Focus PT - August 2017

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August 2017

The Science of Human Movement What I’ve Learned From Studying the Inner Workings of the Body

T he human body is a delicate, intricately constructed chain. For example, if the foot doesn’t have adequate mobility or stability, it’s going to impede the movement of the pelvis. If the pelvis is restricted, it can lead to spinal damage and even lead to shoulder pain. Physical therapy school teaches you how the body functions as a cohesive unit, despite how isolated each component might look or feel. I remember one professor, Joe Godges, who was instrumental to my approach to physical therapy. He was an expert on manual therapy, and in class, he would stress the importance of knowing the specific functions of each muscle and joint in the body. He provided us with techniques that were not traditionally taught back then but are now mandatory in all of the physical therapy programs. I felt privileged to have been able to have him as a professor, and about a year after completing PT school, I took part in one of his yearlong manual therapy courses, which helped me take things to the next level. Gary Gray, a physical therapist and guru in human functional biomechanics, has also been a key contributor to my learning. His approach to human movement and how things work functionally was a real eye-opener for me. system. From the bottom of the heel to the top of the head, everything is interwoven in a single, impossibly complex

overextension in the walking motion before the foot hits the ground. Since that’s what it does functionally, then that is how we should train it, if the goal is to improve your walk. He was full of extremely detailed information, and all of that knowledge contributed to my holistic understanding of the

muscular system and human biomechanics. He taught us what we could do to help our future patients, but more importantly, he taught us why. My favorite course that contributed to my understanding of the human body was my gross anatomy class. It was an intense course that was only eight weeks long, but eight hours a day during the summer. We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to dissect donated cadavers and analyze their inner workings. I know what you’re thinking: gross. But really, when you’re able to closely examine the design of human anatomy, especially the muscular system, it gives you an appreciation for the complexity of every movement we make throughout the day. Not only that, but the variety of cadavers provided an opportunity for comparison. When you’re learning about the human body in the abstract, it’s hard to take into account the vast array of sizes and shapes of different body parts. It really reinforced the fact that we are all individuals and need to be treated as such. Ever since I began studying the science of human movement, I’ve been fascinated. I love to be able to use the breadth of knowledge I’ve acquired throughout the years to help people live pain-free. Everything I’ve learned throughout the years goes directly into that mission. - Julian Manrique

For instance, instead of just outlining a particular exercise to strengthen the hamstring, he would ask, “What is the hamstring for?” Bending the knee? Well, yes; but if you’re walking, the hamstring isn’t only there to bend the knee. Its purpose is to decelerate the lower leg to prevent

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When You Hit a Wall, Climb It How to Get Started in the Challenging World of Rock Climbing

legs and waist that has attachments to connect to a rope. Metal carabiners will link the rope to your harness. Then, you’ve got your ever-vital belay, a metal doohickey used in belaying — go figure — or rappelling. Belaying is the process of one climber securing the rope for another as they ascend. Rapelling is simply a fancy word for sliding carefully down the rope back to earth. Spend some time on the sidelines, observing the veteran climbers. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask anyone who might be around. The climbing community is well-known for being welcoming to new participants. They’ve all been where you are before. After many grueling, yet intensely rewarding, hours spent on a plastic climbing wall, you’re almost guaranteed to be itching to get outside. It’s important that you’ve all but mastered your technique indoors before attempting to tackle anything difficult, however. There is no denying that climbing out in the real world can be dangerous. Learn to tie your knots like a band of steel, and get in the habit of inspecting them. If you stick with a group that knows what they’re doing and keep responsible and level-headed, you’ll be summiting peaks in no time.

Rock climbing may be daunting, but you don’t have to have supernaturally chiseled back and arm muscles to do it. And you should do it: Research shows that far beyond being a prime tool for building muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance, climbing can improve your memory, reduce stress, and help your brain become more effective at solving problems. It would be unwise, however, to just pick a mountain and start clambering up. The first thing you’ll need is guidance. Somebody has to show you the ropes — literally. Whether that means a friend well-versed in the ways of ascension or a professional guide is up to you. The easiest way to get help is just to head over to your local indoor climbing gym, walk up to the front desk, and tell them you’re a newbie. They’ll be happy to set you up with some rental equipment and an experienced instructor. Indoor wall climbs are completely safe and relatively easy. They’ll have routes available for every skill level, allowing you to escalate difficulty at your own pace.

Let your trainer or friend give you the lowdown on climbing lingo. First, you’ve got your harness, a belt that loops around your

SUCCESS STORIES

“As an athlete, I expect to get injured once in a while. I have been to Focus Physical Therapy for four separate injuries, and each time they have helped me to get back on my feet and back on the court. I never would be the athlete I am today without them. I am so thankful to the entire staff for all that they have done. Thank you, all!”

“Before I came here, I could barely sit down for 30 minutes without pain. When I first started, I could feel the difference immediately, and I knew this was the place for me. They helped me every step of the way and made the stretches for my needs. Focus Physical Therapy changed my life forever.”

– Daniel Cencak

– Dominic Leveille

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DR. SHANNON PINK IS NOW A BOARD-CERTIFIED ORTHOPEDIC CLINICAL SPECIALIST!

Congratulations, Shannon!

A few years ago, Shannon decided that she wanted to specialize in orthopedics. Last year, she did a yearlong manual therapy course, spending many Sundays in class (on top of working all week!) in preparation for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) exam. She took the grueling eight-hour exam this past March, and it covered a ton of information. You’d think they would give you the results right away, but like so many things in life, she had to wait. Just last month, she got her results, and she PASSED (like there was any doubt)!

One question we hear often is, “What is an OCS?” Like many other health care

patients and employers that distinguish them as a physical therapist that specializes in orthopedics. OCS credentialing is administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists, a division of the American Physical Therapy Association.

professionals, physical therapists can specialize in one or several specific disciplines because patients have different needs. OCS allows physical therapists to provide recognized credentials to

HAVE A LAUGH

Ritz Cracker Ice Cream Sandwiches

This healthy, tasty, filling dish is a cinch to make on a busy weeknight. And cleanup’s a breeze!

Ingredients

• 4 ounces dark chocolate pieces, melted • 24 Ritz (or generic butter round) crackers • 1 pint of your favorite ice cream

Instructions

1. Melt chocolate pieces in a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and drippy. 2. Arrange crackers, bottom side up, on a cookie sheet. Use fork to drizzle melted chocolate over crackers, then place them in freezer to cool quickly. 3. Remove crackers from freezer and place small ice cream scoop in the center of 12 crackers. Press remaining crackers, chocolate side down, onto the ice cream scoop. 4. Freeze at least four hours before serving. Wrap individual sandwiches in plastic wrap to store in freezer for up to seven days — but they’ll never last that long.

Recipe inspired by joythebaker.com.

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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

The Science of Human Movement........pg. 1 climb that wall when you hit it..........pg. 2 Success stories.................................................pg. 2 Celebrating Dr. Shannon Pink!.............pg. 3 Ice Cream Sandwiches Revamped..........pg. 3 An Eclipse From Coast to Coast............pg. 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Where to Watch the Great American Eclipse View of a Lifetime

out, and the vibrant city life means you’ll have a lot to do even when the eclipse is over.

On August 21, 2017, the greatest show of the summer will take place in the United States: a total solar eclipse! This eclipse will be visible across North America, but the path of total- ity — the area where the moon completely covers the sun — will only fall in the continental U.S., lead- ing this cosmic event to be called the Great American Eclipse.

Sandhills, North Platte, Nebraska In the heartlands, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more perfect view- ing location than the Sandhills of western Nebraska. With wide-open skies, low rolling hills, and no towering buildings to get in the way, the Sandhills are sure to be a popular viewing spot. The Museum of Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho The Museum of Idaho has been designated an Official NASA Obser- vation Site, and the museum is hosting four days of awesome events to celebrate. Enjoy live presentations, technology demonstrations, and special exhibits as you prepare to watch the total eclipse with NASA scientists. Visit the official website of The Great American Eclipse at greatamericaneclipse.com for everything you need to know about this once-in-a-lifetime sight!

If you’re already in the United States, a day’s road trip is all you need to grab a front row seat for this rare astronomical occurrence.

Columbia, South Carolina Need a place to watch the eclipse in the southern U.S.? Then get yourself to South Carolina, where the state capital of Columbia is almost right in the middle of the path of totality. Plenty of hotels make Columbia a great viewing location for those who don’t want to camp

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