joyful, and meaningful life. You never need a job to give you that. Start with a balanced foundation. Every fulfilling life rests on balance, during a career or retirement. Think of your foundation as four pillars: financial security, emotional wellness, mental stimulation, and physical health. When you nurture these, it’s easier to feel grounded and ready to embrace every day with purpose. Give your days a gentle shape. You don’t need a rigid schedule anymore. Instead, imagine your day

as a gentle rhythm. Mornings could be for reading or learning something new, afternoons for a walk in the sunshine or coffee with a friend, evenings for creative hobbies or quiet reflection. This flow keeps life balanced while leaving room for surprise and spontaneity. Rediscover what lights you up. One of the greatest gifts of retirement is the chance to explore passions you may have set aside. Maybe it’s painting, gardening, joining a book club, or volunteering for a cause close to your heart. These activities aren’t “filler”; they fuel your sense of purpose and joy. Care for your body and mind. You deserve to feel vibrant. Gentle movement like yoga, swimming, or walking daily can bring energy and strength. Paired with mental workouts like puzzles, brain games, meditation, or even learning new technology, to keep

your mind sharp and engaged. Your body and spirit thrive when given daily care. Embrace flexibility with kindness. As you plan your days, remember that this is not about perfection. It’s about creating a life that feels both nourishing and flexible. At the end of the day, reflect on what brought you joy and what you’d like to carry into tomorrow. And if plans shift? That’s okay. Retirement is your chance to live life on your terms. With a little structure, a spirit of curiosity, and a focus on well-being, each day can feel like a new adventure filled with purpose and possibility.

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HOW YOUR DIET IMPACTS YOUR CANCER RISK IS THAT HOT DOG WORTH IT?

Around 40% of Americans develop some type of cancer in their lifetime. That’s a staggering number! You’ve likely known many people who have been treated for cancer, and it’s almost always a surprise when you learn of anyone else getting the diagnosis. Even as we learn about new carcinogens and take action to cut obvious risks, such as quitting smoking or cutting down on alcohol, cancer diagnoses remain steady. This has led many to wonder what they can do to further reduce their risk of developing cancer. As seen with many other aspects of health, what we eat directly affects how we feel. Recent research shows just how instrumental diet is in cancer prevention. A steady diet of hot dogs, bacon, deli meat, and other processed meats can increase your risk for cancer. Even red meat can play a role, so limiting your consumption is important.

concentration of phytochemicals, a natural plant compound that helps prevent disease. It contains berries, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, grapes, grapefruit, leafy greens, pears, oranges, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes. And you can take it even further by pairing your fruits and vegetables with healthier protein options, such as fish, lean chicken, turkey, tofu, chickpeas, and eggs. If you worry about getting cancer and want to take action to reduce your risks, one of the best things you can do is plan your grocery shopping. Make a comprehensive list that includes healthy options while avoiding cancer-causing foods. As grocery prices soar, consider looking for the less expensive options, which is perfectly okay, as long as you make healthy choices. Compare labels and choose options with the

fewest ingredients. The more complicated the ingredients get, the less likely you know what you’re consuming.

However, while no food can completely prevent the development of cancer, some can help fight against it and reduce your risk. You want to look for foods with a high

You are what you eat, so make sure to eat healthy food! It may help you live the longest, most

fulfilling life possible.

KOREAN GROUND BEEF

TAKE A BREAK!

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Sauce • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 1 tbsp honey, or a liquid sugar- free sweetener • 1 tsp cornstarch • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. 2. In a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, stirring, until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as you cook, about 5 minutes. 3. Drain the beef and return it to the skillet. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 4. Stir sauce into the beef, then cook for 2 more minutes, until heated through and the sauce thickens. 5. Off heat, drizzle the dish with sesame oil, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve over white rice (if desired).

Stir Fry • 2 tbsp avocado oil

• 1 lb lean ground beef, 85/15 • 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced • 1 tbsp fresh ginger root, minced Finishing Touches • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil • 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

Inspired by HealthyRecipesBlogs.com

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1. Meet Karly and Learn

About Our Free Screenings

2. Celebs Tune Out and Zen In Create a Retirement Routine That Inspires You 3. Your Diet’s Direct Role in Cancer Prevention Korean Ground Beef

4. Find Your Flow and Fall

Back in Love With Exercise

Get Back on Track and Feel Stronger Than Ever Ease Back Into Fitness Without the Stress

Restarting your workout routine after a long break can feel like climbing a mountain, but you don’t need to scale Everest on day one. You should start small and start smart. Even one or two weekly workouts can reignite your energy and rebuild your confidence. The key isn’t intensity at first, but creating a rhythm you can stick to. Crush short-term goals. Small victories spark momentum. Instead of staring at a massive goal and feeling defeated, focus on micro-challenges: Walk an extra 1,000 steps daily, or squeeze in 20-minute workouts three times a week. Every little win builds confidence and sets the stage for bigger achievements, like hitting 10,000 steps daily or finishing a full-length fitness class. Schedule workouts around your life. Fitness should fit your life, not disrupt it. Figure out your prime energy hours.

Maybe mornings fuel your focus, or evenings recharge your motivation. Even 15–20 minutes count when you’re easing back in. Start where you are, and gradually increase intensity. Remember, your stamina will grow alongside your consistency, not overnight. Reinforce motivation with retail therapy. A new pair of shoes, a matching workout outfit, or a fancy water bottle can make exercise feel like a reward rather than a chore. Then, try a 30-day challenge to keep things interesting: a mile walk every day, one new workout a week, or short movement breaks during work hours. At the end of the month, reward yourself with a massage, a new gym bag, or a small treat to reinforce your progress. Buddy up for accountability. Accountability is a game-changer. A workout buddy or group can push you to show up on lazy days, celebrate your

wins, and keep the process fun. Studies show that having someone alongside you can boost your consistency, motivation, and happiness. Getting back into exercise isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, celebrating small wins, and making fitness a part of your life again. Start small, plan smart, and enjoy every step of the journey.

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