Take a look at our July newsletter!
physical therapy and rehabilitation
July 2023
3600 Miller Road, Flint, MI 48503 • 810-620-8042 • horizonptflint.com
WHY LISTENING IS AN ESSENTIAL SKILL FOR PHYSICAL THERAPISTS Partners in Care
“I approach each new case with no expectations.”
I spent years earning my doctorate in physical therapy school so I could diagnose and treat the many problems my patients bring to me. But while one of the most crucial skills in my profession doesn’t require a degree, many people seem to struggle with it more than any biology homework. It’s the art of listening. In honor of World Listening Day on July 18, I want to talk about why the things my patients tell me are so essential to their care. Each new patient has a prescription for physical therapy from their doctor. The patient may have back or knee pain, but the physician’s description ultimately tells me very little. First, there are many ways for any one part of the body to hurt. But more importantly, I can only understand what a patient is going through by hearing it from them directly. So, I approach each new case with no expectations. Treatment always starts with listening to what a patient says about their pain. I can’t help them until I know why they’ve made their appointment, and their words shape the treatment plan I create. Another important question I must ask is, “Why now?” Many people suffer from chronic pain for a long time before seeking help. Understanding what inspired them to take action helps ensure we address the correct problems and work toward the patient’s goals. One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that everyone describes their pain differently. There is no wrong way to tell me where and how it hurts, and the same condition can feel a variety of ways. So, I must pay careful attention to clinically interpret the patient’s symptoms into a diagnosis. But the listening doesn’t stop after I create a treatment program. The goal is to reduce pain and improve mobility, so I must know if the patient has improved, worsened, or stayed the same under my care. Of course, we want improvements. When they happen, I need to understand what is working so we can build on it.
Alternatively, failure to improve could have many causes. Sometimes, a particular course of physical therapy worsens symptoms, and we need to change course. Other
times, people might skip their at-home exercises or do them incorrectly. I also see cases where a person starts feeling better from physical therapy, begins being more active, and feels the same pain again. All these problems require different solutions.
Of course, listening is easier said than done. Truly taking in what a person is saying
without distractions or preconceived notions takes practice. Years of work and continuing education courses have helped me develop this skill and become the listener my patients need. Still, if you ever feel I’m not hearing you, please speak up! My patients are the experts on their own bodies. I can’t tell them how they feel, so we must be partners in their care. When both of us can listen to the other on what we know best, it often creates an incredible outcome.
-Dr. Jerome Adams
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Simple Stretches for Immediate Relief Leave Back Pain Behind
CAT/COW POSE STRETCH These two stretches work well together, so feel free to use them consecutively.
Luckily, a physical therapist can create a treatment plan that targets the lower back and works with your body to improve mobility and reduce pain over time. And while you should always follow the program your physical therapist provides, you can perform a few stretches at home to find some relief. PRONE PRESS-UP With this stretch, getting in the correct position is vital. It requires you to lie flat on your stomach, so if that is difficult for you, place one (or more!) pillow under your belly until you’re comfortable and use that as your starting position. Lie on your stomach with your feet hip- distance apart and your hands pressed flat to the floor next to your chest, similar to a pushup position. 2. Using only your upper body, push down 1. on your hands and lift your head and chest while keeping your shoulders pulled back. 3. Continue until your arms are nearly straight, with only a slight bend at the elbow. 4. Lower yourself back down and release the pose.
Cat Pose: 1.
Start on your hands and knees with your hands slightly in front of your shoulders. 2. Press down on your hands and round your spine toward the ceiling. Allow your head to drop, forming a sideways “C” shape. 3. Hold this position for a few seconds before releasing and returning to the hands and knees position. Start on your hands and knees with your hands slightly in front of your shoulders. 2. This time, push your back toward the ground, forming a “U” shape. Lift your chin and chest at the same time. 3. Hold this position for a few seconds before returning to your neutral hands and knees position. Cow Pose: 1.
If you’ve picked something up, fallen, slept, stood, walked, or done anything wrong and hurt your lower back before, you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organization, “Low back pain [is] the single leading cause of disability in 160 countries” and affects roughly 1.71 billion people. Low back pain can be extremely frustrating to live with. Not only is it painful, but also no single movement causes it, so it can also be impossible to predict or avoid.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
“I came to Horizon Physical Therapy with a year of shoulder pain and very limited movement. The therapists there listened to my words and tailored my therapy to my needs. I now have my range of movement back. Thanks to the therapists and staff. I highly recommend Horizon Physical Therapy to anyone who needs it.” “The entire experience was absolutely amazing. I received the care and attention that was needed to improve my condition. The three ladies at the front desk that handle everything you need besides the actual physical therapy are awesome. Dr. Adams and his two therapists are awesome with tailoring the care of your therapy needs to improve and correct your health. I will return if needed, and I will recommend this therapy to anyone.” –Ms. Burks –Enix W.
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YES, YOUR HOME EXERCISE PLAN MATTERS! SNAP, CRACKLE, POP
The Truth About Cracking Your Joints The sound of cracking and popping joints sets some people’s teeth on edge. Most of us have also heard warnings that the practice is bad for us. But other people’s opinions rarely dissuade those who love to crack their knuckles, necks, or backs. So, it’s worth asking whether the practice harms us. Will cracking lead to arthritis and other medical conditions, or is it harmless? You might be surprised that doctors aren’t entirely sure what cracking or popping your joints does. For many years, they believed the sound came from moving bubbles of fluid surrounding the joints. More recent research suggests cracking comes from creating negative space in the fluid. Experts have not yet resolved the debate. But the science is clear on cracking your knuckles: It’s safe. Multiple studies have shown that the practice does not increase your risk of osteoarthritis. Further, cracking your knuckles is usually not associated with pain, swelling, or joint damage. You should stop and seek advice from a physical therapist if cracking your knuckles does start to hurt, but otherwise, the risks are very low. Your neck and back are different matters entirely. It feels as good, if not better, than cracking your knuckles. But your spinal cord is fragile and not something to be manipulated by amateurs. There is a higher risk of injury if you attempt to do these adjustments yourself. Further, the desire to crack these areas is usually a sign of a more serious problem — and by popping your joints, you’re only treating the symptoms. You might feel better, but the
pain will recur without further treatment. And the more you crack at home, the more likely you are to cause a painful muscle injury or damaged blood vessels. If you’re experiencing back or neck pain, including the kind that is relieved when you crack the joints, you should seek medical help. A physical therapist can determine the root cause of the pain or stiffness you’re experiencing and create a comprehensive plan to address it at the root. And if manual adjustments to the joints are necessary, your PT can perform them much more safely than you can at home.
Don’t risk a serious injury by attempting to treat yourself. Call Horizon Physical Therapy for professional guidance.
Have a Laugh
The Best Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Inspired by TheModernProper.com
This emerald-green pasta will surely be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? This dish is ready in 15 minutes!
Ingredients
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving Red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups broccoli 1 lb penne pasta 2 cups basil leaves
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2 garlic cloves, smashed
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1/4 cup pine nuts, plus more for serving
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Directions 1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. 2. Add broccoli and cook until tender (around 4 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to a blender.
3. Bring water back to a boil and add pasta. Cook until al dente and reserve 1 1/4 cups of pasta water. 4. In the blender, add basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese to the broccoli and blend until smooth. Slowly add pasta water until a sauce forms. 5. Drain pasta and transfer back to the pot. Mix sauce and pasta together until fully coated. 6. Top with more Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and chili flakes if desired.
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3600 Miller Road Flint, MI 48503
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
THIS ISSUE Inside
A PT Skill Dr. Adams Didn’t Learn in School
No More Achy Breaky Back!
Client Success Stories
Should You Crack Your Back?
The Best Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Sandy Toes, Sunny Skies, and Beach Bliss
Discover Your Ideal Seaside Retreat
FIND THE PERFECT BEACH RENTAL One of the most important decisions anyone will make regarding their vacation is where they stay. This is especially true for summer vacations at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of their ideal vacation, and where you stay can make or break the trip.
THE EXTRAS You should consider a couple of other things when booking a beach rental. If you plan to bring your pets, ensure the rental you book is pet-friendly. It’s also worth investigating if the beach itself is dog-friendly, as bringing your furry friend to the beach can make the vacation even more enjoyable. Many rentals also provide beach toys, body boards, and more so you don’t have
Here are a few things to consider before booking a beach rental for your vacation.
SIZE MATTERS How many people are coming on your trip? Is it just you and your significant other, or are children coming? You will want to pick a rental to fit your family’s needs. If your traveling party is small, a condo or apartment overlooking the beach will likely work. If your family is large or you’re worried about the kids being too loud, consider a single-family beach house instead. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION You probably already know what beach to visit, but choosing a specific unit can be challenging. Is a rental with a grand view of the beach and the ocean worth the cost, or is one without quite the view (but less expensive) still acceptable? You’ll also need to examine the surrounding area to ensure it has everything you need. If you don’t want to drive much once you settle in, choose a rental within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants.
to spend money buying or renting them at shops. Read through the rental description, and don’t hesitate to ask the owner any questions.
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