Mission PT April 2021

Mission PT April 2021

(480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com 3321 E. Queen Creek Rd. #106, Gilbert, AZ 85297 • 6636 E. Baseline Rd. #102, Mesa, AZ 85206 April 2021

5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR What Makes for a Good PT?

3. Your PT should provide corrective exercises that improve your posture or positioning or change the way you move. The exercises may feel different but they shouldn’t hurt. A good therapist won’t just give you exercises you can find easily on the internet or put you on a bunch of machines that you already use at your gym. 4. If they use the above approach, they probably won’t use much as far as modalities go. So, you’ll probably skip the “fluff” of heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation and instead receive more of the skilled hands-on manual therapy and exercise training that research shows produces the best results. Besides, if you really love those things (heat, ice, etc.), you can use them at home. 5. Finally, find a therapist who does not use unskilled techs or aides to help them push more volume through the door. The therapist should give you one-on-one time, ask you questions, and get to the bottom of your issue. Ultimately, you should feel like your therapist is trying to work themselves out of a job and get rid of you. Are they teaching you how to fix your own problem and make it stay away? Or are they missing the mark — and the care and attention you need? If you’ve had physical therapy before and didn’t get the results you were looking for or if you are new to physical therapy, consider the above recommendations. Whether you live in one part of the country for six months, you’re traveling, or you’re simply looking for a PT to get the job done, keep this information in mind. This advice applies to anyon e looking for a PT, so don’t hesitate to share it with friends and family.

Living in Arizona, we often work with people who travel out of state for the warmer summer months. We see many snowbirds and folks who maintain two residences — particularly retirees. Because we have such a unique and diverse group of patients, they often ask us how to find a great physical therapist —someone who will meet their unique set of needs — “back home” or wherever they may be traveling for the summer. While I’m not acquainted with too many PTs around the country, I can tell you what to look for in your neck of the woods. There are certain hallmarks of a good PT. Here’s what I tell patients when they ask. 1. Look for a therapist who knows how to do high velocity, low amplitude thrust (HVLAT), or simply “thrust manipulation.” You may not need that particular type of manual therapy, but a therapist who can do this well is usually someone who has the skills to provide other manual therapies. 2. Find a PT with a holistic treatment approach — not “all-natural” per se, but meaning that the therapist looks at the whole person. If your knee hurts, the problem often stems from poor hip movement or instability. If your back hurts, who’s to say that the way your ankle is locked up didn’t contribute to your pain?

P.S. Of course, these are the things our therapists do at Mission Physical Therapy.

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Our mission is YOU. What is YOUR mission?

(480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com

FELINE FRIENDS OR CANINE COMRADE

How Pets Improve Our Health and Happiness

lower blood pressure and cholesterol than their petless counterparts. You’re also more likely to maintain a daily exercise routine.

As people grow older, they’re more likely to find themselves at home with less company. If your family members live far away or you have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave the house, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness. This is why adopting an animal can be so helpful. Pets offer comfort and love, and many encourage physical activity. Integrating a pet into your life as you grow older can be just what you need to lift your spirit and keep you healthy. The Benefits of Pet Ownership A lack of purpose can take a significant toll, but the sense of duty pet owners have around caring for their animals helps them avoid this. The daily tasks of feeding, playing with, and walking your animal can help provide structure and bring meaning to your life. They also give you something to look forward to each day. What’s better than waking up or coming home to a wagging tail or loud meow? This is how pets help improve their owners’ mental and physical health. Studies also show that those who care for pets have less stress and

Humans have an innate need to be social, and without someone to talk to regularly, our mental well-being can start to deteriorate. Pets may not be the best conversation partners, but they may increase your social activity. Walking a dog to a local park every day, for example, can provide an opportunity for you to interact with other people. If you live alone, this simple activity can increase your social circle and improve your mental health. Find the Right Pet Before taking advantage of the many benefits pets offer, it’s crucial to consider which pet is right for you. Doing research can help answer important questions about which animals might be a good fit for you and your lifestyle and which aren’t. Finding a perfect match may take some time, but once that connection is made, there is nothing that will bring more joy into both of your lives.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of questions that will help guide you to the perfect pet. Take a look at CDC.gov/healthypets .

TRUE RELIEF MAY BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK CONSIDER PT BEFORE OPIOID MEDICATION

No matter where you live in the United States, you cannot escape the opioid crisis. It’s a startling thing to say, but it’s true — opioid medication use of drugs like codeine, oxycodone, and fentanyl is at an all-time high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms this. Over the last several years, prescription opioid sales have quadrupled. The CDC only recommends using opioid medications to address certain types of pain management, when other traditional forms of pain management aren’t enough. This includes cancer treatment and end-of-life care as well as specific acute situations when extreme pain needs to be managed quickly and efficiently. For a vast majority of pain cases, opioids are not recommended, and yet they still end up prescribed as a primary pain management tool. There are many alternatives to opioids, several of which are more effective and come with significantly less risk. Physical therapy is one of those options.

pain” because the risks often outweigh the benefits, especially when it comes to long-term treatment.

The Pain Source Like many medications, opioid-based medications do not treat the underlying issue or source of the pain. They simply block certain pain receptors in the brain so you don’t feel pain or feel pain as strongly. Without treating the source of the pain, there’s a potential for it to get worse. The Pain Timeline There are some instances when pain is temporary and an over-the-counter medication will do the trick. But if pain lasts 90 days or more and becomes a chronic issue, something else is going on and needs to be identified and adequately treated by a PT. The Treatment Options The source of your pain can be identified and treated. In many cases, a skilled PT can pinpoint the true source of your pain and treat it by recommending specific exercises. Why run away from the pain when you can eliminate it? If your doctor or primary care physician recommends an opioid medication, and you have not yet consulted with your PT, get that second opinion. Opioids may not be necessary. See what your PT has to say firs t!

But how do you know when to choose PT over opioids? Consider the following:

The Risk Factor Opioid usage comes with a number of side effects, including addiction, depression, and overdose. As the CDC states, “Opioids should not be considered first-line or routine therapy for chronic

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(480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com

SUDOKU

The Gilbert Farmers Market A Breath of Fresh Air Every Saturday We’ve been talking more about getting moving and spending more time outdoors — especially before the Arizona sun makes its presence fully known. March, April, and May are some of the best months to get outdoors in and around Maricopa County. For us in Gilbert, one of the best outdoor activities is a visit to the Gilbert Farmers Market! The Gilbert Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in April . During the summer months, usually starting in May, the market hours shift to 7–11 a.m. The market has been a community staple for going on 11 years and has grown by leaps and bounds since it first opened in 2010. What’s really great about the Gilbert Farmers Market is the vendors! There are dozens of vendors to meander through and visit. Get your fresh fruits and vegetables. Find delicious local honey. Browse a selection of kombuchas, hot sauces, candies, pasta, meats, baked goods, or anything else you might want! You can find a full list of vendors at GilbertMarket.com/our-vendors . You can even pre-order items from vendors. That way, all you have to do is pick up your goods and be on your way. Who knew the farmers market could be so simple?

Rhubarb Oat Bars

Of course, you can’t beat walking around and

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

discovering new things as you get fresh air and see what our community has to offer. Challenge yourself to try something new and different every weekend. Work your way through various sellers and products. Who knows what you might find!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped • 1 cup packed brown sugar, divided

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/3 cup butter, melted

• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice • 4 tbsp water, divided • 4 tsp cornstarch

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a medium saucepan, bring rhubarb, 1/2 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and 3 tbsp water to a boil. 3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rhubarb is tender (about 5 minutes). 4. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining water, stirring until smooth. 5. Gradually add to the rhubarb mixture, return to a boil, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. 6. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, coconut, salt, and remaining brown sugar. Stir in butter until mixture is crumbly. 7. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread rhubarb mixture on top, then sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. 8. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before enjoying!

Gilbert Farmers Market 222 N Ash St Gilbert, AZ 85234

GilbertMarket.com

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Our mission is YOU. What is YOUR mission?

(480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com

3321 E. Queen Creek Rd. #106 Gilbert, AZ 85297 (480) 550-9100 missionptaz.com

Inside This Issue 1 What to Look For in a Physical Therapist 2 Could PT Defeat the Opioid Crisis? 2 Caring for Pets Brings Health and Happiness

3 Rhubarb Oat Bars 3 The Perfect Spring Activity 4 A Tail That Inspired Thousands

A TAIL THAT INSPIRED THOUSANDS Winter the Dolphin

over her tail due to loss of circulation was spreading, and if it reached her spinal cord, they knew she would die. Fortunately, her spinal cord remained untouched. Winter adapted to her situation, but then a new problem arose. Without flukes, Winter began moving her body side-to- side to swim, which caused scoliosis in her spine. However, an expert created a custom prosthetic tail for her, enabling her to swim normally again without impacting her spine. Since then, Winter has thrived! The story of what Winter went through, her struggle to recover, and how she fought to live has inspired thousands of people. Children and adults who have lost their limbs or were born with disabilities travel from around the world to meet her. She encourages people to keep fighting, and many feel that if Winter could overcome her obstacles, they can, too. There was even a film made about her called “Dolphin Tale.” In fact, many of the scenes from the movie were shot at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Winter starred as herself. The film captures her triumphant story and chronicles how she inspires people around the world. To learn more about Winter, read inspirational stories, or donate to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, visit CMAquarium.org. And, of course, “Dolphin Tale” is a great film for your next movie night!

Winter the dolphin was only 2 years old when rescuers found her with a crab trap line wrapped so tightly around her tail it was cutting off the circulation to her flukes. Unfortunately, this led to the eventual loss of her tail. In most cases, dolphins can’t survive without their flukes.

When Winter first arrived at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, her caregivers worried about her overall health. The infection that had taken

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