Gilbert PT January 2018

717-591-0955

www.GilbertPT.com January 2018

The Gilbert Gazette

NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS

Why Creating ResolutionsWill Never Get You Where YouWant to Be

If I could describe 2017 in three words, it would be these: It flew by. This last year went by so quickly that I’m still shocked it’s behind us. Gilbert Physical Therapy has continued to grow. We’ve added a few new staff members, and a couple members of our previous team moved on to physical therapy school. We’ve continued to change and become better caregivers along the way, and it’s exciting to think about what the future will bring. On a personal note, the kids have moved another grade up. As they’ve gotten older and more interested in extracurriculars, we’ve become busier, and between my professional and personal lives, it seems like every day flies by.

This year, I am very much looking forward to progressing from some of the things we accomplished as a team in 2017. Our clinic plans to continue to expand our team and practice. We are excited to offer a bigger variety of workshops on low back pain, balance, and shoulder pain, among others, and expand our roles in the community and the services we provide. I look forward to keeping up with my kids, making memories out of fun experiences with them, and keeping that train rolling.

I don’t wait for the new year to set goals. I set goals daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. In my opinion, if you want to accomplish a goal, you have to write it down. If you write it down, you can visually see your goal, and you have a better chance of achieving it. It’s true in my own life, and if you don’t already do it, I would highly suggest you give it a try! To my patients who will be making physical therapy goals this year, when you create your goal, make sure it’s realistic, attainable, and specific. Make sure it has an end point. If you want to experience less pain in the upcoming year, be specific. Write down which area of your body you would like to experience less pain, the level of pain you are currently feeling and the level you want to be at, and the timeframe in which you want to be there. If you don’t, you will start on a journey with no end in sight, and you will never get where you want to be. Remember when setting goals this new year to be specific, write your goals down, and give yourself a realistic end point. I hope you have a fantastic new year, and we will see you soon!

I DON’T WAIT FOR THE NEW YEAR TO SET GOALS. I SET GOALS DAILY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY, AND YEARLY.

Now that the new year is here, many people will be making resolutions. I am not one of those people. But I am an avid goal-setter. By definition, a goal is something toward which you put ambition and effort. A goal is what you want to accomplish in the end. It’s specific, with certain ways to get there. A resolution, on the other hand, is just a firm decision to start, and it has no end point. For example, a resolution would be, “I’m going to work out.” But a goal would be, “I am going to lose this amount of weight by this time and by doing this specific training regimen.”

–Michael M Gilbert, DPT

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DON’T STOP RETRIEVIN’ Your Dog’s Favorite Music

Looking for newways to spend time with your dog? Is fetch just a little too overdone? Is your furry friend’s anxiety getting the better of them? Try putting on some Bob Marley. Studies have shown that classical music calms canine nerves, but did you know Rover may actually have his own taste in music? Recently, a study from the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow, published in the journal Physiology and Behavior, concluded that dogs may have their ownmusic preferences. And while pups tend to enjoy many genres, the most popular seem to be soft rock and reggae. The study, which evaluated kenneled dogs’ preferences for soft rock, Motown, pop, reggae, and classical music, revealed that dogs spend significantly more time lying down and less time standing when any music plays. And while music didn’t seem to persuade the dogs to quit barking, the pups were significantly more likely to bark once the music stopped.

lower, which indicates a reduction in stress. And, even though the dogs specifically enjoyed different music genres, their physiological and behavioral changes remained constant over the five-day study. Professor Neil Evans at the University of Glasgow suggested that this study may not represent the musical tastes of all dogs.“Overall,” he writes,“the response to different genres was mixed, highlighting the possibility that, like humans, our canine friends have their own individual music preferences.” In 2015, the University of Glasgow conducted a separate study that examined the effects classical music has on our canine friends. They originally found that, while the music was calming at first, after a week of listening to classical music, the dogs seemed to become disinterested in the tunes and their stress levels eventually increased. So, based on these newer findings, it seems as though a variety of music can keep your dog both

interested and relaxed while they are kenneled.

So, the next time it’s too rainy to go to the dog park, put on a doggie- friendly playlist for them to enjoy. Who knows? Maybe your dog has the same taste inmusic as you!

Researchers alsomeasured the dogs’heart rates during each tune. When dogs listened to reggae and soft rock, their heart rates were significantly

December Testimonials Don’t Just Take Our Word for It

PROFESSIONAL AND CARING! “I am greatly appreciative for the care I was given and the knowledge that was shared with me. Chris was assuring in his diagnosis and the program which he structured for me. The whole staff was friendly and constantly sought my feedback about the pace of the program, and they constantly monitored any pain. I would highly recommend Gilbert Physical Therapy and, specifically, Chris, who is extremely professional and caring. Thank you.” –Walt L.

I DON’T KNOWWHAT TO SAY! “I’ve had previous physical therapy experiences, but nothing could have prepared me for my experience with Gilbert. The staff was very attentive and hands-on to ensure that I was doing the exercises properly. I appreciated the progress reports along the way that reinforced the strides I felt I was making. The staff is extremely friendly. I have enjoyed getting to know everyone. It was a great place to work out and, in some ways, unwind after a long day at work. The ‘Ladies Night’Wednesdays made therapy fun! Thank you to Chris, Matt, Maria, and Rachel. I will be able to walk down the aisle pain-free!” –Andrea E.

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One of the most enjoyable experiences for a family comes with the arrival of a baby. Unfortunately it can also be quite painful for the mother if she deals with back, hip, and neck pains. Thankfully, the professionals at Gilbert Physical Therapy have extensive experience treating women after delivery. Pelvic rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy that can be very helpful for postpartum moms. Pregnancy and childbirth can damage the muscles and connective tissue of the pelvic floor, causing many kinds of inconvenient and uncomfortable symptoms for women after they give birth. When a woman visits our clinic for postpartum ailments, we perform a thorough musculoskeletal examination of the external and internal (when necessary) pelvic floor muscle groups. We consider length, strength, and motor control. From there, we can create a specialized treatment plan for each patient and treat any impairments that may be hindering recovery. A common side effect of pregnancy is diastasis recti, which is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscle in the abdomen. About two-thirds of pregnant women experience this side effect. Diastasis recti is a leading cause of pelvic floor dysfunction including incontinence, low back and pelvic pain, and prolapsed organs. Thankfully, physical therapy is extremely effective in treating diastasis recti. Your physical therapist will focus on deep PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN Relieve Postpartum Pain

transverse muscles for your treatment, and prescribe a series of strengthening exercises you can do at the clinic and at home. Women who have had a cesarean section may experience persistent pain and dysfunction post-operatively. The incision from a C-section can cause connective tissue restrictions and trigger points in the abdominal muscles. Thankfully, physical therapy can treat this tight tissue and eliminate trigger points with manual therapy techniques. After a woman gives birth, she should spend her time enjoying her life as a mom and getting to know her new baby. Pain caused from pregnancy and childbirth should not hinder a mom’s

postpartum life. Physical therapy can help make the days, months, and years following your delivery enjoyable and pain free. If you are experiencing postpartum pain, call Gilbert Physical Therapy at 717-591-095.

SUDOKU

PISTACHIO GOJI BERRY GRANOLA

Want to spruce up your morning yogurt? Top it with this tasty granola. Even better, swap out the dairy for coconut yogurt and enjoy your vegan breakfast.

INGREDIENTS

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1 cup rolled oats

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1 cup pistachios, chopped

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½ teaspoon salt

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¼ cup coconut flakes

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1 tablespoon coconut oil

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1 teaspoon cinnamon

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3 tablespoons maple syrup

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1 cup goji berries

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add oats in a thin layer and toast for 1–2 minutes. Add coconut oil and salt, then stir. Continue toasting for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 2. Add maple syrup 1 tablespoon at a time; stir to coat. 3. Once oats are toasted, add pistachios, coconut flakes, and

cinnamon. Cook slowly until pistachios and coconut flakes are toasted but not burned, about 5 minutes. 4. Remove from pan and stir in goji berries. 5. Let cool and enjoy as a snack or on top of your yogurt!

Recipe inspired by LoveAndLemons.com

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this issue INSIDE 1 2 3 4

Why I Make Goals Instead of Resolutions

What Music Does Your Dog Love? January Testimonials

Experiencing Postpartum Pain? Give Us a Call Start the Day Right With This Granola

A Trip Will Change Your Child’s Life

3 Ways Travel Can Transform Your Kids

2. They’ll pick up new skills. In addition to learning about history, your childmay discover a new skill. They may learn a bit of conversational Spanish during a trip to Mexico or they might play soccer with a group of children and realize they have a knack for it.

When you go on a trip, whether it’s a quick jaunt to a neighboring town or a weeklong stay in an exotic locale, you interact with new people and cultures. It’s one thing to hear someone talk about the laid-back vibes of theWest Coast, but you can’t really feel them for yourself until you’ve meandered through the redwoods or watched the sun set over Puget Sound. Now, imagine the positive effects this kind of cultural awakening could have on a youngmind!While we tend to think about the worst-case scenarios and added stresses of traveling with kids, they stand to benefit as much, if not more, from travel as we do. You never know—your son or daughter may realize a passion for a subject that will one day become their career. As you’re plotting destinations for the new year, keep these life-changing possibilities inmind. 1. History will come to life. Yes, your kids will read aboutWorldWar II in school and take state capital quizzes. But in the end, nothing compares to firsthand experiences of culturally significant locations. Imagine showing a child the Galapagos Islands, where Darwin’s famous theory of evolution was conceived, or having the chance to talk about the beginnings of the RevolutionaryWar while strolling through Minute Man National Historical Park in Massachusetts. If you live in a state with a rich history, make it a point to visit one of the nearby museums. If you’re planning a vacation abroad, incorporate visits to historical sites. Take the opportunity to learn as a family!

By fostering a sense of healthy curiosity about new places, you’ll help your child feel confident enough to branch out of their comfort zone andmake new friends at home and on the road. 3. They’ll understand compassion. After a trip to Fiji, Lonely Planet Kids writer Patrick Kinsella found that, long after they returned, his eldest daughter continued to reflect on her experience.“It’s an eye- andmind-opening experience, especially for Ivy, who has never before considered that someone her age might not have a TV, let alone lack electricity,”Kinsella writes.“For many months afterward, Ivy talk[ed] about Po, imagining her Fijian friend’s life.” Because they’re so open-minded, kids are the perfect sponges for new experiences. At the very least, they’ll be less likely to take what they have for granted, and they might even develop an expansive and exploratory worldview.

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