OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga - August/September 2021

OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga - August/September 2021

MOTION Monthly AFTERNOONS WITH GRANDPA

Make Your Move to Better

What I Learned at Vasona Lake County Park

When I was a kid, my paternal grandfather, Mike Rockich, was the source of all the magic in my life. To this day, when I get bogged down with work or just life in general, I remember the days I spent with him feeding ducks and traipsing through the park. His memory and the days we spent together remind me to slow down and appreciate where I am today.

grandfather. Now, my children get to experience that magic, too.

My grandfather was an amazing man who lived until he was 90 years old. He was always there for us when we needed him, and he reminds me to do the same for my children. By just being there, my grandfather taught me how important it is to cherish each moment I get with my kids. When I get caught up in how busy life can be while juggling parenthood and this business, I often think of my grandfather. I learn to appreciate my boys’ baseball games and the trips to Happy Hollow, the petting zoo. (We went there with Grandpa, too.) Just being present is so important. As I raise my own children, I’ve also come to appreciate just how special and important their grandparent relationships are to their happiness and well-being. We’re fortunate enough to live close to my wife’s parents, and our sons spend time with them on a weekly basis. I’m very appreciative of their support and presence in our sons’ lives. Their active involvement is reminiscent of the days I spent with my grandpa, and I can see how happy they make our sons. My children’s memories of their grandparents may not involve candy bars or climbing on a fire truck, but I know they will look back on these memories one day and smile. Our grandparents do so much more than spoil us. They keep the magic alive, and in doing so, they remind us to take each day as it comes — enjoying the little moments you stop to feed the ducks and the people you do it with.

As we approach National

Grandparents Day this September, I want to honor a man who’s a fixture in many of my favorite childhood

memories and who makes me understand just how important those moments are for my own children.

When I was growing up, Grandpa would pick my sister and me up from school every day and take us to Vasona Lake County Park. He would always bring us candy or snacks, too! You can’t do this now, but he would also bring a loaf of Wonder Bread, and we would use it to feed the ducks. We would take the steam train around the entire park; that train still runs today. Then we would climb and play along all of the park’s old structures, like the fire truck or the Air Force plane. I was just a kid at the time, but every afternoon we spent at the park felt magical and exciting. When I think about those days, I think of happiness. I think of watching the ducks nibble on bread or climbing all over the park with my sister. Those memories were created by my grandfather. He always made each day fun. Today, 40 years later, I can’t help but smile when I see my kids playing on those same structures at Vasona Park. We don’t feed the ducks anymore, but Vasona will always hold a small part of my

Thank you, Grandpa.

–Dr. Fabrice Rockich

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Excited and Ready to Learn PT NATALIE MOLOGNE JOINS OPTM OF SARATOGA

SUCCESS STORIES

Originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, Natalie Mologne knew a career in physical rehabilitation might be her calling. You could say it’s a family tradition! Natalie’s mom is a physical therapist while her dad works as an orthopedic surgeon. After job shadowing, Natalie discovered physical therapy aligned with her personal and professional goals.

“My right shoulder had bothered me for several years. In search of good physical therapist, my friend shared her son’s success story and highly recommended Tyler at OPTM. After a few sessions with Tyler, my shoulder showed great improvements. Tyler has been very patient, knowledgeable, and professional. I have been his patient for about 2 1/2 months. Now my right arm is able to move backward and upward freely without sharp pain in my shoulder, which is a great feeling. I also enjoy my therapies at OPTM, including clean facilities, a safe environment, and friendly staff. Thank you, Tyler, and the OPTM team! I really appreciate your help!” – Maria L.

“I just like the patient connection and getting extra time with your patient, as compared to other health fields,” Natalie says. “You connect with them on a deeper level.” Natalie joined the OPTM of Saratoga team in early July and is serving our clinic and patients as a physical therapist. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and graduated with a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Natalie recently moved back to California, moving to San Jose in early July. As she started her job search, Natalie heard about OPTM of Saratoga. She had friends who had worked as an intern or physical therapy aide within the clinic, and based on what she had heard, Natalie felt confident this was the clinic for her. “I was looking for a place that had good clinic culture and a job that was a supportive, welcoming environment,” Natalie says. “I saw really good reviews about OPTM.” Natalie says she’s most encouraged by the opportunities for mentorship within the clinic and the freedom to practice based on a model that most aligns with patients’ goals. As she continues with the clinic, Natalie is hoping to learn more about management and potentially sharing her knowledge to teach future physical therapists. She also hopes to become proficient in vestibular (balance) therapies and canine physical therapy.

“All in all, it was a very positive experience. Both my therapists did a terrific job. The rest of the staff was wonderful, too. Everyone was very knowledgeable and helpful and really made me feel that they had my best interests at heart.”

– Sherry S.

“I recently went to OPTM facing the possibility of total knee replacement surgery. I worked mostly with Tyler. After completing 12 sessions, I am no longer thinking about a knee replacement. That’s how successful I feel the sessions were. All the staff at OTPM were pleasant, friendly, and attentive. I felt that Tyler was really responsive to my goals and the main reason for my successful treatment. So, thanks, Tyler and OPTM.” – J.F. “I’ve been coming here ever since I dislocated my shoulder and after I had surgery! I’ve been taken care of by a wonderful person named Emily! Emily is the one who has been showing me and helping me with everything I needed to do to get better. She’s a great person and has a good personality among the rest of her staff members working with and around her! Everyone at OPTM treats you with kindness and care! I would recommend anyone to come in and be taken care of by one of the PT members here. You have nothing to lose by gaining back your movement! Thank you, Emily, and to OPTM for helping me get better and back to normal.”

Since moving to San Jose, Natalie and her boyfriend — a Northern California native — have been exploring their new home. Natalie also enjoys working out, and when she can, she catches up with her family back in Wisconsin, including her family’s golden retriever.

– Luis D.

We feel incredibly lucky to have someone as committed as Natalie on our team! Be sure to say hi next time you visit the clinic. Welcome, Natalie!

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Therapist Profile

Celeste Kim, PT, DPT, AIB-VR/CON is a physical therapist who specializes in working with patients suffering from dizziness and equilibrium problems. Dr. Kim recognizes that the population suffering from vestibular disorders is incredibly underserved, and her mission is to treat, educate, and empower these people so they can enjoy their lives to the fullest. Dr. Kim received her doctorate of physical therapy from Chapman University, where her passion for helping those with vestibular disorders was solidified after completing a course in advanced vestibular rehabilitation. She is currently certified in vestibular rehab and concussion management through the American Institute of Balance and has completed several other courses within this specialty practice. A Bay Area native, Celeste enjoys practicing yoga, experiencing live music, and hiking with her dogs.

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Vestibular Rehab It is the size of your pinky nail. It fully develops to its adult size by 5 months of age. It is ... the vestibular organ! When in working order, the vestibular system — located in your inner ear — provides your brain with the most accurate information of where your head and body are in space as well as the direction they are moving it.

When there is insult to the vestibular system, it can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as vertigo, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurry vision, and unsteadiness. Some triggers to these symptoms commonly reported in the clinic include getting in/out of bed, moving the head/neck, experiencing stress, and having caffeine. If this sounds familiar to you, you may benefit from vestibular rehabilitation.

Vestibular rehabilitation, or VR for short, is a special type of physical therapy that can help people dealing with problems of their inner ear, like dizziness and vertigo. Although not all

causes of these symptoms originate from the inner ear, a trained vestibular therapist, like Dr. Kim, can help discover the origin of your symptoms. Some conditions that Dr. Kim can treat include BPPV (positional vertigo), concussion, vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis, cervicogenic dizziness, acoustic neuroma/schwannoma, and vestibular migraine. At your first appointment with Dr. Kim, she will perform a thorough vestibular evaluation on you. This may include taking a look at how your neck moves, testing your vestibular reflexes by moving your head, moving your head/ body into different positions, and testing your balance. At the end of the appointment, she will discuss

her findings with you and explain if and how VR can help you feel better. If you have been identified as a good candidate for VR, then your symptoms are treatable, regardless of how long you have been living with them.

Dealing with a vestibular problem can be extremely debilitating, and it is common for people experiencing vestibular dysfunction to feel helpless or misunderstood, as they have been bounced around between medical providers. You don’t have to live with your symptoms for the rest of your life. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Kim today. Here’s what you should do if you are experiencing vertigo right now: • Don’t stop moving your head and neck! Keeping your head still may seem like the solution, but restricting neck motion for a long period of time will further exacerbate your symptoms.

• Take motion sickness medication (e.g., Dramamine) if your symptoms are acute in nature and your doctor clears you to do so.

• Place an ice pack on the back of your neck and spray some peppermint oil on your chest. This can help alleviate some of the nausea. • Do not attempt home treatments. A thorough evaluation is necessary to identify the exact cause and location of your problem. Incorrectly performing a treatment or performing a treatment that is not meant for you can worsen your condition. Not all vertigo is the same. Make sure a trained professional evaluates and treats you. • Call in to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim. Vestibular rehab is shown to be very successful when it comes to treating a majority of vestibular conditions. It is important for you to start with therapy as soon as you can, as the vestibular system recovers best in the first few months after it is damaged.

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BRAWNY BRAIN

How to Improve Your Brain Health by Doing Something New!

Our brains control everything we do, every decision we make, and every instant reaction we have — yet it’s still largely a mystery. Psychologists and neurologists have been trying to understand the brain for centuries, and we’ve only scratched the surface of the gray matter when it comes to understanding the brain’s inner workings. One of these mysteries involves how you keep your brain healthy and young. Are there supplements you can take? (Diet can be a factor.) Does wearing a helmet really protect it? (Yes.) Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just work out your brain? (You can.)

Television is not a stimulating activity because it doesn’t challenge the brain. However, activities like reading, writing, doing puzzles, and crafting all excite the brain in new and fun ways, especially as you grow into more challenging areas of these hobbies. Furthermore, learning something new, like woodworking or a language, can further challenge your brain in ways it has never experienced before. Moreover, a “stimulating activity” doesn’t have to be a hobby. Spending time with friends, joining a club, volunteering, and staying engaged socially are great ways to keep your brain locked in and focused. Help your brain get the exercise it needs by challenging it each day and speak with a medical professional to find a targeted approach that’s right for you and your noggin.

Here’s how it works!

Exercise for Your Brain When you want to get stronger or lose weight, you exercise. By moving your body and challenging it daily, your muscles grow, and you get healthier. Your brain works the same way. Just as you would lift weights for bigger biceps, challenging your brain by learning something new or doing something “mentally stimulating,” as the experts at Harvard Health explain, your brain develops new neural pathways. This “plasticity” allows it to change and grow. What Does Mentally Stimulating Mean? Your brain’s sole purpose is to be used! So, when you stop using it, it stops growing. Mentally stimulating activities are actions that keep your brain alert and focused. They may be relaxing or exciting, but the point is your brain is challenged in some way.

WORD SEARCH

TOMATO AND WATERMELON SALAD (YES, REALLY!)

Inspired by BonAppetit.com

Bon Appétit magazine calls tomato and watermelon “soul mates,” and they’re right! This surprising gourmet salad will be a hit at your next barbecue.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tsp peppercorns, coarsely crushed • 1 tsp coriander seeds, coarsely crushed • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds • 1/2 tsp turmeric • 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into 1/2- inch cubes • 2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 8 oz feta cheese, cut into 1/2- inch cubes

1. In a small saucepan, sauté spices and herbs in the coconut oil for 3 minutes over medium heat to create turmeric oil. Take the pan off of the heat, then let it cool. 2. Combine the watermelon, tomatoes, and feta on a large platter or in a bowl. Drizzle with cooled turmeric oil. Now, simply sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy! DIRECTIONS

BEACH FISHING FRIENDSHIP GARDEN

HEAT OUTDOORS POOL RAINY

RHUBARB SARDONYX SCHOOLING VACATION

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

12980 Saratoga Ave. Saratoga, CA 95070 408-973-7700 www.optmsaratoga.com

What My Grandpa Taught Me Page 1

Success Stories Page 2

Meet Our Newest PT — NatalieMologne! Page 2

Get a Stronger Brain by Doing This Page 3

Tomato andWatermelon Salad (Yes, Really!)

Page 3

Nothing to See Here: Mystery Spot Tourism Page 4

NOTHING TO SEE HERE

A HISTORY OF THE MYSTERY SPOT

The most famous mystery spot is in Santa Cruz, California, but it has cousins in Oregon, West Virginia, and Michigan. Each one is inexplicable — drawing thousands of people every year to come and spend their tourist dollars. And for many, the whole thing is just one big hoax, designed to take in suckers and generate cash. Although Santa Cruz has the most visitors, it was “inspired” by the Oregon Vortex, which was a spot that had odd occurrences “documented” back to the early frontier days. From a mining office sliding off its foundation to the high presence of optical illusions, the Vortex was the home to some odd events. Naturally, the thing to do was

build a structure there and start taking people’s money!

And unlike many other roadside attractions, mystery spots continue to draw attention. Something in the American psyche loves the idea of the paranormal; Google “Europe mystery spots” and you’re likely to discover lists of unique vacation destinations. Perhaps they recapture the “paradise is just over the hill” mystery that in part drove colonization of the American West. Or perhaps it’s all a bunch of hooey. The best way to decide, of course, is to visit one of these mystery spots for yourself!

It’s not a coincidence that these locations began to pop up at the same time as the average American got access to automobiles — “roadside attractions” of all kinds have been the rage since people began to tour America by car, and it’s pretty clear that, real or not, these mystery spots fall into that category. That’s why many of them have updated over the years to suit changing tastes — such as the Michigan St. Ignace Mystery Spot’s addition of zip lines and other attractions.

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