Mission PT - September 2021

Mission PT - September 2021

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

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

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

How Trains Are Like Physical Therapy A BIG INITIAL PUSH, FOLLOWED BY A LOT OF MOMENTUM

I’ve always been fascinated by trains. They are massive and incredibly powerful machines that also happen to be very fuel efficient. I read somewhere that for every one ton of freight, trains can average between 400 and 500 miles per gallon. Amazing mileage, right? What I find interesting is that most of the fuel consumption actually happens right as the train starts its initial motion. Afterward, the train can use that momentum to move it throughout much of the rest of its journey. That’s why railroads are built on mostly level ground, so instead of going up and over hills and mountains, the trains go around or tunnel through them to maintain that momentum. While we could have an interesting conversation about Newton’s laws of motion, you might be wondering why I’m talking about trains in the newsletter for my PT clinic. Well, there are a couple of reasons. The first is that this month actually marks the anniversary of the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad, which connected Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Seattle, Washington, by rail in 1883. It was such an incredible accomplishment for our country. The second reason is that I believe there’s actually a lesson we can learn from how trains operate — and we can apply that to physical therapy. Just like trains, when you’re recovering from an injury, there’s a good chance you’ll need some extra help at the beginning of your journey. Trains will usually have three or four engines to help them get going right at the start, but after that they’re usually good to keep moving forward. Physical therapy can be your extra engines to get you going! When you’re just starting out in your PT treatments, it can feel like you’re putting in a disproportionate amount of effort toward your recovery. But, once you get rolling, it will be easier to keep that momentum to move you toward your goal. I’ve experienced this principle firsthand in many different life experiences. I remember back when my wife and I first opened Mission PT in January 2014, and it felt like the momentum would never kick in. We didn’t bring in any

income from our clinic until the end of August that year. We had four kids and a fifth on the way. As much as we wanted our growth acceleration to look like that of a race car, it felt like trying to push a freight train forward. Fortunately, our initial efforts, determination, and extra work put something big into motion. After that first hard year, we’ve been pushing along, and it feels like we’ve been able to transfer that momentum to our patients’ recoveries. Not too long ago, a woman came up to the front desk when Colleen was working there. She told her that while she’d gone to physical therapy before at other clinics, the service we offered at Mission PT was better than anything she had experienced previously. Hearing feedback like that makes the initial push — and all the continued efforts — so worth it. Every day is an opportunity to transfer the momentum of our clinic to ensure our patients gain momentum in their recovery. So, at the risk of sounding a little cheesy, we’re glad this freight train that we call Mission PT has kept on chugging along, and we’re excited to continue doing great things for you.

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Our mission is YOU. What is YOUR mission?

(480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com

THE SCIENCE BEHIND SAD AND MAD TEARS WHY YOU SHOULD CRY

participants who cried while watching a sad movie and compared their tears to participants who cried because of a cut onion. Frey said the emotional tears were not only unique to humans but that they’re also a “unique kind of tear.” Their unique chemical makeup has both a detoxifying and stress- reducing effect. Emotional tears have higher levels of ACTH, a stress hormone released by crying. They also have higher levels of endorphins and oxytocin, which are known to reduce both stress and pain.

Ronda Rousey is tough. She was the first American woman to earn a medal in the Olympics for judo, and she was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame to commemorate her six titles. Rousey is noted for her physical and mental toughness, so it might surprise you to learn that she loves a good cry.

“I really cry all the time … Everything [makes me cry]. Especially during fight week,” she told the Huffington Post.

While crying is more often associated with weakness than strength, the science of the tears we shed when we’re emotional — including feelings of anger, sadness, and stress — shows that crying actually makes us healthier.

Crying and Your Health

The benefits of crying have been explored by everyone from ancient philosophers to modern-day scientists. While philosophers noted the cathartic effects of crying, scientists have filled in the knowledge gaps about why crying feels good and how it’s actually good for us.

More Than Just Water

Before you cry, you may feel a welling up of tears in your eyes that makes them appear watery. While tears of all types are mainly made up of water, scientists say that they are distinguished by their chemical makeup. Biochemist Dr. William H. Frey produced foundational scientific research on the science of crying. He collected tears from research

The stress-reducing benefits of crying don’t just feel good in the moment. There are several secondary benefits such as:

• Lower blood pressure, which keeps your heart healthy and helps you avoid stroke, heart failure, and dementia

• Lower manganese levels, which helps decrease anxiety, irritability, and aggression

• Decreased risk of ulcers and other digestive issues

• Decreased risk of tension headaches and migraines

Finally, crying serves an important social role. Tears elicit sympathy, signal that something is wrong, and facilitate connection during hard times. If you find yourself having chronic or uncontrollable bouts of tears, something else may be going on and you should seek professional help. But if you find yourself crying when stressed, angry, or sad, embrace your tears, knowing they’re helping make you healthier both mentally and physically.

2 (480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com

MEET DR. BRADEN SCHROEDER THIS MONTH’S TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

for seven years with his wife and four children. Before that, however, he called a couple other states home as well.

Braden was born and raised in Moscow, Idaho — a small college town in the state’s panhandle. However, he traveled thousands of miles from his hometown to earn his undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. After that, he moved to Arizona to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical science from Midwestern University before completing his education at A.T. Still University, where he received his doctorate in physical therapy. Braden joined the Mission PT team in November 2019, and since then, he has enjoyed being a part of the team. He loves helping our patients by assessing and treating injuries and functional impairments, increasing patients’ strength and mobility, and improving their overall health and quality of life so they can live with little to no pain. His favorite part of the job is seeing patients get out of pain and return to the activities that they love.

As mentioned before, Braden is a huge ice hockey fan. He loves both playing it and watching it, and his favorite team is the Chicago Blackhawks. He also loves watching and playing golf. However, he spends most of his spare time away from the office with his family. We’re so happy to have experienced physical therapists like Dr. Braden Schroeder on our team at Mission PT, and we look forward to seeing how he’ll continue to serve our patients.

Though he may be an ice hockey fan, Dr. Braden Schroeder, one of our incredible physical therapists here at Mission PT, is still proud to call Arizona his home. Braden has lived in Arizona

ONE-PAN APPLE CIDER CHICKEN

TAKE A BREAK!

Inspired by WellPlated.com

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided • 1/2 cup apple cider • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 4 tsp olive oil, divided • 3 sweet apples, cut into 1/2-inch slices • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Set aside. 2. In a small bowl, combine apple cider and mustard. Set aside. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tsp olive oil. When shimmering, add chicken thighs top-side down. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Wipe the skillet clean. 4. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet, then add sliced apples, remaining salt and pepper, and rosemary. Cook for 5 minutes. 5. Return the chicken to the skillet and add apple cider-mustard mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, then serve sprinkled with rosemary!

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Our mission is YOU. What is YOUR mission?

(480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com

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

Inside This Issue

1 How Trains Are Like Physical Therapy 2 The Science of Crying

3 One-Pan Apple Cider Chicken 3 Spotlighting Dr. Braden Schroeder 4 Celebrate Fall Prevention Month With These 3 Tips

DON’T FALL THIS FALL! 3 TIPS FOR FALL PREVENTION

Improve Your Home Your home just might be your biggest threat when it comes to falls, so improve it with a few changes! Install grab bars and railings on steps and in the bathtub for extra support. Grips on the bottom of the bathtub and on slippery surfaces can give you a secure footing, while lighting along the hallway and in stairwells can better illuminate walkways. Even something as simple as moving a table or decor item out of the hallway can be beneficial! Review Your Medicines Sometimes medication can influence balance and movement. Talk with your doctor about the side effects of your medication

September marks the start of fall , but it also serves as an important reminder about falling .

Falling is one of the greatest dangers seniors face. As adults age, take more medication, and lose some mobility, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay upright or regain balance — even when tripping over the smallest object. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 out of 5 falls cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Falling can also increase a senior’s chance of falling again. But for as common as it may be, falling doesn’t have to be your norm. You can lower your risk of falling and injury with a few simple steps. Move More Your body was designed to move! When you don’t move your body enough, which can happen when you age, your muscles and joints can become weak and stiff. The best way to strengthen your reactions and improve your balance is to move your body. A physical therapist can help you develop a routine that targets your balance while strengthening your muscles and joints.

and adjust accordingly. You may need to consider alternatives, but if that’s not possible, physical therapy can provide assistance. It’s designed to help you improve your balance and get stronger — which can lower your risk of falling. You can learn more about fall prevention and risks online at CDC.gov.

4 (480) 550-9100 • missionptaz.com