Gilbert PT - December 2019

December 2019

GILBERT Gazette A New Adventure PHYSICAL THERAPY

717-591-0955 | www.GilbertPT.com

DR. SIEROTOWICZ PREPARES TO OPEN A SECOND GILBERT PT CLINIC

Y ou could say I was always destined to become a physical therapist. Growing up with parents who were physical therapists, they set a good example of what it meant to care for your patients and treat them compassionately. Of course, that didn’t ensure I listened to them as much as I should have when I was a teenage athlete! I was a three-sport athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball. Because I was always on the go, I managed to dislocate my shoulder and tear my ACL and meniscus, among other injuries. Since I was a teenager and “clearly” knew better than my parents, they took me to another physical therapist for treatment. This was the turning point that led me to physical therapy. My therapist was so good at supporting and encouraging me to continue pushing myself in my recovery that when the time came to choose a career path, I jumped into physical therapy. After graduating from Red Land High School, I completed my undergraduate schooling at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and I attended Temple University for graduate school. Having been born and raised in Mechanicsburg, I joke that Bloomsburg gave me a taste of

small-town life, while my time at Temple was an opportunity to live in the city. Now that I’m back in Mechanicsburg, I know I want to be somewhere right in the middle. I joined Gilbert Physical Therapy five years ago, and I have loved the atmosphere here ever since. We have a great group of coworkers here at Gilbert PT, and our patients feed off that energy, so every patient is willing to work hard. I appreciate the relationships I have built over the past half- decade. And now, it’s time to move forward. Don’t worry — I’m not leaving Gilbert PT. I’m proud to announce that I will be heading to our second location clinic near New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. (It pains this Red Land High School alumnus to admit how close I’ll be to Cedar Cliff High School. As always, go Red Land Patriots!) Our second location will be a bit smaller than Gilbert PT, but it’s incredibly exciting to see the progress and plans we have for our patients at this location. A year from now, I hope to boast two therapy teams to offer as much knowledgeable care to our patients as possible. I’m looking forward to this new challenge, and I cannot wait to bring the leadership and energy I gained at Gilbert PT to our second location.

It’s exciting to follow in the same footsteps as my parents while also forging my own path. They both graduated in 1978, back when the profession only required a four-year degree. Today, the degree requires seven years, upon which you receive your doctorate. I like to tease them that I am, in fact, the doctor in the family. Joking aside, they set a great example for me as I move into this new role. In addition, I’m grateful for the mentors and coworkers who have offered guidance, and for my wife, Samantha, and our 3-year-old golden retriever, Bruce, who continue to support me at home. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank the patients who have trusted me throughout my tenure at Gilbert PT. Without your confidence in my team and me, I wouldn’t be here today. Have a wonderful holiday season, and I’ll see you at our second location later this winter!

“I’m looking forward to this new challenge, and I cannot wait to bring the leadership and energy I gained at Gilbert PT to our second location.”

–Dr. Christopher Sierotowicz

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Feeling SAD?

Ways to Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder harder to wake up on time in the morning to work out, or it may be too cold outside to go on your daily run. Luckily, you can find small ways to mitigate this. For example, invest in a sunrise alarm clock, which gently wakes you up with a simulated sunrise, or shop for high-quality thermal workout gear. If you continue to suffer from SAD and feel there’s no end in sight, it’s important to seek help from professionals. They can determine the best treatment options available for you.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that people experience every fall and winter. If you find yourself feeling blue as the days become shorter and darker, know there are things you can do to boost your mood until spring returns. Increase Your Activity Keeping your body active can increase your energy levels, help you sleep, reduce anxiety, and boost your self-esteem. Summit Medical Group states that a person who exercises for 30–60 minutes a day can manage or avoid SAD easier than a person who does not exercise regularly. When you participate in physical activity, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which have a morphine-like effect on your brain. If exercising outdoors is not ideal, consider swimming, walking, or dancing instead. Get Some Sun Exposure to sunlight is also significantly beneficial for people suffering from SAD. Sunlight helps your body produce adequate amounts of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. Getting just a few minutes of sunlight

a day through a walk or short jog can make all the difference. If you live in an area where the winters are bleak, cloudy, and dark, sunlight can be harder to come by. But technology has you covered: You can purchase “sun lamps,” which simulate sunlight without the damaging UV rays. Just set up a sun lamp in your workspace or living area and feel your mood lift. Maintain Your Routine Often, it can be difficult to stick with your daily routine during the cooler months. It may be

Why We Love PT

Running Wild & Free! “As a runner with three younger children to chase after often, I expected some pain occasionally. Par for the course … right? After going to ‘the doctor’ and not really getting anywhere, and turning down previous PT suggestions due to ‘feeling like a number’ and that I could deal with the pain a little longer, BAM! I couldn’t even sit for any period of time without wincing. I literally googled ‘PT office near me’ that I could get into ASAP. Gilbert PT (and MY team!) got me an appointment in 20 minutes and began a 2-1/2 month-plus treatment plan that has completely changed how I move. I actually looked forward to PT due to the atmosphere of my team and am back to running, chasing, and the dreaded sitting with no pain and feeling better than I have since before I can remember. Can’t say enough positive things about Gilbert and my experience. ” –David M.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK! Follow these easy steps to review our clinic online:

1. Point your smartphone camera at the QR code to the left. 2. Tap the notification to go to our website review page. 3. Follow the directions on the web page to rate and review our clinic. THANK YOU!

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Taming the Switchbacks Perfect Your Winter Sports Game With Physical Therapy

I f you’re a winter sports enthusiast, you know your season is just around the corner (or it has been here for the past few months). But as you prepare your skis, snowshoes, and skates for the long season ahead, consider how your body could benefit from a little extra care with physical therapy. Improve Your Balance Gliding over ice or snow requires a lot of balance, and by improving it, you can become infinitely better at your favorite winter sport. Physical therapists support the weaker components of your body through exercises to strengthen the reflexes your body uses for proper balance. And as you age, this becomes even more imperative. According to the National Council on Aging, falls contribute to the highest number of fatal and nonfatal accidents for seniors in the U.S.

Build Strength Physical therapy is a lot of work, but it’s worth it! Your muscles, ligaments, and joints will become stronger as you work through your therapy routine. Your therapist directs your movements and exercises based on techniques that will strengthen these body parts, which will encourage healing and also help you return to your sport stronger than ever. Therapists identify weak points in your movement and develop plans to make you better than ever. So, the next time you hit the slopes, your friends will be in awe of your pristine moves. Prevent Injuries Most people think about physical therapy after experiencing an injury, but PT can also be used to help you prevent injury, too. Think of it this way: Physical therapy is designed to strengthen your muscles, improve your

Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts Don’t miss your favorite season due to injury or impaired abilities. See how the experts at Gilbert Physical Therapy can help you by calling 717-591-0955. “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is an iconic image of Christmas, but we’re willing to bet most people reading this have never eaten a chestnut. Change that this year with this awesome paleo-friendly appetizer. A Paleo Appropriate Tradition balance, and prepare your body for daily strains and impairments. Each of these benefits goes a long way in preventing your muscles, ligaments, and joints from getting injured. In addition, your physical therapist can pinpoint weak spots on your body so you can monitor and adjust as needed. Inspired by “Paleo Happy Hour” by Kelly Milton

BRAIN THERAPY!

Ingredients

• 2 8-oz cans water chestnuts • Tamari (wheat-free soy sauce), but can substitute with coconut aminos

• 1/4 cup coconut sugar • 1 lb sliced bacon, quartered

Directions

1. Heat an oven to 400 F. 2. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment and set aside. 3. Drain liquid from canned water chestnuts, add tamari to cover, and let soak for 15 minutes in the cans. 4. Drain tamari, roll each chestnut in coconut sugar, wrap with bacon, and spear on toothpick. 5. Place chestnuts on prepared rack. Bake for 30–35 minutes. 6. Plate and serve.

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717-591-0955 www.GilbertPT.com Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Friday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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5103 Carlisle Pike Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Inside

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Dr. Sierotowicz Prepares for His Next Adventure

Boost Your Mental Health This Season

Why We Love PT

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How Can Physical Therapy Improve Your Winter Athletics?

Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts

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See a Local Show This December!

Celebrate the holidays with classic Christmas specials and longtime favorites with these three local performances. ‘Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol’ When: Dec. 5–8 and Dec. 12–18 Where: Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg Admission: Varies You know the story of Scrooge and his Christmas curse. Now, hear Tiny Tim’s side of the story! In this holiday adventure, Tiny Tim devises a plan to get his father off from work for Christmas, utilizing friends and ghosts to convince the old crank, Scrooge, that Christmas cheer is all he needs. Through his antics, the entire gang learns a valuable lesson about Christmas magic. This show has matinee and nighttime shows. Visit LTMPa.com for more information. Showstopping Events

CATCHING A LOCAL PERFORMANCE THIS DECEMBER

movie. Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” follows the lives of Anna and Elsa as they navigate a huge family secret, the effects of their strength, and the plight of sisterly relationships. Viewers will be treated to some of the movie’s greatest songs, while five made-for-stage songs will also be included. Find more information online at GettysburgCommunityTheatre.org. ‘My Fair Lady’ When: Dec. 6–7, Dec. 12–14, and Dec. 18–21 Where: Ephrata Performing Arts Center Admission: Varies Not looking for a Christmas story? Look no further than the Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s production of “My Fair Lady.” When professor Henry Higgins believes he is up to the challenge of turning a peasant girl into a high-society lady, he faces his biggest test in Eliza Doolittle, an impoverished girl looking for a way into the higher echelons of society. Don’t miss this gut-busting classic tale this December! Learn more about ticket pricing at EphrataPerformingArtsCenter.com.

Disney’s ‘Frozen Jr.’ When: Dec. 6–8 and Dec. 14–15 Where: Gettysburg Community Theatre Admission: $15

Do you want to build a snowman? Celebrate sisterly love this holiday season with the stage adaptation of this beloved Disney

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