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Focus Physical Therapy Bi-Monthly
June/July 2024
Focuspt.net
949.709.8770
It’s Time to Tune in Who knew there was a whole day dedicated to listening, a skill that certainly doesn’t come easily? World Listening Day is rolling around on July 18, reminding me that listening is one of the unspoken cornerstones of physical therapy. Ultimately, being a good listener is vital for every aspect of life, be it professional or personal. In my job as a physical therapist, listening isn't just a courtesy — it's essential. And at home? Well, my wife might tell you I’ve got room for improvement! back layers; the more you do it, the more you realize how deep you can go. In the clinic, listening goes way beyond simply nodding along. It’s about tuning in to those little details that patients might not even think to mention if you don’t ask the right questions. Sometimes, a patient might make an offhand I can be selectively attentive — especially if they’re arguing against my point of view! But all jokes aside, practicing good listening with family is just as important. It keeps the home environment positive and supportive when everyone feels heard. Now, becoming a better listener isn't just about being quiet while someone else speaks. It involves engaging with what they say, Why We Should All Try to Be Better Listeners
comment about a hobby or a recent trip that could reveal risks or recovery barriers I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. For instance, discovering a patient helps coach their kid’s soccer team can lead to essential tweaks in their treatment plan. Good listening helps us provide personalized care that’s as unique as the stories our patients bring to us. That's why we often kick off sessions by catching up on their lives, not just their symptoms. These conversations might start with a simple "How was your weekend?" but they can unlock crucial insights that affect their health. We emphasize this a lot in our team meetings. I always remind our staff that if a patient feels truly heard, they’re more likely to trust us with their care, which leads to better outcomes. It’s about building genuine connections. And, yes, we've all had to learn to curb the instinct to jump in with our own stories. It’s tempting to share similar experiences, but it’s vital to let patients have the floor.
asking follow-up questions, and showing that you value their thoughts. And, yes, sometimes it means admitting that you might not always have the answers right away. For anyone in a health care role, or really any service role, remember that listening can make all the difference. It might not be as tangible as a medical treatment or a prescribed exercise, but it’s just as powerful. On this World Listening Day, I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on how they listen. Are you giving others your full attention? Are you making them feel heard and understood? It's a skill that can always be improved, and the rewards are immense. So, whether you're a physical therapist, a parent, or just someone looking to connect better with others around you, let’s all take the chance this World Listening Day to practice our listening skills. After all, in a world full of noise, being a good listener can be quite the superpower.
Listening, really listening, is something I’ve worked on over the years. When I started my career, I thought I was a pretty good listener, but time and experience have taught me it’s a skill we can always improve. It's like peeling
At home, the dynamics are a bit different. My kids would probably agree with my wife that
–Julian Manrique
Focus Physical Therapy • Call 949.709.8770 • 1
FROM GARDEN TO PLATE Unlock the Power of Raw Vegetables
Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, and while baked or stir-fried dishes are delicious, you could be cooking out beneficial vitamins and nutrients. For example, heat degrades the cancer-fighting compound myrosinase found in raw broccoli. Garlic’s main beneficial compound is allicin, which can also be destroyed if you cook it. Thankfully, you can find many ways to use these and other vegetables raw instead. If you want the most potent dose of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals possible from plant-based foods, you must consume them raw. From improvements to your skin to a stronger heart, there’s a bounty of reasons to incorporate uncooked veggies into your meals. Here are three other reasons to enjoy them uncooked. Fun and Tasty The natural crisp flavor and crunch of uncooked veggies can be just a fun and tasty
way to curb your hunger. Raw carrots, celery, or tomatoes are an easy snack that won’t lead you or your child into a sugar crash within a few hours. They can also brighten up a salad and are great to have on hand to add to smoothies or vegetable juices. Weight Management Raw veggies are naturally low in calories and high in fiber and can contribute to weight loss or better weight management. Along with being packed with fresh nutrients, opting for uncooked vegetables minimizes food preparation techniques that increase the calories in a meal. You want to avoid dousing vegetables with butter, cream, and cheese. Raw veggies also tend to be filling, so they can aid in reducing your snack cravings. Hydration Water is necessary for our bodies to work properly, allowing our organs, as well as
key processes like digestion and body temperature maintenance, to function correctly. Many of the most popular and accessible vegetables, like cucumbers, have a high water content. Eating raw veggies like this can give you a needed boost of hydration. So, put away the frying pan, butter, and oil, and incorporate uncooked vegetables into your daily diet. Your body will thank you!
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING ...
The biggest compliment you can give us is referring friends and family. Thank you for all of your referrals and keep them coming! We love our clients!
“When I came here, my hips were both pretty weak. Now, after lots of work through exercises and tissue work, my hips are feeling 100% stronger than before I came here. Squatting on my hips is now a lot easier, and I feel much more agile.” –Trevor W. two months, my mobility was very limited, even going up and down stairs was painful, forget about hiking! After my time at Focus Physical Therapy, I am not only 100% recovered from my accident but even better than before regarding balance and strength. I am so impressed by this facility and staff. The exercise plan that Julian prepared for my care was incredibly effective with recovering flexibility, equilibrium, and endurance. Thank you FOCUS!!!” –Maria A. “I broke my right back ankle during a hike in the local mountains. It was the third serious injury there. For
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• Focus Physical Therapy • Call 949.709.8770
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How to Play Safe and Injury-Free This Summer
Pickleball Precautions! With summer in full swing and National Safety Month in June, it’s a great time to dive into a sport sweeping the nation: pickleball. We're here to help you keep your pickleball game strong while steering clear of the common injuries that come with it.
2. Strengthen key muscle groups. Pickleball requires quick bursts of speed and lateral movements, which can strain muscles you might not use as intensely in other activities. Focus on strengthening your legs, core, and arms to support these sudden movements. 3. Improve flexibility and agility. Being flexible and agile can significantly enhance your performance and reduce injury risk. Regular flexibility workouts, such as yoga or targeted stretches, can help tremendously. 4. Wear appropriate footwear. Proper shoes are critical in pickleball to provide stability and support during the quick side-to-side movements the sport requires. Look for shoes designed for court sports that offer good lateral support. 5. Educate yourself on technique. Often, injuries occur due to improper technique. Take the time to learn the
Pickleball, often perceived as a low-risk sport, can actually pose quite a few hazards if you’re not careful. We’ve treated various pickleball-related injuries at our clinic, from sprained ankles and strained knees to wrist fractures. Here are some tips to help you stay on the court and off the treatment table this pickleball season. 1. Start with a proper warm-up. Before you hit the court, ensure your body is ready to move. A good warm- up increases your heart rate and blood flow to muscles, reducing the risk of injury. Incorporate stretches that mimic pickleball movements, such as lateral lunges and arm circles, to get your body game-ready.
correct way to execute pickleball moves. Whether it’s the basic stance, paddle grip, or swing technique, proper form is your best defense against injury. 6. Listen to your body. Don’t ignore pain. If you feel discomfort during or after playing, it may be a sign that you need to rest or seek professional advice. Pushing through pain can turn a minor issue into a major injury. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. If you ever find yourself feeling off or just want some tips on improving your game safely, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our doors are always open to help you stay active and injury-free!
These fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with nutrients! BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES
HAVE A LAUGH
1. Preheat oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Place sweet potato wedges in a large bowl and add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. 3. Arrange the sweet potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. 4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Directions
Ingredients
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2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
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2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Salt and pepper, to taste
Focus Physical Therapy • Call 949.709.8770 • 3
30212 Tomas, Ste. 120 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
949.709.8770
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Focuspt.net
SPECIALIZING IN: LOWER BACK PAIN • SCIATICA • NECK PAIN AND HEADACHES HIP PROBLEMS • SHOULDER PAIN, BURSITIS, AND TENDINITIS SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY • GOLF PERFORMANCE KNEE PAIN • PLANTAR FASCIITIS • DIZZINESS AND VERTIGO AQUATIC PHYSICAL THERAPY • AND OTHER CONDITIONS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Why Good Listeners Make Great Physical Therapists
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Why Raw Vegetables Are Better for Health
What Our Patients Are Saying
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Essential Safety Tips for Pickleball Players
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
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3 Must-Try Lawn Games
Exhilarating Backyard Competition 3 Novel Games for Outdoor Fun
Ladder Toss You play this game with 2–4 people split between two teams, each team with its own three-rung ladder set 15 feet apart. Teams take
While board game nights can be fun, nothing beats playing outside in this lovely weather! Lawn games have evolved past playing horseshoes in an overgrown field. What about Jenga Giant, Ladder Toss, or Flickin’ Chicken? You’ll want to try these three family-friendly games with family and friends. Here’s how to play.
turns tossing their bolas (two balls connected by a nylon rope) underhanded, earning points for bolas that wrap around a rung of the opposing team’s ladder. The higher the rung your bola wraps around, the more points you get. The first team to reach 21 points wins! Jenga Giant This is the classic game of Jenga made giant ! In Jenga Giant, two players take turns pulling wood blocks from a tower standing about 5 feet tall. Over time, the blocks become crucial to the tower's integrity, and each pull is a gravity-defying feat. If your pull causes the tower to collapse, you are out, and your opponent has to yell “Jenga!” at the top of their lungs.
Flickin’ Chicken You can’t have a backyard party without a game of Flickin’ Chicken. No, this is not a menu item at a fast food restaurant — it’s a game of skill and daring played between 2–4 capable challengers. Each player chooses one of four uniquely colored Flickin’ Chickens, which they will use for the remainder of the game. In each of the nine rounds, one player throws the target disc as far as possible. Then, the goal of the game is to toss your chicken onto the target disc in the fewest number of throws possible. After the last round, the player with the lowest score is the victor.
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• Focus Physical Therapy • Focuspt.net
Hit the Court With Confidence
Get Ready to Up Your Game With Our Pickleball Workshop!
Are you a pickleball enthusiast looking to play smarter and safer? Join us on July 10 at 1 p.m. for an exclusive workshop designed to keep you on the court and off the sidelines! At our informative session, we’ll dive into the most common pickleball injuries and, more importantly, how you can prevent them.
WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA? Our expert physical therapists will guide you through the types of injuries players often encounter, from minor strains to more severe concerns. They’ll also provide practical tips and exercises tailored specifically for pickleball players to enhance your strength, improve flexibility, and boost your overall game. Plus, you’ll learn the best practices for warming up and cooling down, essential steps to keep you playing longer and stronger!
SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE We’re also thrilled to have a guest speaker from a local gym who will share insights about their training program designed to complement your pickleball prowess. This workshop will give you an inside look at how targeted fitness routines can elevate your play and protect you from injuries. SAVE THE DATE Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn from the pros and connect with fellow pickleball players. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, this workshop is the perfect way to kick off the summer pickleball season with confidence and new friends.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon. To sign up, just swing by our office or give us a call at 949.709.8770 . We can’t wait to see you there and help you play your best game yet!
Come for the skills, stay for the community — let’s make this pickleball season your healthiest yet!
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