Pro PT inc May 2019

MAY 2019

620 Old West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 • 508-528-6100 • www.ProPTinc.com

TheWord About Lasers Is Spreading And We’re Happy to Hear It

It seems like 2019 is shaping up to be the year of the laser in physical therapy. With more and more people seeking out ways to treat pain without resorting to surgery or medication, it was only a matter of time until laser therapy went mainstream. I’ve spoken before about why we decided to invest in a LightForce Class IV Deep Tissue Medical Therapy Laser and why I think it’s one of the biggest advances in physical therapy during my career. This month, in honor of our one-year anniversary of performing laser therapy, I want to tell you why so many people are excited about it and what to know when considering laser treatment. Earlier this year, WCVB 5 ran a piece about laser therapy on the local news. They say that people only get their news through social media these days, but that must not be the case around Boston because we had an overwhelming number of patients call us to talk about the laser. After watching the segment, they wanted to learn more about our laser and how it differs from the one they saw on TV. “Ultimately, though, all the news stories and tales from the sidelines aren’t going to be as convincing as trying the laser out for yourself. ” In fact, our laser is a step up from the one featured on Channel 5. While they are both Class IV lasers, the one you saw on TV features only 3.3 watts of power compared to the laser with 15 watts at our disposal here at Professional Physical Therapy. Another thing you may have noticed if you watched the piece is that the laser in the story was operated remotely and robotically. Our laser therapy, on the other hand, is performed by a professional who targets the area where you’re feeling pain more precisely and effectively. This targeting leads to expedited results in fewer sessions that take less time to complete. Another reason people have been asking us about the laser recently is they have heard of it being used on some of their favorite athletes. In fact, all four major Boston-area sports teams use laser therapy. Why? Simply put, the laser expedites healing, which is what makes it so revolutionary. In the past, we could only ensure that healing happened on schedule, but we couldn’t make the tissue respond faster. The laser uses a technology

called photobiomodulation (basically a fancy word for harnessing light energy) to stimulate cell growth and healing.

It’s not hard to see why professional sports teams would want to use this technology on their athletes. When a key player goes down with an injury, the team is worse off every game without them. Getting them back as soon as possible can have a huge impact on the team’s performance that season. With so much at stake, they are going to use every safe and effective tool at their disposal to get that player back in the game. Laser therapy has quickly become one of the most important ways to rehabilitate athletes.

Ultimately, though, all the news stories and tales from the sidelines aren’t going to be as convincing as trying the laser out for yourself. Inside this

– Dr. Stacey Raybuck Schatz newsletter, you’ll find an insert detailing how you can try the laser for FREE and even win an entire course of treatment. If you’re ready for the future of pain management, give us a call.

Professional Physical Therapy | 508-528-6100 • 1

Clubs: Not Just for High School The Best Way to Stay Active in Retirement

While it’s great not having your nose to the grindstone nine-to-five, leaving work also means leaving behind a lot of daily activities and social interaction. Eventually, having nothing but free time goes from relaxing to isolating, and that can be dangerous to your physical and mental health. When planning for retirement, it’s important to plan ways to stay active and engaged. Joining a new organization or club can be a huge benefit. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay active in retirement. ENJOY YOUR HOBBIES Did you spend years dreaming about hitting the golf course every day? While it can be nice to spend some time alone on the green, consider joining a golfers club if you want to mix things up. Enjoy scrapbooking? Check for get-togethers at the craft shop. If you’ve always wanted to try pottery, look for a class at the rec center. It’s easy to find groups dedicated to just about any activity. GET INVOLVED Think of the causes you’re passionate about and get involved! Animal shelters and soup kitchens are always looking for volunteer help. Book lovers of all ages can join their local Friends of Libraries chapter. To make a

difference through politics, help with fundraisers or join an active campaign. If you want to stay closer to home, check out your local homeowners association. There are plenty of ways to engage with like-minded people while making a difference. TRY SOMETHING NEW Don’t know where to start when looking for a group to join? Start online! Try searching “groups for retirees” and see what comes up. You might discover a travel group and start planning your trip to Asia. Or maybe you’ll have more fun mentoring young people in your professional field. Don’t be afraid to spend your retirement doing something new! There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your alone time, but don’t let your alone time turn into a lonely retirement. Joining a group can help you broaden your social circle, stay active, and maybe even learn something new about yourself.

Patient

of the Month

LOIS RICE BOSTON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL TRUST

“I chose this charity because one of my daughters had kidney problems in the past, and she had major surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital. The staff at Children’s is so amazing, and they treat the whole family during a crisis.”

– Lois Rice

Lois was chosen as patient of the month because of her quiet determination and work ethic. She is making a great recovery from surgery and working to advance her exercise and activity level every day. Lois has such a can-do attitude, and it is a pleasure to work with her. Plus, she makes the best banana bread!

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Professional Physical Therapy stepped into the future of laser therapy.

Last October, Professional Physical Therapy stepped into the future of laser therapy. Now, in honor of Star Wars Day, we want to celebrate. We’ll be holding free consultations all month, providing discounts on laser treatment, and even giving away some free treatments — and you don’t even need to win a lightsaber battle to participate. FLIP OVER THIS INSERT, USING THE FORCE IF YOU’D LIKE, TO LEARN MORE.

The LightForce Class IV Deep Tissue Medical Therapy Laser is one of the greatest advances in recent therapy history. It naturally stimulates cell growth to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and speed up recovery. If you haven’t tried it for yourself, it’s time to see what the future of therapy looks like.

CALL US TODAY TO LEARN MORE. Professional Physical Therapy 620 Old West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 (508) 528-6100

P.S. MAYTHE FOURTHBE WITHYOU!

What DoesYour Garden Grow?

Vegetables to Plant This Spring

Many of these items will serve you well come the holidays. Even after being picked, squash has a relatively long shelf life. Consider planting some delicata squash — a smaller, oblong variety with skin you can easily digest — and roasting them with some olive oil, crushed red pepper, and salt. One of the best characteristics of fresh, homegrown vegetables is that you don’t need to gussy them up. Their natural flavors are so amazing that you can season and cook them simply. Let the produce and all the hard work you put into growing it be the stars. Of course, if your crops come in massive numbers, you’ll have to figure out a way to preserve them for later use. Green beans and cucumbers make excellent fodder for pickling. Cabbage can be fermented into sauerkraut or kimchi. When all else fails, there’s always the freezer. Get planting now, and you’ll be literally reaping the rewards come fall. You know what they say, “September precipitation brings October degustation.” They do say that, don’t they?

April showers bring May flowers. That is, of course, provided there are seeds for those flowers to grow from. At this point, it’s way too late to start preparing for a spring bloom, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some items worth planting

right now. If you want to enjoy a bountiful feast of late-summer and fall vegetables this year, now’s the time to get started. In our neck of the woods, early May is an ideal germination time for beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, corn, cucumbers, and

squash. You should start the seeds indoors and transition them to the outside around mid-to- late June. The corn, cucumbers, and squash will likely be the first to harvest, sometime around late September, followed by the beans in mid-October and the sprouts and cabbage right around Halloween. Obviously, these are approximate dates. You’ll have to watch the plants to know when they are ready to be picked, prepared, and eaten.

SUCCESS STORIES

“Before physical therapy, I could not lift or hold anything heavy with my right arm. Now my arm strength has improved 98 percent! The whole staff was very helpful. I am very pleased with my results. This place feels like a second home!” On her last day of PT, Alice turned 90 years old! ProPT got her a big box of puzzles, one of her favorite activities, so she can always remember us!

Shrimp Sausage Skewers

Ingredients

Inspired by PaleoLeap.com

Creole Seasoning Ingredients • 2 tablespoons paprika •

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1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 pound cooked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces

–Alice Wardner

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1/2 tablespoon garlic powder 1/2 tablespoon onion powder 1/2 tablespoon cayenne or chili powder 1/4 tablespoon dried oregano 1/4 tablespoon dried thyme

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“Before starting therapy, I struggled to do daily

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2 zucchini, cut into 1/2 -inch cubes

activities with the pain in my calf. After months of struggling and being unable to do the things I love like running and biking, I decided I needed help. In just a few short months, I am back to normal and continue to get stronger. I am very thankful for the entire team here for helping me get back to full strength and back on track.” -Zane Abbott

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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

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Directions 1. Heat your grill to medium-high. 2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients for creole seasoning. 3. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, zucchini pieces, and sausage pieces, and cover them with the olive oil. 4. Add creole seasoning and mix well until all ingredients are covered. 5. Load up skewers with alternating pieces of shrimp, sausage, and zucchini until they’re full. 6. Grill skewers until shrimp are well-cooked (6–8 minutes).

Professional Physical Therapy | 508-528-6100 • 3

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

www.ProPTinc.com 620 Old West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 508-528-6100

Thank you for being part of the Professional Physical Therapy family!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Our One-Year Laser Anniversary Which Club Is Right for You? Patient of the Month Spring Planting Guide Shrimp Sausage Skewers Is Summertime Bad for Your Skin?

SOAK UP THE SUN WITHOUT DAMAGING YOUR SKIN

states, “Topical sunless tanning products are generally considered safe alternatives to sunbathing, as long as they’re used as directed.” So read the directions and enjoy a great summer tan while keeping your skin safe. TAKE COOL SHOWERS. Hot showers are relaxing, but they also dry out your skin, especially in the heat of summer. Do your skin a favor and turn down the temperature. As a bonus, taking a cool shower after sweating can reduce acne breakouts. STAY HYDRATED. Hydrated skin is happy skin, so keep a water bottle handy. Start by swapping a sugary beverage at mealtime with a glass of water instead. Another healthy way to get extra water is by snacking on fresh fruits and vegetables. Certain summer fruits, like melons, have high water content and are full of vitamins your body craves.

Summer is a wonderful time of year for your health. The warm weather encourages outdoor activities, and the vitamin D produced by sunlight can boost your mood. Unfortunately, sunshine can also do a number on your skin. Here are a few tips to protect your skin while having fun in the sun. DON’T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN! People of all complexions should wear sunscreen every day. Even if you aren’t at the beach, harsh sunlight can still damage your skin when you’re walking around or driving your car. Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen with SPF 30 first thing in the morning and reapplying periodically through the day.

Pro Tip : Don’t put the sunscreen away when it gets cold. The sun is still harmful in the winter months.

WANT A TAN? GO SUNLESS! Though popular, that “sun-kissed” look is actually a sign of skin damage caused by harmful UV rays. If your summer look just isn’t complete without a tan, consider using a sunless tanning product. The Mayo Clinic

There’s a lot to love about the summertime. With these tips, your skin can love it too.

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