LAST month we discussed how investing in yourself through an individualized physical therapy program can not only be an effective way to correct a non-ideal situation in your spine or extremities, but also gain a great deal of satisfaction in being in control of some chronic health problem again. Why does it feel so satisfying? It is because you had a direct hand in making it happen, and you can now depend more on yourself to keep it working properly.
NEWS
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December 2019
THE GETTING BETTER EQUATION by Vincent Hanneken, PT
INSIDE: � Seasonal Recipes � Exercise Essentials � Upcoming Workshop! � Full Potential PT Staff Traditions � Holiday Wish List Drive!
Health & Fitness
December 2019
The Newsletter About Achieving and Maintaining Optimal Well-Being
LAST month we discussed how investing in yourself through an individualized physical therapy programcan not only be an effective way to correct a non-ideal situation in your spine or extremities, but also gain a great deal of satisfaction in being in control of some chronic health problem again. Why does it feel so satisfying? It is because you had a direct hand in making it happen, and you can now depend more on yourself to keep it working properly. SUCH an accomplishment creates an internal feeling of independence and self- reliance; qualities one values deeply as they get older. These feelings occur as a result of an active care program which is in contrast to a program which uses only passive inputs (medication, massage, adjustments, rest, injections, surgery, or ice/heat). These are all potentially helpful but not the final piece to a solution that ultimately creates self-reliance. BEING an active participant in overcoming a stubborn issue or solving a difficult body problem can be an enriching experience because it reinforces a deep desire in all of us to be in charge of our body and quite directly – our lives. From my observation, true solutions often require a personal investment in effort, interest and time to get lasting results. So let’s take a look at what is involved in making this happen. A muscle or joint problem that time and passive care has not solved needs to be better understood. Obviously, the first step is identifyingwhat is wrong, what is deficient, and fundamentally what are the causes behind the pain pattern. I know of many people who have reached for exercise in one form or another to overcome an non-ideal body situation only to find this aggravated their pain. So an evaluation is key to knowing what the issues are and in what order (this is important) they should be addressed. THIS is a skillful process of which a physical therapist at Full Potential is fully trained to do. In the examination, the PT can inform the patient on the essential issues and what level of effort will be needed to overcome these problems. I like to call this the effort to need equation. High need (many identified issues) will require an adequate effort to reverse habits in the body that need to be retrained. Remember, muscles develop habits or biases which are essentially THE GETTING BETTER EQUATION by Vincent Hanneken, PT
trained into the system by months to years of compensation and coping. So understanding this equation gives the patient the right expectations in terms of time and effort to getting better. THE beauty of this equation is as one does their program over time, the body almost magically begins the process of changing the basis for the pain and meeting the body’s needs. The proper effort will eventually create the sought after changes. We call this phase, where effort is meeting the need, the investment phase of the getting better process. When the investment phase is not consistent and of the right effort, PT can fail in its goals and the conclusion by the patient and doctor is PT did not help. But, that may not be the reason results did not happen. The patient’s lack of commitment may have been the more accurate reason. Look at the graph below and see the relationship between time/effort and improvement. AS one commits to the investment phase, their body takes these inputs and starts the process of reorganizing. In this phase, the sought after changes are not yet obvious but forces are at work to alter the deficits identified at the exam. This phase requires some dedication because each person is unique and their resistance to change will vary. I like to tell my patients in this phase that they have to bementally stronger than their problems so they stay with the program. SO consistency is one of the key elements for therapeutic changes to occur. When patients keep their appointments and do their program as instructed, essentially making their PT a priority. This will have the effect of meeting the need with the right effort and improvements will begin to occur. THERE is another key concept to this phase of care; it is called form follows function. What this means is that the body’s form reflects the functional habits it experiences over time. People who sit slouched over a computer for years will eventually be stuckmore rounded. On the positive side, correct application of exercises and postural advice over time can reverse these negative changes and their painful consequences. We use this concept all the time in PT and if this was not the case, it would be hard to help our patients.
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The Get Better Equation (Continued)
AND, what are the rewards of the correct effort over time? It is called the payoff phase. Here we see a faster rate of improvement for the effort and time given (see graph). This is where the momentum of the problem is shifting in favor of better motion, strength and control and these qualities are getting more stable as well. The severity of the issues have now been effectively reduced and so the effort can now be reduced to a maintenance program to keep the gains. The patient has come full circle and the body is operating more as an asset as one is living life. Here is where those feelings of satisfaction emerge from reaching a goal that took work and dedication to obtain.
KEEPING the body operating as an asset will, generally speaking, require one’s involvement in an active program to sustain those valued qualities of motion, strength and control. Muscle doing its job properly over time requires a strategy and the PT is the expert in formulating the right tactics to succeed. This is where the patient receives the most gain because they are doing the right exercises for their condition. Specificity is a key element in getting results that last. QUALITY of life issues come into full focus as one hits certain decades. Staying independent and self-reliant are quality of life measures that a PT can help you with as the decades add up. Because so much of what we need to do in a day depends on how muscle performs, an active program specific for you has to be in the plan. There is a huge degree of potential to improve your health and the quality of your life by understanding these principles. We, at Full Potential, will provide the knowledge and skill, you add the effort and commitment and together we will create a result that lasts. Call today for a free consult or talk to your doctor about your problem and that you’re ready to address it with PT. Get a script to Full Potential.
To your health,
Vincent Hanneken, PT
Seasonal Recipes
V I N C E ’ S C R AN B E R R Y - NU T B R E AD
• 1 cup fresh or frozen Cranberries, sliced in half • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 egg, well beaten • 2 Tbsp. butter, melted • 2 Tbsp. hot water • 1/2 cup orange juice • 1/4 cup grated orange rind
• 2 cups flour • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder • 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt • 1 cup sugar
Preheat oven 325°F. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. Add egg, butter, hot water, orange juice and orange rind; stir until moistened. Fold in the cranberries and walnuts. Spoon batter into greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. “This cranberry-nut bread has become a staple for our Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings. I like to rise up early and get this going and by the time everyone gets up it has cooled and is ready for enjoyment along with a hot cup of coffee, a warm fire, family and conversation. Holidays are partly about slowing things down, appreciating the good things in life and sharing time with friends and family. The above recipe is a perfect way to put the brakes on and add a nice dose of simplicity to Christmas morning. Oh yeah, the bread is even better when cut about ½ inch thick, toasted and of course, lotsa butter. I would make two loaves – I am not kidding. Last advice, cut the sugar by ¼ cup if you like things less sweet.”
M I C H E L L E ’ S H O T S P I C E D C I D E R
• 1/4 cup sugar (more if you like it sweeter)
• 1 tsp whole cloves • 1 tsp whole allspice • 3 sticks cinnamon broken
• 2 qts apple cider • 1 qt cranapple juice • 2 cups orange juice
Place cider, cranapple juice and orange juice in bottom of coffee percolator. Place spices and sugar in percolator basket and perk. Serve hot.
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Important Dates!
Attention Low Back Pain Sufferers! January 11 @ 10 AM • Full Potential “Learn To Manage Low Back Pain Without Medication, Injections, or Surgery!”
Attention Shoulder Pain Sufferers! January 25 @ 10 AM • Full Potential “Learn To Manage Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Pain Without Medication, Injections, or Surgery!”
We have limited spots available and space will fill up fast, so register now to avoid missing out. Call 616.392.2172 today and sign up!
We have limited spots available and space will fill up fast, so register now to avoid missing out. Call 616.392.2172 today and sign up!
You Help Us, Help Others Who Do You Know That Needs Our Help?
PLAY THE REFERRAL GAME! At Full Potential, we know that a referral from our patients is the biggest compliment. Let us thank you with these 3 simple steps! 1. Start by handing out the referral cards located at our front desk to your friends and family that are in need of our help!
2. The card with your name on the back must be returned to us at their first appointment!
3. You win! Come in to claim your prize!
Thank you to the following for referring your friends and family! Brenda Gamby • Grace Bouwman • Ann Korves-Smith • Scott Fagerstrom • Rebecca Wassink
Relieve Your Arthritis Pain Try these simple exercises to keep you moving... Exercise Essentials
Relieves Back Pain
Relieves Shoulder Pain
CAT-COW STRETCH Start on hands and knees. Arch your back up to the ceiling as high as you comfortably can, and hold. Then, arch your back the opposite direction as low as you comfortably can, and hold. Repeat 6 times.
SHOULDER D2 PATTERN Stand with good posture. Start with your arm across your body with your hand rotated in, thumb pointed down. Bring your arm up and across your body diagonally. As you do, rotate your hand outward. Finish with your hand above your head and out to the side. Repeat 6 times on each side.
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Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
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Patient Success Stories!
“A personal connection” “I have gone from feeling physically unable to do the things I love to being ‘back in action.’ I’m feeling physically strong again. Full Potential’s staff has been AWESOME! A personal connection. The specific exercises have really reduced my pain as well. This experience was better than expected!” - TJ R.
“This is the only place I will go to for my therapy!”
“I have experienced shoulder problems for years! This is the only place I will go to for my therapy. Mari, Laura, and Becca are the best. They are so knowledgeable and empathetic tomy needs. Theymake it comfortable and fun. I never don’t want to come! Thank you for all your help! It is such a privilege to know you! Love you ladies!!” - Mardee S.
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