Gilbert PT - November 2018

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www.GilbertPT.com November 2018

The Gilbert Gazette

THE SEASON OF GRATEFULNESS A Blessing in Disguise

So often, people get caught up in the chaos that surrounds the holidays and forget why they are celebrating in the first place. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, families brave the stores to go shopping for supplies, rid their house of every speck of dust, and spend hours assiduously prepping the plump turkey. This hectic schedule causes many people (myself included) to lose sight of what is truly important this time of year: gratefulness. That is why I want to spend some time this month focusing on the people I am most grateful for. My employees and many of my patients know that this year was particularly tough for me. Near the end of February, I was in an accident that separated my quadriceps from the bone in my leg. The quadriceps make up the great extensor muscle group that covers the front

Being a physically active person both inside and outside of work, those six weeks were particularly difficult to endure. But what helped me keep my composure was knowing that my team here at Gilbert Physical Therapy could successfully keep the practice up and running in my absence. I always knew that my employees were phenomenal workers, but up until the accident, I’d never had to fully entrust the practice

to them. During those six weeks, the staff not only kept the clinic running; they helped it grow. I am so thankful for their hard work, their dedication, and their support. I appreciate them so much more than they’ll ever know. In addition to the support I received in my professional life, the support I received from my family is what inspired me to persevere through months of arduous rehabilitation. I am always thankful for the life I share with my wife and my kids, but during my recovery, we were able to go on some vacations that gave me fresh perspectives. One of our trips was to Raystown Lake. Before the trip, my wife and I were unsure that I would even be able to get on the boat. Fortunately, I was able to, and the experience turned out far better than we could have ever imagined. The water was pristine, the weather was beautiful, and my kids water- skied for the first time ever. Because I was unable to exert myself physically, I was able to sit back and reflect on how thankful I am for my family.

During the last few months of my rehabilitation, my family has continued to inspire me to persevere. Before the accident, I served as the assistant coach for my son’s wrestling team, and my ultimate goal is to get far enough in my recovery that I can resume that position. I’ve spent hours upon hours doing the exercises I ask my patients to do. I had to teach myself how to walk and how to sit down in a chair again. Then, in August, I was able to go on my first jog. While the recovery from this accident has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, in a way, I’m grateful for it. It has reminded me, my family, my employees, and my patients of the importance of physical therapy. While I was never one to merely preach the merits of my vocation, throughout this year, my job has become something I truly revel in sharing with others. I live it, I breathe it, and I’m thankful that the accident served as a blessing in disguise.

WHILE THE RECOVERY FROM THIS ACCIDENT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE HARDEST

EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE, IN A WAY, I’M GRATEFUL FOR IT.

and sides of the femur bone. Put simply, it’s a huge muscle group that you use a lot, so any injury involving it is extremely painful. I had emergency surgery to repair the tear and had to spend six weeks in a straight-leg brace to keep me from moving it. While the brace was helping me heal, it prevented me from bending my leg completely, so I couldn’t walk or even sit down in a chair normally.

–Dr. Michael Gilbert, DPT

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Looking for gift ideas that don’t break the bank but still show the special people in your life howmuch you care? Do-it-yourself (DIY) gifts are the way to go. Here are a few ideas to put together on a chilly night. Pull out your crafting supplies, turn on some holiday tunes, and get creative. Best DIYGift toMakeWith the LittleOnes: Handprint Apron Aunties, uncles, and godparents will love a gift that incorporates their favorite little ones, and it’s a great way to get the kids in on the project. Choose some unadorned aprons from your local craft or home goods store and some acrylic paint in a variety of colors. Then get crafty! The kids can use their handprints as a starting point and add other decorations as they like. You can also find some fun ideas on the blog Little Page Turner, like painting a butterfly from your kids’stamped footprints. Have fun with it! Best DIYGift forYour Bestie: Personalized Mug You only need a mug and an oven-safe or porcelainmarker to create this personalized gift. Use a mug you already own, or pick one up from the dollar store or thrift store, and get expressive! You could write a sweet or Best DIY Gift Ideas FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

funny message (“but first, coffee”or“two shots, hold the chatter”) or list their favorite beverage (“coffee, no sugar”or“green tea”). Write something that makes them think of you, or create a simple drawing. Enjoy the artistic freedom as much as they’ll enjoy your thoughtful gift. Best DIYGift for Someone Special: Memory Map

Utilize a map, a pair of scissors, some glue, and your memories of meaningful places to create this sentimental gift. Choose places that are meaningful to you and your special person—where youmet, where you celebrated special moments, where you first lived—and cut themout in geometric or heart shapes. Then, glue the cutouts to a piece of matboard. You can add kind words at each point, or let the map locations explain themselves. Place in a frame and gift to your loved one.

Patient Testimonial Don’t Just Take Our Word for It

faithfully twice a day. My ultimate goal was to be pain-free. It was my first summer after retirement, and I hoped to spend it working in my flower and vegetable gardens. But I knew that none of it would be possible without treatment. “I started my exercise program in mid-February. Dr. Jon sent me home with cards that had pictures and explanations of each exercise he had shown me in the office. That way, I didn’t have to rely solely on my memory. Within probably 2–3 weeks, I began to notice a gradual lessening of the pain. By the time gardening season began in mid-April, I was able to do whatever I needed to do, with pain occurring only in certain situations. Within another month, I was totally pain-free. I cannot say enough good things about Gilbert Physical Therapy. It’s rare to see the professionalism, personal attention, and wonderful rapport that everyone who works there has with the patients. I am very grateful to Jon, Patrick, and Erin for helping to bring me back to where I was before the sciatic pain began.”

“After suffering from extreme and debilitating sciatic pain in my left leg to the point where I could barely get into my car, my physician approved physical therapy as a treatment option. A friend had recommended Gilbert Physical Therapy to me, so I made the call. Dr. Jon was very patient with me on my first visit and gave me the opportunity to ask questions and to assess what might be needed for my individualized program.

–JENNY B.

“The initial stretching exercises began that day with instructions to continue them at least once a day at home. I was determined to do them

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DO COOLER TEMPERATURES TRIGGER OLD BACK INJURIES? ColdWeather and Back Pain

2.WhereYou Live Your body tends to adjust to the climate you inhabit, so no matter which part of the country you live in, there’s a good chance that you will experience increased back pain when the thermometer dips. However, if you live in a city that requires you to shovel snow and traverse icy sidewalks in winter, you certainly have an increased risk of back injuries. 3. MissingThat Sunshine If you’re the type of person who enjoys exercising outdoors, you probably have difficulty maintaining your exercise rituals during these colder months. But avoiding exercise is one of the worst things you can do for your aching back in winter. We recommend that you try indoor exercises such as yoga and aerobics. Swimming in a heated pool can also be a great option! If you have any other questions regarding back pain in the colder weather, or if the recent temperature drops have been causing you muscle tightness or pain, come on down to Gilbert Physical Therapy. We can help you actually enjoy the season rather than just holding out until spring!

Now that temperatures are dropping, you might’ve started to notice a familiar ache in your back. Cold weather can wreak havoc on your back muscles and joints, plaguing you with pain all winter. Understanding how and why winter weather affects your spine is the first step to alleviating your pain. Here are some important facts about back pain to keep in mind this chilly winter season. 1. Storms and Aches A lot of people claim to experience back, neck, and joint pain either just before a storm or when the temperature plummets rapidly, insinuating that their bodies are somehow able to register the barometric pressure changes that occur during chaotic weather. While there is no scientific evidence to verify this association, our physical therapists here at Gilbert Physical Therapy know that the cold does play a role in the way you feel. For example, cold temperatures cause the muscles in your back to tighten, which makes them less flexible. When your back is tight, you are much more prone to injuries.

SUDOKU

SPICY, CREAMY SWEET POTATOES

Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but they’re often the blandest thing on the table. Luckily that’s not the case with this recipe, which features Thai spices and coconut milk.

INGREDIENTS

• • •

5 pounds sweet potatoes 1 cup canned coconut milk

• • •

1/2 cup dark brown sugar 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste

1 tablespoon kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 375 F. On a large sheet pan, bake potatoes until very soft, approximately 75 minutes. 2. Let potatoes cool until they are safe to handle, then peel and mash. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine coconut milk and curry paste. Once mixed, add the mixture, salt, half the sugar, and half the butter to potatoes. 4. 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 425 F. Spread potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. 5. Uncover potatoes and dot with remaining butter and sugar. Broil until brown, crusty, and delicious. Serve hot.

Inspired byThe NewYorkTimes

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this issue INSIDE

1 2 3 4

Who I Am Most Thankful For

The Best DIY Gifts Patient Testimonial

How Does the Weather Affect Your Back? Spicy, Creamy Sweet Potatoes

A Historic Veterans Day

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the End of WorldWar I A Historic Veterans Day

This year, Veterans Day takes on particular historic significance: Nov. 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First WorldWar. Countries around the world will commemorate the signing of this peace agreement with moments of silence, centennial ceremonies, and historical exhibits. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a celebration of life. It’s a day to honor the power of peace and the living veterans across the globe who have served their countries. This November, take a moment to remember the war that helped shape the international community’s dedication to peace and thank the individuals who served to defend it. The Great War By 1914, a world war had been years in the making, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro- Hungarian Empire by a Serbian nationalist provided the spark that would eventually burn down much of Europe. A chain reaction of land disputes, pre-emptive attacks, and strategic alliances brought over 30 countries into WorldWar I.

The Great War that ravaged Europe resulted in a devastating loss of life, but from those ashes rose a renewed appreciation for the importance of peace and a global effort to ensure its place in the future. The Restoration of Peace In 1918, Germany surrendered unconditionally, and the armistice ended the fighting at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, though the war did not officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles the following July. An estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians died in just four years, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. Veterans Day Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the one-year anniversary of the armistice, and it became a U.S. holiday in 1938. Today, Veterans Day celebrates veterans who served their country honorably. The U.K., France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate their veterans in November. If you know a veteran, thank them for their service this month.

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