Horizon PT and Rehabilitation - July 2022

Horizon PT and Rehabilitation - July 2022

physical therapy and rehabilitation

July 2022

3600 Miller Road, Flint, MI 48503 • 810-620-8042 • horizonptflint.com

Looking Back at My First Summer Job It’s Fun to Work at the YMCA

This summer, many teenagers will be entering the workforce and earning a paycheck for the first time. With school out, it’s the perfect time for kids to commit themselves to a different kind of learning experience, and summer jobs are a rite of passage on the way to adulthood. Not every high school student has a positive entry into employment, but I remember my first summer job fondly. I spent a lot of time at the YMCA as a kid through a scholarship program they had for students who had good grades. Over the years, I got to know the staff pretty well. So, when they were looking for counselors for the summer camp program, it seemed like a pretty natural fit. The job appeared relatively easy, I loved being around people, and I spent much of my time at the Y anyway. There was hardly a downside.

It was a weekly camp, and we always had different activities planned. Sometimes we’d spend time in the gym playing basketball. Other times, we’d do crafts or play games in the basement. We also had a water week where we took the kids to a water park, and they had a blast. The kids ranged in age from about 6–12, and many of them came from disadvantaged backgrounds. The camp became a way for them to escape their troubled family lives, and it felt rewarding to give them a memorable and carefree experience. We couldn’t fix what went on after they left the YMCA, but we could show them a great time while they were in our care. Part of the fun of camp was spending time with kids different from myself and understanding more about them. I learned how to talk to kids and

interact with people from all viewpoints and walks of life. I remember a very young white kid who really liked spending time with me. He became fascinated with the waves in my hair and told me he wanted a style just like it. I had to explain to him that I was flattered, but his hair couldn’t quite do the same kind of thing. “But,” I added, “I think your hair is really nice, and you should stick with it.” That seemed to make him happy. I learned several valuable lessons over those summers, especially about working well with children. You have to keep them busy — giving them an activity and expecting them to sit there with it for hours on end won’t work. They need variety. Otherwise, they get bored, don’t participate, and stop getting any value from your interactions. But more importantly, I learned that everyone comes from different backgrounds, and they all have their own struggles. You can’t necessarily look at someone and see what their home life is like or what challenges they might be facing. That lesson continues to influence my work today. Just like with those kids who used to be in my care, I don’t always know what my patients are dealing with outside of my office. Unless they choose to tell me, I’m in the dark. But I know we all have problems — and while I can’t always fix them, it is within my power to be compassionate to everyone. The moments I spend with people matter, and I can make our interactions as positive as possible.

“Not every high school student has a positive entry into employment, but I remember my first summer job fondly.”

-Dr. Jerome Adams

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IS IT TIME FOR A DIGITAL DETOX?

When you need a break from your busy life, you probably look at your cellphone. And when you need a break from your cellphone, you might watch TV or browse social media on your other devices. This cycle of never-ending screens can be taxing on your mental health. Everyone hits their breaking point at a different time, and you may not even realize when you’ve reached your limit. If you find yourself getting angry or upset at posted content, consistently comparing yourself to others, or feeling depressed, it may be time for a digital detox. But what is a digital detox? It’s taking a break from electronic devices, such as your cellphone or tablet, and mindlessly scrolling through social media or news stories.

Another benefit is that you’ll feel less stressed, especially if you compare yourself to others on social media or get lost in negative news cycles.

Perhaps the most notable benefit of a digital detox is reclaiming your own time. Checking your cellphone and scrolling through social media can quickly become a subconscious habit. Before you know it, an hour or two has passed. Even watching television can take up huge chunks of your day.

Now that you know what it is, how can you detox yourself?

With a digital detox, you get that time back, and you can reallocate it to healthier activities. If you feel like you need a break from your electronic devices, take one. It could lead to a healthier and happier life.

• Schedule a break from your devices. Even if it’s just for a half-hour, use the time to do other activities, such as exercise, household chores, or even gardening. • Turn off notifications. Constant notifications can be incredibly distracting, so silencing them allows us to focus more on our surroundings. • Disconnect before bedtime. Turn off all electronics an hour before you go to sleep to relax your body and mind.

SUCCESS STORIES!

“I loved every visit that I had; they made it fun and enjoyable. I was very appreciative for everything they did for me. Thanks to the awesome work of the PT ladies, I was able to go back to work to a job that I love and was able to walk again. If I ever need their help again, I will be back. This place is like family.”

–Jamie R.

“Horizon Physical Therapy is a great place to recover from a injury. I highly recommend attending this place. The staff will get you back to where you should be. I partially tore my Achilles tendon and, with weeks of therapy, I’m back to doing my normal activities.”

–Clarence T.

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WHAT “FROZEN SHOULDER” MEANS FOR YOUR HEALTH Getting the Cold Shoulder

Stiffness in one or both shoulders during middle age is a common problem that affects between 2%–5% of the population. Its technical name is adhesive capsulitis, but most people call it “frozen shoulder.” Sufferers usually experience pain and difficulty with movement and raising their arms. So, what causes frozen shoulder? Experts aren’t sure, but they have several theories. Some believe inflammation causes the condition. Others think it’s a side-effect of an injury or autoimmune reaction. But we know that people with weakened immune systems, hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, or diabetes are prone to the condition. Women over 45 years of age are also the most likely to suffer from this condition. Frozen shoulder usually starts with a relatively minor shoulder ache, but as time goes on, the pain becomes sharper. As a result, the person starts using their arm less frequently. After several months, someone with frozen shoulder will likely see their pain heighten, with the worst episodes generally occurring at night. Though they can still move as they did before, it will become stiff and painful when they move the affected area.

At this point, many patients finally seek out the help of a doctor or physical therapist. They will diagnose the condition through a physical examination, and they may also require MRIs or X-rays to rule out other causes. Then, the patient can get on their path to healing. Frozen shoulder will eventually resolve on its own — but it can take anywhere from 1–3 years! That’s too much time to experience difficulty cleaning, bathing, or dressing. Physical therapy can help you recover quickly, though, and will reduce your constant pain. This will often involve in-office and at-home strength and stretching exercises to help you regain your range of motion. Your physical therapist may also use manual therapy to adjust the shoulder with their hands. They can also provide tips and tricks to help you avoid increasing your activity too quickly or causing reinjury. Are you experiencing shoulder pain? Horizon Physical Therapy is here to help! We treat patients with a wide range of shoulder conditions, and we’d love to put you on the road to recovery. Call us today for your appointment. It’s the first step to regaining the life you deserve!

Have a Laugh

Mouthwatering Southern BBQ

Inspired by JustAPinch.com

Summer isn’t complete without some Southern BBQ!

Ingredients

Directions

•

3 lbs boneless pork loin roast, trimmed

1. In a 4-quart slow cooker, add the roast and 1 cup of water. 2. Cover and cook the roast on high for 7 hours or until tender. 3. Once tender, shred the meat. 4. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker. Stir in salt, pepper, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, and hot pepper sauce. 5. Cover and cook on the lowest setting for an hour. 6. When finished, serve barbecue on buns with coleslaw (optional).

• • • • • • • • •

1 cup water 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbsp pepper

1/4 cup brown sugar 18 oz barbecue sauce

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp hot pepper sauce 10 hamburger buns, split Deli coleslaw (optional)

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3600 Miller Road Flint, MI 48503

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

THIS ISSUE Inside

Lessons From Dr. Adams’ First Summer Job

The Benefits of a Digital Detox

Success Stories

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Mouthwatering Southern BBQ

Oceanside Activities to Try This Summer

Oceanside Activities the Entire Family Can Enjoy

The summer season is officially underway and many Americans are planning to take a trip to the beach to celebrate the occasion. If you’re going on a family vacation to the ocean for an extended period of time, you may be worried about keeping everyone entertained. That’s why we put together a list of some of our favorite oceanside activities to try this summer. Your summer vacation will be filled with fun and excitement after trying some of these great activities! GET ACTIVE. There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on the beach and listening to the calm repetition of the waves, but maybe you want a little more

excitement by the ocean. If that’s the case, there are plenty of sports to try. You can bring a football and throw it around in the water or on the beach. You can buy a net and set up a game of beach volleyball to get everyone involved, or you can try one of the many new beachside sports hitting the market like TidalBall, pickleball, and Spikeball. TidalBall is the beach version of cornhole so if you haven’t played it yet, you definitely want to check it out. EXPERIENCE NATURE. The wildlife and environment of the beach are most likely drastically different from what you can experience back home, so make an effort to

see all you can. At many beaches, you’ll be able to see dolphins, whales, and sea rays from the shore. You can also look in the sand for crabs and small crustaceans. By simply standing still and taking in all of the sights and sounds of the ocean, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the surroundings. RIDE THE WAVES. You don’t need to be an experienced surfer to venture into the water on a board. Of course, you can take surfing lessons at many beaches, but you can also get in the water on a bodyboard for a thrilling experience. Additionally, you can rent kayaks or paddleboards if you want to be on the water, but not necessarily in it.

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