Check out our December newsletter!
DECEMBER 2025
6358 EDGEMERE BLVD. EL PASO, TEXAS 79925 915-562-8525
11855 PHYSICIANS DR. EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 915-855-6466
THE YEAR WE PUT THE ‘CARE’ BACK IN HEALTH CARE More Hands, Less Paperwork, and a Lot More Heart
As 2025 winds down, I’ve been thinking a lot about how much we’ve grown this year at Spine & Rehab Specialists. Every December, we get a little reflective; perhaps it’s the holiday music in the background or the sight of patients walking out of the clinic where they first limped in, but this year, the feeling hits deeper. It’s been a year of transformation, not just in how we treat our patients, but in how we show up for them. One of the most significant milestones was bringing on our first full-time wellness director, Brian Rivera. His arrival marked a shift in how we view recovery, not just as something that happens after an injury, but as an ongoing process that keeps our patients thriving. He has brought an entirely new dimension to our clinic, helping us bridge the gap between rehabilitation and total- body wellness. Seeing patients embrace services like guided recovery sessions, stretching, and performance training has been extremely rewarding. For us, that’s the heart of it: helping people feel better and live stronger long after they’ve healed. Then there’s the technology. Now, I know most patients don’t necessarily care that we switched to a new AI-driven software in April, I get it. “New software” doesn’t sound thrilling. But the truth is that it’s changed the way we connect. Documentation has always been a necessary evil in health care, and every therapist will tell you the same. It’s important, but it eats up time we’d rather spend with our patients. This new system quietly works in the background, organizing notes and pulling up the right details when we need them. It’s allowed us to stay focused where it really matters on the people in front of us, not the paperwork. Do you know a friend who needs physical therapy? 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 Physicians Drive clinic.
Of course, technology has been part of our DNA for a while now, from our use of MSK ultrasound and EMG testing to tools like the Neubie device that help reeducate muscles after injury. The goal has always been the same: Blend the best of human touch with
the best of innovation. No matter how advanced the tech gets, nothing replaces the power of hands-on care. No robot can replicate the intuition, precision, or empathy that comes from working one-on-one with a patient. The technology doesn’t replace us; it enhances what we do best. This year also brought another big win for patients: the expansion of direct access. As of September, you no longer need a referral to see us for up to 30 days, which is double what it used to be. That means people can get in faster, start their recovery sooner, and avoid unnecessary delays that often worsen injuries. We’ve always wanted to function as a true first stop for musculoskeletal health, and this change brings us one step closer. Looking back on 2025, it’s clear that while some things at Spine & Rehab have changed, others haven’t and shouldn’t. We’re still a hands-on, people-first profession. We still believe the most powerful form of care is human connection. But we’re also constantly evolving, finding smarter ways to serve our patients and to make every visit more meaningful. As we close the year, I’m grateful for our patients who trust us with their health, the technology that enables us to care better, and a team that never stops improving. Here’s to 2026, to stronger bodies, faster recoveries, and, as always, healing that comes from both heart and hands.
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When a migraine or headache hits you unexpectedly, the throbbing pain can bring your day to a screeching halt, making even the easiest tasks feel impossible. What if you didn’t need to reach for the medicine cabinet or curl up in bed? What if you could stretch your way to relief? Physical therapy isn’t just for sore backs or weak knees. PT can reduce migraines and their side effects. No matter your fitness level, a physical therapist can walk you through exercises to get past the brain fog. Ready to reclaim your headspace? Let’s get moving. Why does your head really hurt? Headaches happen when the pain nerves in your face, neck, or head are irritated. Some of the most common causes include a pinched or pulled nerve, temperature or environmental causes like chemicals or burns, and the most likely culprit: tension in the neck or upper back. Physical therapy is an excellent method to discover the root cause of the headache, such as pressure on the nerves. A physical therapist can create a treatment plan and routine designed to ease recurring migraines by focusing on postures and activities causing the problems. They can determine exercises to create better posture and movements. Beat the Brain Fog PT’S PATH TO A HEADACHE-FREE LIFE
real game-changers. Moves that focus on improving muscle strength, endurance, and mobility in areas like your face, head, and neck help to resolve tension leading to headaches. Think of moves like chin tucks, shoulder blade exercises, and yoga. A physical therapist can also use hands-on techniques, such as massages, on your muscles and joints to alleviate pain. Stress is also a significant source of migraines, so your PT will likely teach you relaxation methods. Deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation techniques can help you manage physical and emotional stress so they don’t become a headache. Can PT help you? Everybody is different, but if you experience headaches or migraines regularly, physical therapy could be an effective option for you. Some of the most common triggers for headaches are perfect opportunities for PT to come in and correct. If you are recovering from a concussion, have poor posture, are dealing with tight neck tissues and muscles, or have any skeletal misalignments, PT is particularly useful. When you start your physical therapy journey to headache relief, your team will work to identify what’s triggering the migraines and guide you through exercises and treatment to provide you with real relief without relying entirely on pain medications.
Try targeted moves for migraine triggers. Physical therapy is never a one-size-fits- all solution; it’s customized based on your body, needs, and the specifics that may be causing your migraines. The goal is to target the triggers for your headaches, reduce their frequency, and address the pain when it’s impacting you most. Regular exercise, like strength training and aerobics, is essential to your PT plan because it improves
With physical therapy, you can shake off that headache haze and get back to living your best pain-free days. Peace of mind is just a few stretches away.
overall health. But the exercises tailored to
your headache triggers are the
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WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING INSIDE YOUR JOINTS CRACKING THE MYSTERY
Most people have experienced it: You stretch in the morning, bend your knees after sitting too long, or crack your knuckles during a meeting, and suddenly you hear a pop! The sound is so familiar that we barely notice it, but it sparks curiosity. Why do our joints make these noises, and is it something to worry about? What’s the science behind the pop? Synovial liquid, a slick liquid that cushions and lubricates our joints so bones can glide smoothly, is the main culprit. This fluid also contains dissolved gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. So, when you pull, twist, or bend a joint, the space inside the joint capsule suddenly expands. That drop in pressure forces the gases to form a bubble, a process called cavitation. The “pop” we hear comes from the quick formation and partial collapse of that bubble. Why can’t you crack again right away? Have you ever noticed that after cracking a knuckle, you can’t immediately repeat it? That’s because your joints need a refractory period. Gases usually take 15–20 minutes to dissolve back into the synovial fluid and reset the system for another crack. Is it bad for you? Despite warnings from parents and grandparents, cracking your joints isn’t linked to arthritis. In fact, studies have found no evidence that habitual knuckle-popping damages joints.
One famous doctor even cracked the fingers of just one hand for more than 60 years as a personal experiment and found no adverse effects compared to his other hand. That said, cracking isn’t always 100% innocent. If the noise is paired with pain, swelling, or stiffness, that could indicate an underlying problem, like arthritis, cartilage wear, or ligament irritation. Joints make noise for other reasons. Not all joint sounds are
bubble-related. Sometimes, tendons or ligaments snap as they slide over bony structures. Knees can grind or crunch when cartilage thins, a sound known as crepitus. Shoulders and hips might click as muscles or connective tissues shift during movement. These sounds aren’t always harmful, but if cracking a joint causes discomfort, it’s wise to consult a health care professional.
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto • 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise • 1/4 cup fig preserves • 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese • 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese • 1/2 cup melted butter • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 2 chopped garlic cloves • Black pepper, to taste
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving.
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
915-562-8525 | SpineRehab.net 6358 Edgemere Blvd. El Paso, Texas 79925
1. A Year of Healing and High-Tech Growth INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2. Stretch Away Migraines
3. Why Do Our Joints Snap, Crack, and Pop?
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
4. Rebuilding Muscle With the Power of Protein
Why Protein Is Your Post-Workout Best Friend POWER UP YOUR MUSCLES
Crushing workout after workout might boost your ego, but your muscles need more than sweat to grow stronger. That’s where protein comes in, aka the ultimate repair kit for your body. After you push through squats, lifts, or a killer cardio session, your muscles form micro-tears. Protein swoops in to help repair and rebuild those fibers, and as a result, you not only reduce soreness but also build new muscle! How much protein do you need? Experts suggest that 20–40 grams of protein after exercise is usually enough to give your muscles the boost they need, but the exact amount varies from person to person. And while the old advice was to chug protein immediately after your workout, research now shows the window is much wider, sometimes up to 24 hours! So, don’t stress if you
can’t grab a shake right away. The key is hitting your total daily protein goals. Choose the right protein sources. Not all protein is created equal. Animal- based options like meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy are considered “complete” because they have all nine essential amino acids your body can’t create on its own. Plant-based sources like beans, rice, and quinoa can work, too, but you may need to combine them to get the complete amino acid profile. For example, pairing black beans with brown rice fills that nutritional gap. Get your protein in creative ways. Muscle recovery doesn’t have to be boring! Try blending a smoothie with Greek yogurt, berries, spinach, and protein powder for a refreshing post-workout pick-me-up. Chia seed
pudding made with almond milk, protein powder, and nuts offers slow- burning energy. And don’t forget savory options: hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese with veggies, or a hearty salad with grilled chicken or chickpeas. All are excellent ways to satisfy your protein needs. When you fuel smart, you can recover faster, reduce soreness, and keep building strength without missing a beat. Your muscles and your next workout will thank you!
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