Mission PT - May 2021

Mission PT - May 2021

(480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com May 2021

3321 E. Queen Creek Rd. #106 Gilbert, AZ 85297

6636 E. Baseline Rd. #102 Mesa, AZ 85206

‘Wait, You’re a Doctor?!’

You’ve probably noticed that the atmosphere at your medical doctor’s office and the physical therapy clinic is very different. The doctor’s office tends to be a little more formal and might feel impersonal at times. The doctor is almost always addressed as “doctor.” At Mission PT, and at many physical therapy clinics locally and across the country, the atmosphere is different than in a doctor’s office. I mean, of course it is, as the purpose of therapy is different. But it tends to be much more casual and personalized. But there’s more to it than that. The vibe is different. Everyone is on a first name basis. I think this is why people are often surprised to learn that all the therapists at Mission PT are “doctors.” Physical therapy programs at accredited schools are clinical doctorate programs. In order to become a physical therapist, you have to go through extensive training in order to earn the doctor of physical therapy, or DPT. Interestingly enough, that wasn’t always the case. Some PTs who have been practicing longer may only have a master of physical therapy (MPT) or a master of science in physical therapy (MSPT). This doesn’t necessarily mean they are any less qualified. It just means they may have attended a university with a PT program before the doctorate was offered. The first doctorate was offered in 1992, but it wasn’t even until 2015 that the last MPT program was ended and replaced by a DPT program!

There are even some PTs who have a bachelor of science in physical therapy because there was a time when schools didn’t even offer a master’s program, let alone a doctorate program. It’s a great example of just how far PT has come in the last few decades. You also might be wondering about the non-PTs who often work in PT clinics. We have one PTA: our physical therapy assistant, Brie. Her function is similar to that of a PA, a physician’s assistant. Brie works under the direction of the PTs, and as the name implies, she is well qualified to assist! As we learn more about the human body and pain management, PT programs have evolved to better meet the needs of both those seeking an education in PT and those of the patients. Here’s a fun fact: Among health care professionals, PTs score second to orthopedic surgeons when it comes to knowledge of human anatomy! A lot of it comes down to education. For example, every one of our clinicians at Mission has at least 7–8 years of college-level education, which included the rigorous doctorate programs. While we may be doctors, there are many major differences between PTs and primary care physicians. They aren’t in competition with each other — they simply perform different health care functions. A PT understands the mechanics of the body and the relationship of one part of the body to another. They know what types of movements or exercises are needed to accomplish certain outcomes. A primary care doctor is unlikely to have this wealth of knowledge in this area, as they know medicine, surgeries, etc. We’re here to help with issues related to flexibility and range of motion on top of balance and coordination, strength training, and endurance. The list is extensive, but they’re all related to the mechanics of the body. So, to answer that big question, yes, we are doctors! If you ever have questions about the scope of our training or the many types of care we provide, don’t hesitate to ask!

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Our mission is YOU. What is YOUR mission?

(480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com

HOW WILL YOU SPEND MEMORIAL DAY?

Powerful Ways to Honor Our Veterans

Visit Memorials Many parks, public buildings, and monuments feature memorials that honor veterans who have lost their lives. Visit one of these monuments and spend some time learning about our nation’s history and the tragic cost of war. This is a great opportunity to teach your children about our nation’s military, and it can even be a fitting moment to learn more about local military connections. If you feel like giving back more directly, consider using this opportunity to spruce up your local park or memorial. Just be sure to talk to your municipality before you get started. Volunteer Giving back to veterans through organizations that help families who have lost loved ones can be a powerful way to spend your Memorial Day. Do you have specialized skills or knowledge in health care, construction, or art? If so, check with your local Veterans Affairs office to see if you can partner with an organization to provide resources to those in need. If you can’t give up your time, try donating food, clothing, and supplies to veterans or those serving today.

Every year, Memorial Day reminds us to honor those who paid the ultimate price for their country. While Veterans Day recognizes all service members, Memorial Day is dedicated specifically to those who lost their lives during their service in the U.S. military. The holiday, celebrated on May 31 this year, also marks the unofficial start to summer. While you’re enjoying your three-day weekend, don’t forget to honor those who died while protecting your rights. Here are some ideas for how to do so. Attend a Parade Memorial Day parades are common across the nation and feature local veterans, organizations, and bands celebrating with patriotic pride. Though the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, it’s scheduled to happen this year! In the past, the parade has featured several appearances from many different celebrities, musicians, and veterans. The parade honors veterans from as far back as the Civil War. Check with your local municipality for updates on parade statuses, and if you can’t attend one, put on your own parade at home!

Find more activities and information about Memorial Day at VA.gov. Thank you to those who served and to the families of those who were lost in the line of duty.

PT IS HERE TO HELP VERTIGO AND YOU

Vertigo is a lot more common than you might realize and is a more common cause for disability than any orthopedic injury or condition. You may experience bouts of dizziness or peculiar balance issues but brush them off. At first, the symptoms of vertigo might not feel that big of a deal. But then, you may start to notice that those symptoms are lasting longer, and before you know it, you feel trapped. You may not be able to get out of bed for fear of falling or extreme nausea. Vertigo can happen for all sorts of reasons. Some forms of vertigo are caused by displaced calcium deposits within the inner ear, which is known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Other causes are weakened vestibular system and cervicogenic dizziness (stemming from the neck or upper back). Vertigo can also be caused by a buildup of fluid or pressure issues within the inner ear — this is typically referred to as Meniere’s disease.

In many cases, vertigo can be traced back to the inner ear, whether it’s caused by a dysfunction, an infection, or an injury. Even seasonal allergies can influence vertigo! It can creep up on you or hit you all at once — and it can be debilitating.

No one ever wants to feel trapped and unable to leave their favorite chair or bed because they fear falling. But the more common causes of vertigo can be treated with physical therapy! At Mission PT, we regularly treat patients with vertigo. As we mentioned in this month’s cover article, our PTs come with an extensive education in treating all kinds of issues within the body. Treating vertigo requires additional training on top of “traditional” PT training, and we’re happy to say we have five PTs qualified to treat vertigo!

If you or a loved one is dealing with vertigo, say no more. Give us a call and let’s get you back on your feet — with confidence!

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(480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com

IT’S ALL ABOUT MOM!

SUDOKU

May is a busy month: Many kids are finishing up the school year, our local snowbirds head north, and there are all kinds of events to attend. Of course, we can’t forget to mention one of the most important holidays of the month: Mother’s Day!

This year, Mother’s Day falls on May 9. Last year, the pandemic put a hold on Mother’s Day plans for a lot of families, but thankfully, it isn’t quite

the same case this year. Most businesses are back open, and many people are vaccinated. Mother’s Day holds a special place in our hearts, personally and as physical therapists. Years ago, Ben’s

mom had physical therapy. Her PT was prescribed after she had brain surgery to remove a tumor. Well, as many of these things go, after the surgery, her balance was off, so she needed a little rehabilitation.

Shaved Asparagus Salad

During her PT sessions, her therapist had her sit on a large Swiss ball (aka an exercise ball). The therapist would then challenge her with “perturbations,” which was the therapist trying to push her off and Mom trying to stay on! It was all part of her therapy program.

Inspired by ACoupleCooks.com

Tangy citrus and salty Parmesan cheese complement earthy, fresh asparagus, a favorite spring vegetable with a short growing season.

When Ben decided to study physical therapy, his mom teased him, “Oh, so you want to try to push little old ladies off of Swiss balls?”

INGREDIENTS

Though Ben’s mom may no longer be with us, her memory very much is! There’s always a story to tell, just like this one.

• 1 lb asparagus spears • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

This Mother’s Day, be sure to take a moment to share your appreciation with your own mom. Give her a call, send her a card, cook her brunch — make her day special. If your mom is no longer with us, share a story with your family about her.

With that, we wish all of the moms out there a happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for all you do — and thank you for the memories!

DIRECTIONS

1. With a vegetable peeler, shave each asparagus spear from tip to base. This is easiest to do if the asparagus is on a flat surface. 2. Place shaved asparagus in a bowl and blot off excess moisture with a paper towel. 3. In a separate bowl, make a vinaigrette by whisking together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. 4. Pour vinaigrette over shaved asparagus and add Parmesan cheese, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings.

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Our mission is YOU. What is YOUR mission?

(480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

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

Inside This Issue

1 ‘Wait, You’re a Doctor?!’

2 Let’s Put Vertigo in Its Place 2 Powerful Ways to Honor Our Veterans 3 Shaved Asparagus Salad 3 A Thank-You to Moms! 4 5 Ways to Increase Your Family’s Fitness

5 EASY WAYS TO GET EVERYONE MOVING Get Fit With Your Family

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. As a parent, you probably know exercise is important for your children’s physical development. It helps build healthy bones, muscles, and joints and reduces the risk of developing diabetes and other diseases later in life. But did you know that physical activity also has many mental and behavioral health benefits? It’s been shown to improve children’s cognitive skills and concentration, boost their self-esteem, and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. One of the best ways to encourage healthy behaviors in your children is by modeling them yourself. Studies have found that more than 80% of adolescents and adults are not getting enough aerobic activity, showing that children often follow in their parents’ footsteps and that exercising together can benefit everyone. You may be thinking it’s hard enough just to get yourself to the gym, but Stephen Virgilio, author of “Active Start for Healthy Kids,” encourages parents not to limit themselves to traditional forms of exercise. Instead, think of exercise more broadly as “leading an active lifestyle.” And remember that exercise can be fun and a great way to get in more family time.

Here are five easy ways to incorporate more movement into your family’s day.

1. Create a walking ritual. Start walking around the neighborhood before or after dinner each night. Aim for a 20-minute stroll.

2. Have a dance party. Clear some space in the living room, make a playlist with everyone’s favorite tunes, and boogie down for as long as you have the energy. 3. Turn chores into games . Dirt has invaded from outer space and must be eliminated. Set the scene with your kids, grab your tools, and get to work removing the enemy while having fun. 4. Incorporate simple exercises into screen time. Start by making up fun names for exercises like situps or jumping jacks. Then, challenge each other to see who can do the most during your favorite show’s commercial breaks. 5. Get fit in the great outdoors . Cleaning up the yard, planting and maintaining a garden, or just running around outside are all great ways to get in more movement.

4 (480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com