Fyzical's online newsletter for September 2018
What Changes and What Stays the Same How PT Has Evolved Over My 34-Year Career
T
hings have changed a lot since I entered the physical therapy field way back in
in a military hospital, where there simply wasn’t time for the prescriptive nonsense of civilian physical therapy. There, I began to form the foundation of the approach that I would develop over the years to come, which was based in evidence and analysis and tailored to each individual patient’s needs. By now, the game has changed, especially here at Fyzical El Paso. Now every technique we employ is based in pure science, from
1984. As the science behind the industry has evolved, so has our approach, shifting from a largely prescriptive, one-size-fits-all mode of treatment to a complex, creative art that truly
changes the lives of patients every day. Over the 34 years I’ve spent working with patients, I’ve learned more than I could ever put into words. And honestly, I think right now is a more exciting time to be a physical therapist than ever. When I started out, physical therapy was nowhere near as comprehensive and powerful as it is these days. Most patients were shuttled along a familiar treatment path. They’d go to their doctor, who would say, “Okay, you have back pain,” and then write out a prescription to hand to us therapists. They’d recommend the same thing for pretty much everybody: ultrasound, hot pad, and massage, maybe a few exercises here and there, and that was it. Physical therapists had little latitude when determining what was best for our patients, and we never really even got the chance to put our knowledge as movement experts to use in assessments or evaluations. And though this approach did achieve some results, they were few and far between when compared to the immense benefits patients reap today. Right away, I was frustrated with this strategy. To put it simply, it just wasn’t satisfying going through the motions, knowing that with my expertise, I could offer so much more to those suffering from chronic pain. I knew almost immediately that those techniques were not what I wanted to do with my entire career. Luckily, early on in my training, I had the chance to work
blood flow restriction and laser therapy to the specific manual therapy strategies we’ve honed over years of experience. It’s clear to me that the field will continue in this direction, as we learn even more about the science of the human body and functional movement, and as technology becomes more instrumental than we could ever have imagined. But no matter what happens, I’m confident that the art of manual therapy will never be wholly replaced — the level of results will always depend on the expertise and knowledge of the therapist. It’s a constantly shifting field, and it’s come a long way from where it was back in the ’80s, but of course, there’s always room to learn more. That’s why all of us at Fyzical El Paso are so dedicated to expanding our knowledge of the human body and how to treat it. We strive to improve the quality of care patients receive with every single visit to our clinic. We work at the cutting edge of the physical therapy field to ensure that patients achieve the most powerful, life-changing results possible, because when it comes down to it, our patients are the reason we do what we do. Whether it’s 2018 or 2028, we pledge to do all that we can for the people we serve.
–Louis Zuniga
NORTHEAST 4758 Loma Del Sur El Paso, TX 79934
EAST 8111 N. Loop El Paso, TX 79907 915-593-4985 M-TH 7am-6pm, F 8am-12pm
WEST SIDE 4646 N. Mesa El Paso, TX 79912
915-755-0738 M-F 7am-6pm
915-313-6331 M-F 7am-6pm
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Need a Personal Assistant to Manage Your Kids’ Crazy Schedules?
Teamwork Makes the DreamWork
School has started. Youth sports are in full swing. Work is crazy. Food has become more about necessity than enjoyment. All of this can only mean one thing: Fall has begun. The crazy schedules this time of year can make it tough for parents to keep their heads on straight; making it through the insanity sometimes feels more like survival than life. But there are tactics you can employ to turn the tide and find more time for yourself. Tag Team There’s no reason to try to do everything on your own. The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” exists because managing the stressors of life requires help. A great place to start is by establishing car pools with a parent group you trust. You can alternate drivers weekly, which provides the opportunity for you to focus your attention on other priorities — or if you’re lucky, have some freedom.
While you’re busy trying to rally the troops at soccer practice, the scene at home resembles a horror movie. Laundry is piling up, food is spoiling in the fridge, and the dust bunnies around the house now have names. Housecleaning is a part-time job in its own right. The only
way to stay on top of duties around the house is to work together. A chore chart with clear responsibilities is a great place to start. Whether you have one child or eight, everyone is capable of pitching in.
You can have all the organizational abilities in the world, but the best way to manage life’s madness isn’t by directing day-to-day tasks;
The Right Tool for the Job Technology makes organization easier and more accessible than ever. By using a tool like a shared calendar, you can coordinate the entire family’s schedule so you never miss a beat. And apps like Mealime and MealBoard give you the ability to whip up food that is cost-effective and delicious.
it’s by managing stress. Instead of using these tools to control life, look at them as a way to free up time so you can decompress and enjoy the things you love.
Meet Joe Cole
A Therapist Inspired by His Injury and Motivated by His Patients
HealthMasters/Fyzical PT and clinic supervisor Joe Cole has firsthand experience of what his patients endure during the recovery process. At 17 years old, Joe was a star baseball athlete at Parkland High School in El Paso, Texas, but with one fateful swing of the baseball bat, his shoulder popped out of place, resulting in the need for surgery and physical therapy. “It was very life-changing,” Joe says. “I went from being in the best shape of my life to not even being able to lift one pound.”
hopes of better understanding the complicated issues some of his patients face. “It’s just the complexity — and being able to get people to use their hands better — [that] really interests me in the hand,” says Joe, who is also a member of the Texas and American Physical Therapy associations. As a physical therapy success story himself, seeing the triumphs of his patients is one of Joe’s favorite parts of being a physical therapist. “It’s really nice when people come in, and they’re unable to do what they love … and as they go through therapy, they’re able to start doing more and more with their grandkids and friends and family,” Joe says. “The progress from where they start and where they wind up — it totally makes the job worthwhile.” Furthermore, the camaraderie between Joe and his coworkers has kept him passionate about continuing to work at HealthMasters/Fyzical. Outside of the office, Joe’s other passions include anything outdoors-related, including camping and fishing. We’re lucky to have such a dedicated therapist like Joe working for us and our patients at HealthMasters/Fyzical. Keep up the great work, Joe!
It was that injury, combined with watching his grandparents utilize
physical therapy to gain back some of their daily functions, that motivated Joe to pursue an education and career in physical therapy. Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2011 and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2014. He’s currently continuing his education to become a certified hand therapist, with
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Recovering From Football Injuries What Options Are Available for Patients?
As students prepare for another school year, student athletes are training for another competitive football season as well — and their physical therapists are also preparing for a season of injuries. Besides winning, athletes have a goal to compete at a high, safe level, avoiding injuries at all costs. Unfortunately, injuries happen — but luckily, at Fyzical, we are prepared for all types of sports- related injuries, especially those that occur under those El Paso Friday night lights. Landing on their feet wrong or reaching to grab the game-winning catch can result in musculoskeletal injuries for football players of all ages. These injuries affect the very core of all players’ abilities, impacting the body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other essential parts needed to move. These injuries may knock players out of the game, but Fyzical’s Class IV Lightforce Laser can help patients heal by improving their cellular function and activity. The laser emits light that penetrates the skin surface, targeting the underlying tissues affected by the injury. The process, which can take 8–20 minutes, promotes healing and regeneration while stimulating natural body function over a series of treatments.
Combined with other forms of physical therapy and exercises, patients can heal at their own rate while also being immersed in the educational benefits physical therapy offers.
Furthermore, when it comes to football injuries, concussion awareness has dominated the
conversation recently and has become a major concern among football parents and coaches. Early diagnosis and further prevention can be key to a player’s healing after a head injury.
Fyzical’s NeuroCom Computerized Dynamic Posturography machine can document and screen players for post-concussion symptoms, helping patients and their therapist decide on the best course for recovery. If your child experiences a musculoskeletal injury or a concussion this football season, request an appointment online at fyzicalelpaso.com . For more information, call 915-313-6331 for our West Side location, 915-593-4985 for our North Loop location, or 915-755-0738 for our Loma Del Sur location.
Take a BREAK
Beans and Greens Rigatoni
This hearty pasta is perfect for the start of fall. With protein from cannellini beans and a heaping portion of kale, it’s the rare pasta you can enjoy without guilt. INGREDIENTS
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12 ounces rigatoni pasta 1 bunch Tuscan kale, rinsed 1 15-ounce can cannellini (white kidney) beans
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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Juice of 1 lemon
Salt, for pasta water and to taste 2 ounces fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional)
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large stock pot, boil 6 quarts of liberally salted water. On another burner, heat a large skillet to medium-low. 2. Add pasta to boiling water and cook for 3 minutes less than the package recommends. 3. While pasta is cooking, add beans, red pepper, and oil to skillet. Cook
until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. 4. Add cooked pasta, kale, and 1 cup pasta water to skillet. Toss vigorously as kale cooks, about 4 minutes. 5. Transfer to bowls, top with a squeeze of lemon, sprinkle with cheese or salt, and serve.
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INSIDE This Issue
How PT Has Evolved Over Louis Zuniga’s Career
3 Tips to Help Organize Your Crazy Life
Meet Joe Cole, PT, DPT!
Fighting Back From Football Injuries
Beans and Greens Rigatoni
Have You Heard About Mauritius?
A Secret Island of Adventure Marvelous Mauritius
Walk Through History More than a tropical escape, Mauritius is an island full of history and culture, so there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the island’s layered past. You can visit one of the historical rummeries or explore Mauritius’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also check out Aapravasi Ghat, the Immigration Depot, and Le Mourne Brabant. Taste the Memories A day spent playing on an island is always better with great food. Influenced by its French, Creole, Indian, and Chinese heritage, Mauritius offers a vast menu of delicious dishes to try, from curry to dim sum. And the rich soil and bountiful ocean provide more than enough fresh fruit and seafood to go around. Despite its amazing vacation potential, Mauritius is all but unheard of to people in the United States. This means travelers can find amazing five-star resorts at unbeatable prices! With this in mind, isn’t it time you got to know the island of Mauritius?
Just over 1,000 miles off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean lies the small island of Mauritius. The island is often overlooked by the rest of the world. Most people are more likely to have heard of the island’s most famous extinct occupant, the dodo bird, than the island itself. This is shocking when you discover how much fun there is to be had in this tropical wonderland. Adventure Awaits Looking for fun in the sun? Start your trip to Mauritius with a hike up the lush Lion Mountain, or take time to snap a photo of the Seven Coloured Earths, where volcanic soil has created sand dunes of seven distinct colors. And what’s a trip to an island without the beach? Beautiful coral reefs surround Mauritius, keeping sharks away from the pristine beaches. Island guests and locals can fearlessly scuba dive around the brilliant reefs, swim with dolphins, kite surf, and find lots of other ways to enjoy the warm ocean waters.
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