M3 PT - May 2018

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WEST HILLS 7230 MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 401 WEST HILLS, CA 91307 WEST LOS ANGELES 10474 SANTA MONICA BLVD, SUITE 435 LOS ANGELES, CA 90025

WWW.M3PT.COM / LA · 310.275.4137 / WEST HILLS · 747.888.3562

M3 AND ME

WHAT’S IN A NAME? THE MOVE TO M3

As many of our long-time patients know, the roots of our clinic run deep. As far back as 1981, we’ve been serving the active Beverly Hills community by keeping bodies happy and healthy. For decades, our clinic on the corner of Wilshire and Linden was aptly known as Wilshire Linden Physical Therapy. Strangely, the name outlasted the location. Despite relocating not once, but twice, the name stuck. As you can imagine, it became quite confusing to run a local clinic named “Wilshire Linden” on Santa Monica Boulevard. Advertising was a nightmare, but many of our patients and team members were still attached to the old title and the legacy of service and care it represented. About a year and a half ago, upon opening a second clinic in West Hills, it was clear we’d finally outgrown the name once and for all. In its place, we needed something entirely new, not tied to a single location. Finding the right name is easier said than done. Where do you start when renaming a 37-year-old clinic? “ “CLINICS MAY CHANGE LOCATIONS, AND TEAM MEMBERS COME AND GO, BUT THE MISSION OF A COMMUNITY PRACTICE LIKE OURS STAYS THE SAME.”

The M stands for the three modalities of our movement-centric approach. M1 is movement analysis: the process our clinicians use to identify the source of your pain and provide an enduring solution. M2 refers to manual therapy: the evidence-based process our trained therapists use to decrease pain and improve

your mobility. M3 is the summation of our philosophy: “Move better to live better.”

The cause of many of our aches and pains comes from alignment faults in our joints and ligaments. Therapy that corrects these faults allows you to recover sooner while empowering you to stay active. We wanted a name that reflected this effective and active approach to care.

As I was settling on the new name, I realized that I also have three kids whose names start with the letter M (and my wife’s name does, too). I found it to be a happy, but

also very appropriate, coincidence that the name I chose for my company also symbolizes the most important part of my life — my family. So, what’s in the name M3 ? Much more than meets the eye. As the lead therapist, I think it’s important to have a name that reflects our core mission as a practice. That way, no matter where we move or how much we grow, our commitment to effective and empowering care will always remain central to who we are.

You go back to your roots. Clinics may change locations, and team members come and go, but the mission of a community practice like ours stays the same. As a clinic owned by physical therapists, we wanted a name that reflects the way we approached care. Enter M3.

Here’s to M3’s future,

–Dr. Raul Lona

LA · 310.275.4137 / WEST HILLS · 747.888.3562 | 1

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GET MORE OUT OF GAME NIGHT USE BOARD GAMES AS A TEACHING TOOL

In this digital age, having a family board-game night every few weeks is a novelty. Putting away the electronics and having fun face-to-face with your kids is reason enough to make this a family tradition. But did you know that board games can also teach your kids valuable life skills? Here’s the best way to facilitate this learning as a parent. FIND THE RIGHT GAME FOR THE RIGHT AGE It’s important to find games that fit your children’s abilities. Complex rules, small pieces, or mature content can make some games inappropriate for young kids. The first thing you should do is check the recommended age range on the packaging. This will help you find the best match for your kids. CONSULT THE RULES Whether you’re new to a game or an old pro, it’s worth spending some time going over how the game is played. Not only will this help you teach your kids how to play a new game, but these rules also provide valuable insight into the skills the game teaches. Even games of pure chance, like Chutes and

Ladders, can teach young kids motor skills, a sense of fair play, and what good sportsmanship looks like for both winning and losing.

Does the game have rules for trading among players, like Monopoly or Settlers of Catan? These sorts of games are a great way to teach social skills. Does it offer multiple paths to victory, like Chess or Tokido? These games teach strategy and critical reasoning. Games like Pandemic require players to work together, teaching valuable teamwork and leadership skills. TEACH BY EXAMPLE While gameplay itself can be a great teacher, being a role model for your children during game night is the most important thing you can bring to the table. No matter their age, showing your kids how to lose gracefully, win magnanimously, and have fun no matter what are skills they will carry with them the rest of their lives.

SUFFERING FROM LOWER BACK PAIN? YOUR HIPS MAY BE AT FAULT

The way you move matters. Mobility problems in one part of the body can cause painful, long-lasting problems elsewhere. That’s why our clinicians use movement analysis as a starting point for treatment. Backaches, for example, may be linked to a problem with your hips, which is a surprise to many of our patients. When people come in with back pain, they make the reasonable assumption that something is wrong with — what else? — their back. In actuality, limited hip mobility is a common source of lower back pain. Hips are some of the most mobile joints in the body thanks to tough, Y-shaped tissues known as iliofemoral ligaments. Sometimes, especially after years spent working at a desk, these ligaments can tighten, pulling on your pelvis and, by extension, your spine.

While this tightening is a literal pain in the back, improving hip mobility can provide quick relief that lasts. That’s why our therapists are on the lookout for the telltale signs that hips are causing back pain. Our manual therapy experts can help you improve your range of motion, treating the root cause of your pain without resorting to drugs or surgery. professionals will identify the source of your pain and help you address it. If hip mobility is the culprit, we are happy to teach you exercises you can do at home to increase your range of motion. At M3 Physical Therapy, we believe moving better is the key to living better. If you or a loved one is suffering from lower back pain, please come in for a visit. Our

Every person’s body is different, and back pain has many causes. Our expert clinicians will find the treatment that fits your unique situation. Life is too short to suffer from lower back pain, so if you or someone you know has this problem, call us for a free screen!

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SCENIC HIKING TRAILS AROUND LA

ESCONDIDO FALLS Address: 27807 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

starting your hike, be sure to hang a left at the first fork so you can face the ocean during your descent. This trail is open from dawn to dusk, and hikers can park on the Pacific Coast Highway by Malibu Seafood for just $5 at the trailhead. Leashed dogs are allowed, and you can expect to spend anywhere from 60–90 minutes on this 2.5-mile trail.

This 3.8-mile round-trip hike begins just off the Pacific Coast Highway and ends at a beautiful waterfall. After leaving the blacktop, the road arrives at Escondido Canyon Park. Take the dirt path to the left of the sign that reads “Edward Albert Escondido Canyon Trail and Waterfall.” Cross the field of fennel and mustard toward the creek. Then, cross over the creek and turn left to head upstream toward the falls. Lower Escondido Falls is beautiful, but if you’re up for a challenge, you can explore Upper Escondido Falls, which is three times taller. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for this hike and keep in mind that some places near the falls will be slippery.

ECHO MOUNTAIN Address: East Loma Alta Drive at Lake Avenue, Altadena

Unless you live in the neighborhood, this hike is more of a weekend destination than an after-work jaunt. This may be a more challenging hike, but novices should not be deterred. The views of downtown LA, Pasadena, and the San Gabriel Valley on the path are stellar. At the top of the mountain, you can see the ruins of White City, which burned down in the early 1900s. Hikers must keep dogs on leashes. Free street parking is available by the entrance, and hikers can expect to spend 2.5–3.5 hours on this 5-mile trail.

SARA WAN TRAILHEAD AT CORRAL CANYON Address: 25623 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

For another beautiful view, check out the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon, where mountains collide with ocean beaches. The trail on this gentle hike is practically deserted on weekday afternoons. When

SAUTÉED ZUCCHINI AND SQUASH WITH FETA

TAKE A BREAK

INGREDIENTS

• 1 zucchini • 1 summer squash • 1/2 medium red onion • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese • Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut zucchini into 1/4-inch-thick semicircles. Dice onion.

2. Heat a large skillet to medium high. Add olive oil, onion, and thyme.

3. Once onion is soft (about 2 minutes), add zucchini and squash. Season with salt and pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until squash barely begins to caramelize.

4. Place in serving bowl and top with feta.

[ Inspired by thekitchn.com ]

LA · 310.275.4137 / WEST HILLS · 747.888.3562 | 3

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10474 SANTA MONICA BLVD, SUITE 435 LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 PHONE: 310.275.4137 FAX: 310.274.1815

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1

The M3 Origin Story

2

What Board Games Can Teach Your Kids

2

Get Hip to Lower Back Pain

3

Scenic Hiking Trails Around LA

3

Sautéed Zucchini and Squash With Feta

4

The Key to a Memorable Vacation

FORMERLY KNOWN AS WILSHIRE LINDEN PHYSICAL THERAPY — SAME TEAM, NEW NAME!

ENRICH YOUR VACATION BUY LOCAL WHEN YOU’RE ABROAD

ART Just as your town probably has local artisans who produce unique and interesting work, the same is true for your vacation destination. Anyone can get a gift shop bauble that was mass-produced somewhere else. Take the time to peruse market stalls and craft fairs while you travel. It can lead you to some truly special souvenirs, and you’ll support the arts and traditions of the region! PEOPLE While you’re out sampling local restaurants and exploring local markets, you’ll meet plenty of local people. Don’t be afraid to strike up a friendly conversation. You can make new friends around the globe and learn about their unique experiences. One of the most enriching experiences in life is meeting new people and gaining new perspectives.

The virtues of buying locally sourced food and supporting small businesses have been widely extolled. But we rarely think to apply the same practices when we travel. Many Americans spring for all- inclusive packages when planning their next summer vacation, but doing so means they’ll miss out on some of the best aspects of the culture they’re visiting. Part of the joy of traveling is having new experiences you can’t have at home. Whether you’re in another state or another country, you owe it to yourself to seek out the unique aspects of that location. But to find the character and quirks of your destination, you’ll have to explore beyond the hotel lobby.

FOOD Why have a cheeseburger from a fast-food chain when you can try a local favorite? A great way to start is by asking your taxi driver or hotel concierge about their favorite place to eat. You’ll discover new foods and flavor combinations, and the locally owned restaurant is sure to appreciate your business!

MEMORIES Treasured memories are the best souvenir you can bring home from any vacation. So you owe it to yourself to get out and explore!

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