Take a look at our September newsletter!
SEPTEMBER 2024
6358 EDGEMERE BLVD. EL PASO, TEXAS 79925 915-562-8525
11855 PHYSICIANS DR. EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 915-855-6466
Don’t Let Arthritis Define You How Physical Therapy Can Help You Conquer Arthritis
September is more than just the beginning of autumn — it’s a time for transformation and renewed hope, especially for your health. Not only is it Self-Improvement Month, but September also hosts World Physical Therapy Day, and this year’s theme is osteoarthritis. Arthritis might sound like a life sentence of pain, but trust me, it’s far from it. With the right mindset and strategic treatments, you can see how arthritis is not a life sentence to pain. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, often gets a bad reputation. Yes, it’s a natural development as we age, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re destined for a life of discomfort. In fact, many people develop arthritis and go for years without experiencing any symptoms. However, the moment they receive a diagnosis, they can feel overwhelmed, believing their quality of life is bound to deteriorate. This is where physical therapy steps in as a game-changer.
Instead, they rely on movement to nourish themselves. Regular exercise keeps your joints healthy, helps slow down the progression of arthritis, and can even keep pain at bay. I always encourage my patients, particularly those who are getting older and are in the “arthritic age range,” to engage in regular mobility exercises. These exercises are fantastic for preserving joint function. When you move, your muscles pull on your bones, helping to keep your joints working properly. But when muscles are weak, they can’t effectively support your joints, which can lead to pain and malfunction. In our clinic, I often see patients who come in with joint pain, unsure of how to proceed and even skeptical of how physical therapy can help. But time and time again, these exercises work wonders in relieving their pain. While we can’t reverse arthritis, we can certainly reduce the pain and improve joint function through consistent movement. I believe in the power of self- improvement, not just as a concept for September, but as a daily mindset. If you have arthritis, you don’t have to give up on the idea of feeling better. You need to work toward improving yourself and want to get better. Physical therapy is about more than
just physical treatment; it’s about empowering yourself to take control of your health and well-being. For those who find traditional exercises too painful, we offer aquatic therapy. The warm water relieves pain and allows patients to move more easily with less discomfort. This therapy is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with weight-bearing exercises on land. In the pool, they can develop mobility with the support of the water, which reduces strain on their joints. It’s also a fun and creative way to engage in physical therapy. Once patients feel better with aquatic therapy, we can transition them to land-based exercises, and we provide them with a program they can follow at home or at a gym pool. Arthritis can’t be cured, but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to a life of pain. With the right mindset, a commitment to self-improvement, and the guidance of a skilled physical therapist, you can manage your arthritis and enjoy a life filled with movement, comfort, and hope.
The best way to treat arthritis, especially since it’s irreversible, is
through physical therapy. Exercise and mobility training are incredibly effective for maintaining healthy joint function. Movement is medicine when it comes to joint health. You see, unlike other parts of your body, joints don’t have blood vessels inside them to deliver nutrients.
Do you know a friend who needs PT? Have them call our office! If they mention our newsletter, they’ll score a FREE 15-minute consultation. They can call 915-562-8525 for the Edgemere Boulevard clinic or 915-855-6466 for the Physician’s Drive clinic.
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Get Fit With a Twist How Virtual Reality Is Revolutionizing Physical Therapy
• Continuously Adaptive Treatment: VR algorithms can detect your progress and adjust difficulty levels. With the help of high-tech VR physical therapy, your treatment will continue to challenge you and keep your therapist informed of your progress! Precautions to Keep in Mind While VR therapy sounds like a blast, it’s not for everyone. VR could trigger some conditions, like seizures, so it’s essential to talk with your doctor first. Safety first, fun second! How to Bring VR Into Your Recovery Are you curious about adding a little virtual reality to your recovery routine? Talk to your physical therapist about integrating VR into your sessions. They can determine if VR therapy is a good fit for you and help set up a program that feels more like play than work. Whether rehabbing at home or in a clinic, embracing VR could revolutionize how you view physical therapy. From battling virtual foes to strolling through peaceful landscapes, VR therapy is here to help you heal in the most entertaining way possible. So, why not strap on a headset and turn your next physical therapy session into an adventure?
Virtual reality (VR) is taking physical therapy into the future, transforming routine sessions into thrilling games that make you forget you’re even in rehab! Imagine strapping on a VR headset and stepping into a virtual world where your physical therapy exercises become part of an exciting game or a serene journey. This innovative approach spices up the traditional recovery strategies and packs a punch with serious health benefits. Welcome to the World of VR Physical Therapy VR in physical therapy isn’t just about having fun — it’s a full-blown, high-tech way to get better faster. VR helps patients improve balance, strength, and coordination by simulating real-world activities and environments. It’s like having a gym and a personal therapist rolled into one immersive experience. The Benefits of Going Virtual • Motivation: Let’s be honest: Physical therapy exercises can feel repetitive. VR brings excitement to your home sessions, turning those necessary repetitions into a game you want to play. Who knew getting better could be so much fun? • Custom Workouts: VR allows your therapist to tailor exercises specifically for you. Want to work on your balance? How about doing it on a virtual tightrope (safely, of course)? The possibilities are virtually endless!
• Brain Booster: It’s not just your muscles that get a workout. VR sessions require focus and quick thinking, giving your brain a good
workout along with your body. It’s like a double whammy of wellness!
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FUEL YOUR FITNESS The Best Pre- and Post-Workout Meals and Snacks
TAKE A BREAK! give you sustained energy, and the berries add a burst of antioxidants to keep your muscles happy. Greek Yogurt and Granola: Greek yogurt is packed with protein to help prepare your muscles for action. Whether you’re gearing up for a heart-pounding workout or cooling down after an intense lift, choosing the right food can make all the difference. Let’s look at the best food options to energize you while working out and help you recover like a champ. Pre-Workout Fuel Bananas With Peanut Butter: This dynamic duo is a favorite for a reason. Bananas provide quick-digesting carbs for a fast energy boost, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. Plus, they taste amazing! Oatmeal With Berries: A bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh berries is a fantastic way to fuel your workout. The slow-digesting carbs from the oats
Add some granola on top for a touch of sweetness and quick carbs to get you moving. Apple Slices With Almond Butter: This combo is crunchy, sweet, and satisfying. Apples give you the natural sugars you need for energy, while almond butter adds protein and healthy fats to keep you going strong. Whole Grain Toast With Avocado: Avocado toast is more than a brunch staple — it’s also a great pre-workout snack. Whole grains provide lasting energy, and avocados contain healthy fats to keep you fueled. Post-Workout Recovery Protein Smoothie: Blend up a smoothie with your favorite protein powder, a banana, spinach, and almond milk. It’s a quick and delicious way to refuel and rehydrate! Chicken and Quinoa Bowl: Lean chicken provides high-quality protein,
while quinoa offers complex carbs and fiber. Along with veggies, this bowl is a balanced meal perfect for muscle recovery. Chocolate Milk: Yes, you read that right! Chocolate milk is a fantastic post- workout drink. It has the ideal ratio of carbs to protein for muscle recovery, plus it’s delicious. Hummus and Veggies: Crunchy veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers paired with creamy hummus make for a nutritious, protein-packed post-workout snack. Remember, the key to great pre- and post-workout nutrition is balance. Aim for a mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats to keep your energy levels stable and your muscles strong!
TASTY TURKEY MEATLOAF This turkey meatloaf is packed with flavor and protein, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep!
INGREDIENTS • 1 lb ground turkey • 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp ketchup • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 eggs • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup bread crumbs • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1. Preheat oven to 375 F and line a baking dish with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper. 3. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the baking dish. 4. Bake for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F. 5. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. DIRECTIONS
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
915-562-8525 | www.SpineRehab.net 6358 Edgemere Blvd. El Paso, Texas 79925
1. Reclaim Your Life From Arthritis 2. Virtual Reality Takes Physical Therapy to the Next Level 3. The Best Foods for Your Workout Routine Tasty Turkey Meatloaf 4. Explore the Stormiest Places in the World INSIDE THIS ISSUE
with the cooler mountain breezes, sparking an electric dance that lights up the dark landscape. The conditions here are so uniquely suited for this phenomenon that the local community embraces it fully, promoting thunderstorm tourism and proudly featuring a lightning bolt on the regional flag. It’s not just a weather pattern; it’s a local icon! Tiwi Islands: Home of Hector the Thundercloud Far from Venezuela, the Tiwi Islands north of Darwin, Australia, host their own regular thunderous performance. Meet Hector, a thundercloud so punctual that locals and scientists know him by name. Every day from September to April at around 3 p.m., Hector makes his grand appearance. The unique geographical shape of the Tiwi Islands, like a cone, funnels sea breezes upward, rapidly combining humid air into the atmosphere. This daily dramatic updraft escalates to 20 kilometers high, forming a towering cloud you can see from miles away. During World War II, pilots used Hector’s constant appearance to navigate during their trips between Australia and Papua New Guinea! Today, Hector continues to be a fixture in the lives of the Tiwi Islands’ residents and a fascinating subject for meteorologists. Both Catatumbo and the Tiwi Islands highlight the incredible forces of nature and how local communities adapt to and even celebrate these extraordinary conditions. So, if you’re a storm chaser or weather enthusiast looking for your next adventure, these destinations promise to electrify your travels quite literally!
Imagine a place where the sky performs a daily light show, almost like clockwork. Well, you don’t need to imagine it! There are two places where this lightning-lover’s dream is a reality: Catatumbo, Venezuela, and the Tiwi Islands in Australia. These weather wonders experience the most consistent thunderstorms on Earth. Here’s how it works. Catatumbo: Venezuela’s Electric Night Sky The night sky is anything but ordinary in a remote corner of Venezuela, where the Catatumbo River meets Lake Maracaibo. For about 300 nights every year, the spectacular “Relámpago del Catatumbo,” or Catatumbo lightning, puts on a show. This phenomenal event occurs when warm Caribbean air collides The Never-Ending Storms of Catatumbo and Tiwi Islands WHERE LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE
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