Kaizen PT - August 2020

Take a look at this month's newsletter from Kaizen!

AUGUST 2020

KaizenSeattle.com | 206-524-6702

REMAINING POSITIVE OVERCOMING 2020 TOGETHER

It feels appropriate to recognize National Mountain Climbing Day on Aug. 1 this year, as many of us have recently faced the biggest uphill battles of our lives. Many of us are tired and worried about the future. We can’t see over the ridge of the mountain we are climbing, and it’s daunting to wonder what’s on the other side. Like many small-business owners, I’ve felt the weight of uncertainty, too. For example, I discovered that it’s exhausting to apply for loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). I can laugh about it now, but at the time, it was frustrating when I received my PPP application form, and turned it in within 12 hours, only to learn that the entire process had changed again. Then, I had another form to fill out, making the first one useless! The process changed nearly every day, and with it, each week brought different rules to ensure our patients could get

the treatment they needed. Our team would approach me looking for answers, which I didn’t always have. We began preparing for constant changes during those times. Despite previous and upcoming challenges, a piece of advice has been rattling in my brain since the COVID-19 era began. It was actually a patient of mine who said, “If you want to run a successful business, you have to do three things: Talk to people, talk to people, talk to people.” Throughout this pandemic, I decided I was going to be a positive presence for my staff and patients. I was going to have open communication while offering solutions, not problems. There were already enough uncertainties; they didn’t need me to remind them or shy away from it. I had to find the positivity in the madness and roll with whatever came our way. The PPP loan process showed how things may have been confusing, but I was very lucky to work with a small bank instead of a large corporation. They were attentive to my needs, and I left feeling confident that I could offer support to my employees. Even our landlord helped us by setting up a payment plan during the pandemic. Like my patient advised me to do, I remained open and honest with my team, and they were motivated to help. We all came together, finding solutions that would work for our

clinic and patients. I was also forced to evaluate the processes we had in place and question whether they were still necessary. As a team, we updated what we could and remained patient in what we couldn’t control. The truth is that this pandemic has been an uphill battle like many of us have never seen before. It’s been difficult to manage, but by working together and finding the ways we can help our fellow humans, we can conquer this massive mountain that is 2020 together. My team has worked so exceptionally hard during these times. I couldn’t be more thankful for their assistance and the kindness of our patients.

I’m proud to be doing this together.

–Dr. Colin Sisco

"Throughout this pandemic, I decided I was going to be a positive presence for my staff and patients. I was going to have open communication while offering solutions, not problems."

P.S. This spring’s stay-at-home order forced many of us to sit more, so I want to use this space to encourage you to move! If you are experiencing neck or back pain, it could be the result of sitting too long. We can help you find the routine to get your body feeling great again so you can get moving. Give us a call to get started today! • 1 206-524-6702

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HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY PROMOTES A HEALTHY CORE YOUR MIDSECTIONMATTERS

When you think of the word “core,” you probably picture rock-hard abs, but there’s so much more to this group of muscles than that. Your core is made up of 29 different muscles in the middle and lower back, pelvic floor, buttocks, and hips, and they all work together to support your body’s movements. No matter where a motion starts, it either originates in the core or eventually moves through it, which means if your core is compromised, then a lot of other activities are compromised. Luckily, you can strengthen your core in many ways. BALANCE Your core muscles serve as your body’s natural stabilizers and make constant adjustments in response to nerve cells called proprioceptors, which help with your sense of spatial awareness. When your core becomes weak, it’s more difficult to balance yourself in your center of gravity, which increases your risk of falls and affects upper and lower body movements. Standing on stability boards, which are flat boards with

curved undersides, is a great way to work on improving your core balance. You can even practice maintaining your stability by standing on one leg.

rolling your shoulders back. When you first begin training to strengthen your core, it’s also essential to establish proper pelvic alignment. Try rocking the pelvis forward and backward in a full range of motion until you find a comfortable middle portion of the movement. Many additional practices, like yoga and tai chi, can also help improve core alignment. When it comes to physical therapy sessions, you’ll find that even if you’re there to address pain in your arms, neck, or legs, your therapist will often include core movements in your regimen because the core is such an integral part of everything we do. Whether you’re lifting a bag of groceries, practicing your golf swing, or recovering from an injury, strong core muscles are the support system your body needs to get the job done.

STRENGTH Core strength is different from

core balance: Strength determines how well your muscles produce functional movement. An array of both static (nonmoving) and dynamic (moving) exercises are great for any level of physical fitness. Static movements include exercises like planks or bridges, while dynamic movements include situps, pushups, and crunches. More gentle dynamic exercises for those just starting out, like leg lifts or pelvic tilts, can also help strengthen your core muscles. ALIGNMENT Achieving a healthy core can also improve your posture, which relieves stress on the spine and encourages proper alignment overall. Address your posture by standing up straight and

DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, OR ANGRY? TRY LISTENING TO ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

THE POWER OF MUSIC TO SHIFT YOUR MOOD

2020 has been a difficult year. If you’re feeling frustrated, angry, or depressed right now, you’re not alone! All over the world, people have been trying different strategies to cope with their feelings, including yoga, meditation, exercise, binge-watching their favorite TV shows, and even baking banana bread. But perhaps the most universal outlet and cure for pent-up emotions is music. Do you remember the clip that went viral in March of Italians in quarantine, singing together from their balconies? If you do, that’s probably because it made you smile. TIME heralded it as proof that “the country’s spirits are still strong,”

and it’s just one small example of how music uplifts people. This isn’t just an anecdotal effect, either. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, music can help us process emotions and fight mental health conditions like anxiety, dysregulation, depression, trauma, sleep disorders, schizophrenia, and more. So, how can you take advantage of music’s power to turn your mood around? One option is to create music of your own, but another is simply to listen. When it comes to flipping a bad mood on its head, a survey conducted by the Family Center for Recovery (FCR) suggests that rock is the genre of choice. “During any given year, depression affects approximately 5%–8% of Americans,” FCR reports. “According to our survey participants, the vast majority — around 89% — turn

to music in order to feel better. The top genre for depressed listeners is rock, followed closely by alternative, pop, and hip-hop/rap.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the blues came in last on the list.

To put the power of music to work, create playlists for each mood that you want to turn around, like “Anger,” “Frustration,” “Sadness,” “Anxiety,” or “Grief,” and fill them with songs from genres associated with fighting that feeling. According to FCR, rock is the most popular antidote to sadness and anxiety, and it’s also high on the list for anger, along with pop and country. Frustrated people opt for variations of rock, pop, punk, and heavy metal, and those stricken by grief turn to soft rock or soul. The artists are up to you, so fill up your lists, press play, and let the music do its work.

2 • KaizenSeattle.com

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DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT. CHECK OUT WHAT THESE PATIENTS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THEIR LASER TREATMENT EXPERIENCES.

Patient Testimonials

“I had a tummy tuck surgery on May 24, 2007. After the procedure, a lump, hematoma, scar tissue, swelling, and pain lingered below my breast bone. After just two treatments by the LiteCure Laser, my swelling and pain have decreased tremendously. I am looking forward to having one more treatment. There is no question that this laser was the best thing that has happened to me because I avoided another operation just by having two treatments. Having had this experience, I am able to serve my patients with deeper understanding and faith in this miraculous machine.”

– Michelle G.

“As a professional soccer player, I am constantly managing aches, strains, and pain. Since treating my hamstring injury with the LiteCure Laser, my recovery time has been really fast. I was skeptical at first. My time is valuable, and I cannot be messing with some new toy. However, the results were truly dramatic. I like the fact that it is noninvasive and drug-free. It has helped me get back in the game post-injury in record time and allowed me to perform at my peak, as I am typically pain-free after one or two consults with the laser. I would recommend this treatment to any athlete looking to optimize healing time. The LiteCure Laser is my go-to modality for serious pain relief.”

– Christie Rampone, Defender for the U.S. National Soccer Team

Most treatments can be done in less than 10 minutes. Many patients feel immediate relief and the enhanced metabolic effects last for 16–36 hours after treatment application. To schedule your 2 FREE treatments, call 206-524-6702 now to inquire about our Class IV Deep Tissue Laser and how it can help you feel better, heal faster, and get back to normal.

–Dr. Colin Sisco, PT

DEEP TISSUE CLASS IV LASER

PAIN RELIEF without medications, injections, or surgery is NOW AVAILABLE.

Kaizen Physical Therapy is one of the few clinics in Seattle to acquire a Class IV FDA approved Deep Tissue Therapy Laser. Natural pain relief is our goal for patients suffering from acute or chronic pain. We can offer you a 100% natural treatment option that has the ability to decrease your pain and swelling, improve your mobility, and get you back to what matters most in your life. The Deep Tissue Therapy Laser works by targeting injured tissue with light energy, stimulating damaged cells, and increasing circulation to the painful area. This creates a cascade of healing responses in your body, reducing inflammation, speeding up healing, and decreasing or eliminating your pain. Treatments take just a few minutes, but the therapeutic effect continues to soothe and heal long after you leave the office. This is FAST, SAFE, PAINLESS, and 100% NATURAL, without unnecessary medication, injections, or surgery.

For a limited time , we are offering up to 2 FREE laser treatments for those who are interested. To schedule your free treatment, call 206-524-6702 and ask for Mel. She can get you set up with one of our physical therapists to administer this treatment during a day and time that is convenient for you. Treatments only take 5–10 minutes!

The laser can treat the following conditions:

» Lower back pain » Neck pain

» Tennis elbow » Rotator cuff injuries » Migraines » TMJ » Sports injuries » Sprains and strains » Shoulder pain

» Soft tissue injuries and pain » Nerve pain/ neuropathies » Toenail fungus » And more

» Sciatica » Arthritis » Bursitis

» Plantar fasciitis » Carpal tunnel

206-524-6702

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YOUR ‘CLEAN’ WORKOUT ROUTINE TURN HOUSEHOLD CHORES INTO EFFECTIVE EXERCISE

Everyone knows how labor-intensive cleaning can be. A long day of scrubbing down your house is a great way to work your muscles and get your blood pumping, so crank up some tunes, grab a mop, and get ready to transform your cleaning routine into a great workout. To get physical benefits from cleaning, you need to turn up the intensity of your methods. Exaggerate your motions, pick up your pace, and keep your abs tight and knees flexed. Nearly any chore can be turned into an exercise, but here are some ideas to get you started. • Vacuum: Vacuum briskly nonstop for at least 20 minutes, switching arms as you go. For an added challenge, do lunges as you vacuum and remember to keep your toes pointed straight ahead and your knees bent at 90-degree angles. • Pick Up: Instead of simply bending over to pick up toys or clothes, do a squat with every item you grab. Remember to use your legs, not your back. You can also do squats while unloading the dishwasher or with any other chore that involves repeated bending. • Wipe Down: Whether you’re wiping windows or scrubbing appliances, do big, exaggerated arm circles until your muscles start to burn and make sure you’re switching arms as you go.

• Cook: It’s not cleaning, but it’s still a chore with useful downtime. While food is simmering or thawing in the microwave, do some pushups, situps, or planks to get your muscles moving. You can implement dozens of exercises to turn mundane activities into beneficial workouts. Some chores will burn more calories than others, but every bit of activity helps. Now’s the time to work your way to a cleaner house and a healthier you.

WORLD’S BEST VEGAN CHIMICHURRI

TAKE A BREAK!

Inspired by Simple Vegan

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup oil (extra-virgin olive oil recommended) • 1/4 cup vinegar (apple cider vinegar recommended) • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 4 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp salt (Himalayan pink salt recommended) • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper • Cayenne pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bowl, add all ingredients except cayenne and whisk until well mixed. If desired, add cayenne pepper a little at a time until you reach your preferred level of spiciness. 2. Serve immediately or, for an even better taste and texture, refrigerate for 1–2 days. 3. You may increase the batch size, but keep the ratio of oil and vinegar the same — 2-to-1. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months.

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5025 25th Ave. NE, #201 Seattle, WA 98105

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

UPHILL BATTLES: OVERCOMING 2020 TOGETHER

2. HOW A HEALTHY CORE AFFECTS EVERYTHING YOU DO THE BEST GENRE OF MUSIC TO COMBAT DEPRESSION 3. EXERCISE YOUR WAY TO A CLEAN HOME WORLD’S BEST VEGAN CHIMICHURRI 4. ARE YOUR THRIFT STORE DONATIONS BEING THROWN AWAY?

ARE YOUR THRIFT STORE DONATIONS BEING THROWN AWAY?

Are you thinking about donating your kids’ old clothes or that slow cooker you haven’t used in months? Though donating your unwanted items is a great thing to do, amid the pandemic, many people have not considered the future of secondhand shopping and charity-based thrift stores like Goodwill. In 2018, Goodwill funded nearly $5.3 billion in charitable services, like educational assistance, job training, and work placements. But now, Goodwill and similar organizations are facing a unique problem: They’re receiving too many donations. To prevent your items from ending up in a landfill, consider the following before you donate. Under the circumstances, this situation is understandable. Thanks to nationwide stay-at-home orders, many took advantage of their newfound spare time to spring-clean and

subsequently donate unwanted items to charity. However, with the confusion about how long the COVID-19 virus can live on clothing, secondhand shoppers have been staying home, worried about the health risks of buying used goods. Famously, thrift stores still keep unsold goods out of landfills. Up to 75% of Goodwill’s merchandise, for example, isn’t sold in their stores. Instead, it’s sent to discount outlets and then into global markets. However, Mexican traders, who account for 30% of business at thrift stores close to the U.S. southern border, and Kenya, the world’s largest buyer of unsold secondhand clothes, have stopped buying during the economic shutdown. Meanwhile, some good-intentioned Americans are leaving their goods outside thrift stores’ front doors, not

realizing that without enough space to house the excess donations, many of these thrift stores will have to pay disposal fees, costing the business potential revenue and sending your items into local landfills. However, Goodwill still wants your donations! You just might have to hold on to your items for a little bit. Check to see if your local thrift stores are open for donations. Many recommend waiting until the influx slows down, but others have expanded their inventory storage and are ready to keep up. Just make sure to follow their guidelines on acceptable items because any broken or worn items only add to their costs. Happy donating!