As we work together to keep our families and communities safe, we also should focus on our own well-being. Here are some tips for staying healthy and strong.
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COVID-19 & PHYSICAL THERAPY KEEPING UP WITH YOUR HEALTH
INSIDE : • Patient Success Spotlight
• Gardening Tips • Staff Spotlight: Marissa Gill
• Bay State Physical Therapy COVID-19 Update
• Working From Home Ergonomics
As we work together to keep our families and communities safe, we also should focus on our own well-being. Here are some tips for staying
inflammation. Research has shown that spring is an especially good season to be outside because natural scents from blooming flowers help us relax. So get out there and smell the flowers. 3. Sleep at least 7 ½ to 9 hours each night. Getting a full night’s rest helps keep your energy levels up during the day and strengthens your immune system to better fight infection. So if you’re wondering what to do with your missed early morning commute time, sleep on it.
about things usually navigate obstacles better. 2. Reach out to others for support. Even though we’re practicing social distancing, we’re all in this together. If you’re having a tough day, reach out to a colleague or friend. Or if you’re feeling great and have support to give, reach out too. We’ve never had more tools for connecting to family and friends. Use them. 3. Find time to laugh. Making light of difficult situations helps us get through them and helps our bodies. According to Mayo Clinic researchers, the short-term benefits of laughter include the relief in stress responses and the stimulation of organs, like your lungs, heart and core muscles. So whatever makes you laugh—your uncle Felix or that video of a cat jumping over toilet paper rolls—make time in your day for it.
healthy and strong: Physical Health: 1. Be physically active every day.
Take advantage of all the options you have for physical activity, including walking, following simple circuits or lifting light weights. Physical activity is not only good for your body, it’s good for your mind as well. Getting your blood flowing releases endorphins in the brain that can improve your mood. 2. Enjoy the outdoors at least 30 minutes everyday. Going outside gets you moving and allows your skin cells to generate Vitamin D—an essential nutrient for absorbing calcium and reducing
Social/Family Health: 1. Put your family first.
If you’re with family, make sure to carve out time to enjoy one another’s company—from making dinner together, to catching up on Netflix. Even folding laundry together can be fun. And when things take a dip, talk about it. Families that talk
(Continued Inside)
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COVID-19 & PHYSICAL THERAPY (Continued From Outside) Mental Health:
Patient Success Spotlight
Nutritional Health: 1.Load up on fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables provide your body with vital nutrients that support your immune system and overall health. If getting them fresh is a challenge, you can get what you need from the canned or frozen variety. 2.Limit sweets. When times get tough, the tough raid the cookie jar. But that short-term sugar high we get from sweets can compromise our immune systems and normal body functions. Do your best to satisfy your craving for sweets with fruit instead. And if you absolutely have tohave a cookie or your favorite ice cream, keep it to aminimum. One scoop tastes as good as two. 3.Plan your grocery shopping. Before you go to the store, make a list of exactly you want—including all those things that are good for you. This will ensure you’re eating well, and that you can shop quickly which limits your exposure to others.
1.Stick to a routine. At a time when nothing feels normal, put a little “normal” back into your life with a daily routine. Sticking to a daily routine has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and energy levels. This means anything from having your morning coffee at the same time every day, to always having an exercise break right before dinner. 2.Make time for things you enjoy. With more time on your hands, you can tackle that long- term personal project you’ve been neglecting. Or you can simply veg out and binge on your favorite TV series. Whatever you do, try to make it stress free. If listening to the news stresses you out, listen to music instead. 3.Remind yourself daily that this is temporary. This is not going to go on forever. It’s important to remind yourself of that, and to take things one day at a time.
John gets treatment at Bay State Physical Therapy Weymouth for chronic back pain and a work-related ankle injury. “Since I’ve been attending Bay State Physical Therapy, I’ve seen huge improvements in my ankle and back pain,” says John. “My physical therapist Lexi has been awesome and creates excellent workout routines that have really made a difference.” Since the COVID-19 outbreak, John has successfully made the switch to telehealth services. Lexi has been able to progress his exercises to build John’s strength and mobility, while reducing his pain. “The transition to telehealth couldn’t have been easier,” reports John. “The app is easy to use and has tutorial videos to help with exercises. Lexi is able to observe my exercises and critiques me on my form as if she was in the room with me.” The ability to continue his plan of care with telehealth services has been instrumental to his success. “Telehealth has made it possible to continue on my recovery right at home. I highly recommend using telehealth – it’s convenient and easy to use.”
1.Position your computer so that the top of the screen is level with your eyes. Get creative! Some ideas to raise the height of your computer include: WORKING FROM HOME ERGONOMICS Written By: Shannon Cantwell, PT, DPT of Bay State Physical Therapy: Weymouth
• Books • Notebooks
• Cereal boxes • Board games
2.Relax your shoulders & allow the weight of your arms to be supported. If the chair you’re using doesn’t have arm rests, sit close to your table or desk and rest your arms on the surface to prevent over working your shoulders. 3.Sit in a chair that gives your back support. If you feel you don’t have enough lower back support, place a small towel roll between the small of your back and the back of the chair. 4.Sit in a chair that allows your feet to rest flat on the ground with thighs supported and knees bent to about 90 degrees. If the seat of your chair is too low, add a pillow to increase its height. If the seat is too high, rest your feet on a stack of books or notebooks. Try your best to get up and move every 30 or so minutes to give your body and mind a break from work!
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To support our community during this challenging time, we are NOW OFFERING TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS TO ALL PATIENTS!
Click here to schedule a Telehealth Appointment >
By: Kendall Percich, PT, DPT of Bay State Physical Therapy: Weymouth GARDENING TIPS
STAFF SPOTLIGHT Marissa Gill, PT, DPT of BSPT North Dartmouth For the past 7 years, I’ve been fortunate to be part of the Bay State PT family, working at several locations during that time. In July, I became managing partner of the North Dartmouth clinic. Each year, the company has helped me develop my skill set by offering important continuing education courses that let me provide the best care for my patients. With physical therapy playing a more important role in healthcare than ever, I was excited to start 2020. Then the pandemic hit. It has affected every aspect of life including putting many things on hold. I was fearful for my staff’s, patient’s and my own health. I was also worried that my patients would lose their hard-won progress by not being able to come to the clinic. The Bay State PT team took action by coming up with a solution to provide patients with necessary care while keeping them safe in their homes. TeleHealth allows physical therapists to treat patients using secure video visits on a computer, phone or tablet. During a typical visit, PTs can demonstrate
Keep your back straight and use your legs while lifting (vs. bending your back to lift). Keep items close to your body while keeping core muscles engaged. Remember: Never lift anything that’s too heavy for you. 3. Work smarter, not harder: Use a wheelbarrow or garden cart when moving heavy items, use gardening gloves to increase grip strength and protect your hands. 4. Be nice to your knees: If you’re spending a lot of time kneeling, use a towel, pillow, knee pads or a kneeling pad to provide cushion to your kneecaps. 5. Change positions frequently, take rest breaks often and stay hydrated. 6. If you experience any aches or pains, make sure to contact your doctor or physical therapist. 7. Don’t forget to smell the flowers. Happy gardening to all you green thumbs!
exercises and stretches. It’s been a great opportunity to see patients in their homes, tackling everyday like going up stairs, or figuring out the right ergonomic set up for a home office. Since equipment at home is limited, I’ve had my patients use different household objects as substitutes, like soup cans food for weights or a hockey stick to help stretch an arm. My patients have been very receptive and have continued to make progress. During these trying times, I am proud of everyone on the Bay State Physical Therapy team for stepping up and addressing the shift in health care, keeping everyone safe and healthy while keeping our patients on the road to health and wellness. – Marissa Check out Marissa’s interview with “SouthCoast Today” about the benefits of Telehealth at: https://www.southcoasttoday.com/ news/20200405/new-doctors-orders- telemed-takes-off-in-pandemic
Spending time in the garden this Spring? Try these tips to avoid aches and pains while doing what you love! 1. Perform a 10-minute warm-up and cool down before and after working in the yard. Try a brisk walk followed by gentle arm, leg and back stretches. 2. Practice good body mechanics while carrying heavier items.
BAY STATE PHYSICAL THERAPY – COVID-19 UPDATE: Our number one priority has always been the health and well-being of our patients and staff. With that as our focus, we’ve been working diligently to ensure that we continue to provide the highest-quality physical therapy services, while implementing policies and procedures to keep our patients and team members safe. we are able to give them the care they need in a safe and secure setting.
safe distance from other staff and patients • All non-essential vendors, observers, and other individuals are prohibited from entering the clinics Hygiene: • Stringent handwashing and hygiene protocols with team members • Mandatory patient hand washing upon arrival • Enhanced cleaning regimen of clinics and equipment • Placed alcohol-based sanitizer in the clinics for patient and employee use • Every clinician wears a mask and we require you to do the same • Coordinating with leading healthcare and infection agencies to mitigate potential risks Are you accepting new patients? Yes! We understand that pain and injuries don’t disappear just because of COVID-19. Call your closest clinic to get set up with an in-clinic or telehealth appointment. Keep Up to Date: The situation is constantly evolving, so please keep up to date with our latest news, information and health tips. Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook: www.fb.com/BayStatePT Instagram: www.instagram.com/baystatept For more information on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the ways to keep your family and communities safe, please visit the CDC (cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) .
Our combined telehealth and in-clinic services play a critical role in reducing stress on other areas of the healthcare system. Physical therapy helps keep patients out of doctors’ offices and emergency rooms by managingmusculoskeletal symptoms and improving overall health. What are you doing to ensure patient and team safety in your clinics? Screening: Patient Care Coordinators are screening patients for symptoms by phone and in-person. If you are exhibiting any of the following symptoms, we ask that you reschedule your visit at the later of 14 days or the elimination of symptoms.All teammembers are also conducting daily screening for symptoms. Any employee presenting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be sent home to self-quarantine for 14 days. • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Or at least two of these symptoms:
Since the middle of March, we have expanded our telehealth services so that patients can get initial screenings and treatments from the comfort and safety of their homes. For higher acuity injuries, or for patients who prefer in-person visits, our 50+ clinics remain open. At our clinics, we have implemented all CDC safety recommendations to ensure the safety of our patients. Why are we transitioning some patients to virtual visits? In order to support social distancing, we are offering patients the option of virtual visits via telehealth so that they can receive necessary treatment from the comfort and safety of their homes. What is a telehealth/virtual visit? Virtual visits are a one-on-one remote therapy visit with your physical therapist connected through video on your phone, tablet or computer. To assist with this connection, we will be using a program called Physitrack, a dynamic exercise- based program that is available for free. Why stay open at all? While telehealth is effective for many types of treatments, some patients require hands-on care or specialized equipment that they can only access in the clinic. By following CDC guidelines,
• Fever • Chills • Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain • Headache • Sore throat • New loss of taste or smell
Spacing and Distancing: • All care is one-on-one with a physical therapist, at a
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