BRINGING ATTENTIVENESS INTO PHYSICAL THERAPY Mindful March:
In recent years, you’ve likely noticed your attention being pulled in a million different directions. Between being bombarded with emails, text messages, social media updates, work projects, home duties, errands, and family events, you’re bound to feel overwhelmed or stressed at least a time or two weekly. While experiencing a certain low level of stress is a mere byproduct of everyday life, chronic stress can lead to a number of serious health problems. These include anxiety, depression, digestive issues, heart disease, and muscle tension and pain. Since our team here at Gilbert Physical Therapy is in the business of helping our patients eliminate pain, their stress levels are something we must take into account. Contrary to popular belief, rehabilitation requires just as much emotional strength as it does physical strength. This is where mindfulness comes into play. Dr. Ronald Epstein defines mindfulness as“a purposeful, nonanxious, reflective presence that can be applied to any aspect of practice.”Essentially, mindfulness is all about intentional awareness. Whether you’re doing trivial tasks like brushing your teeth or more complex chores like spring-cleaning, being mindful will help you retain your focus rather than allowing your attention to be drawn toward other projects. In a physical therapy setting, studies conducted by the American Mindfulness Research Association (AMRA) indicate that patients who practice mindfulness when completing their exercises pay closer attention
to their movements and are able to complete themmore easily at home on their own. But patients aren’t the only ones who should practice attentiveness during physical therapy sessions; therapists should too! According to the AMRA, doctors who share mindful conversations with their patients have an easier time expressing empathy and developing trust, both of which will help patients in the long run. If you find yourself dealing with chronic stress, frequent pain, or a combination of both, introducing mindful thinking into your life might help. Reach out to us today if you have questions.
SUDOKU
Beet, Mint, and Ricotta Hummus
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
Ingredients
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1 6-ounce beet (about the size of an adult fist), scrubbed 1 15 1/2-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
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1 garlic clove, grated
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
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1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
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1/3 cup tahini, well-mixed 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
Mint leaves, poppy seeds, and olive oil, for garnish
Directions
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Wrap beet tightly in foil. On a foil-lined baking sheet, roast wrapped beet until fork tender, about 60–70 minutes. 3. While beet is roasting, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, ricotta, garlic, salt, pepper, and coriander until smooth. 4. Once beet is cool enough to handle, use a paper towel to remove beet skin. Trim root end and cut into small pieces. Add to blender or food processor, and blend until entire mixture is smooth. Add additional salt if desired. 5. Transfer to a shallow bowl, top with garnishes, and serve.
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