Professional Physical Therapy - August 2017

AUGUST 2017

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

the beach for a few days, in theory. The problem comes with the fact that I burn like I’m coated in butter, and beach-sitting never lives up to my expectations.

We’ve always preferred a trip that lets us investigate a new culture, learn a little bit about history, and do activities we couldn’t do anywhere else in the world. That’s why this trip has us so full of anticipation. After a week in Seattle, we fly into Anchorage. As much as I’m looking forward to spending a week in a city I’ve never seen — hiking Olympic National Park, sampling coffees, eating Pacific seafood as opposed to the Atlantic fare I’ve

When you think of summer vacation, what comes to mind? If you think back to childhood, you probably remember the days when school felt like a distant memory, when your days were filled with games and your time was yours to spend as you wished. As an adult, you might think of a tropical getaway, complete with white sand beaches and drinks with umbrellas in them. Or maybe, if you’re anything like me, you think of something a little more adventurous. This year, my husband and I opted to spend our summer vacation exploring Seattle and Alaska. By the time this letter comes out, we should be there! Now, I know what you might be saying: “Rain and wilderness? What kind of vacation is that?” And I get it. To a lot of people, that doesn’t sound like much of a break. I have no problem with the laid-back type of vacation, and there can be times when a chance to get away and recharge is just what’s needed. I love the idea of sitting on More Adventure Than Vacation My Trip to Alaska The first five people who call with the answer to the riddle on page 3 win a $10 gift card! Call 508-528-6100. Contest for past and present Professional PT patients only. July Gift Card Winners Tina Gillespie, Maureen Osolnik, Virginia Morfopolous Lee Berman, Maryanne Bruder PROFESSIONAL PT PATIENTS, ENTER TO WIN!

come to know and love — it’s the Alaska portion of the trip that has me most excited. Our schedule is jampacked, and I’m sure it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One portion of the Alaska trip that I cannot wait for is the visit to Happy Trails Kennels. Happy Trails is where the pups that will grow up to race in the Iditarod are raised, making it a kennel unlike any other. My husband and I are both dog lovers, so you can bet we’re looking forward to meeting the most amazing sled dogs in the world. If those animals weren’t enough, we’ll also be traveling to the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Of course, Alaska isn’t just known for its wildlife; it’s also known for its breathtaking landscape. Spending a few days in Denali National Park will allow us to take in the full wonder of the wilderness. We’re going to do some whitewater rafting while there, which, I have to admit, I’m a little nervous about. Riding the Alaska Train, panning for gold, seeing the glaciers — we are planning to do it all!

I’ve always heard about the long summer days up in Alaska, so I’ll be curious to see how 18 hours of sunlight actually

feels. I guess no matter where we choose to vacation, spending time in the sun is unavoidable. Hopefully I’ll return with only lifelong memories and leave the sunburn for next summer. – Dr. Stacey Raybuck Schatz

Professional Physical Therapy | 508-528-6100 • 1

Echinacea Might Be the Herb You’re Looking For Cure for the Common Cold?

such as runny nose, sore throat, or fever. The study found that participants who drank several cups of echinacea tea throughout the day for five days experienced shorter periods of sickness than those who drank tea without echinacea. Due to the way echinacea interacts with the immune system, individuals on medication that suppresses the immune system should not take any form of echinacea. People with diabetes, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, and any autoimmune diseases are also advised against taking echinacea. The effectiveness of echinacea is helping the herb quickly become one of the most popular holistic supplements in North America. Just be sure you speak with a doctor before giving anyone in your family a new supplement.

Echinacea was a very trendy herb in the late 1980s , but it fell out of popularity as the public went on to the next big thing. However, there are many reasons why this fantastic herb should have a place in everyone’s medicine cabinet. The active substances in echinacea can boost immune function, helping relieve pain and reduce inflammation. While an outright cure for the common cold remains elusive, research from the University of Maryland Medical Center shows that echinacea might be the herb you need to get back on your feet faster. Clinical trials show that participants who took a dose of echinacea via a pill or a tincture right when they began to feel sick reduced the length of their cold by one to four days. Fifty-eight percent of participants avoided experiencing a cold altogether. Echinacea tea is also extremely beneficial in treating a cold. Another study followed people with early cold or flu symptoms, Success Stories

WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING ...

“I first came here after I was having PT at another facility and attending a free workshop to try to understand what I needed to do. My condition at the first facility seemed to just be getting worse. I wanted to avoid having any cortisone shots, but eventually I decided it would be the best thing for me. Between the shots and the wonderful hands-on care I received here, I have vastly “I came in to Professional PT after a right knee injury I suffered at work. I am a professional ballroom dancer, so I need to have exceptional strength and range of motion in order to perform my job. The entire staff worked with Warren Chamberlain

“Thank you, Alex, and Professional Physical Therapy. I fell and broke my collarbone last December, and after months of immobilization, I developed frozen shoulder. My limitations were frustrating and painful through weeks of dedicated PT and guidance, but now I’m nearly 100 percent! I look forward to continuing the instruction and care on my own and enjoying the summer! I’m a happy patient. Thanks to you all!”

improved in my condition. I feel like I am finally coming out of the woods of my pain and am able to function normally again. If I need further attention, I will not hesitate to return.”

Dawn Wilson

“After stupidly falling on ice on my cross-country skis, I could barely walk half a block without having to sit to relieve the pain in my right buttock. My PCP prescribed PT. At my initial evaluation, Dr. Patt diagnosed a sacroiliac misalignment, tweaked my spine, and set up twice-weekly PT sessions with him, Sue, and Amber. From

me over the course of a few months to be able to regain the needed strength. They got creative with various ladder drills and had me on the circle balance board, no matter how bad I was at it. I came in skeptical that PT could make a difference in my recovery, and I was pleasantly proved wrong. I was really able to connect with the staff, and I hope I will be able to see them in the future, just under different circumstances.”

those electric stimulation beginnings to the concluding spine checks, I loved coming to PT. Yes, I quickly became pain-free, but I also enjoyed the cheery environment and knowledgeable, personable staff. Who knew a medical procedure could be so positive?!”

Barbara Ligon

Douglas Dombrowik

2 • www.ProPTinc.com | Professional Physical Therapy

of the Month

BUDDY DOG HUMANE SOCIETY, INC.

Founded in 1961, Buddy Dog, as it is affectionately known, is a nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to finding new homes for homeless dogs and cats. According to the shelter, “These animals find refuge at our shelter and can depend on becoming someone’s forever friend. There is no time limit on their stay.” This wonderful shelter brought us together and Professional Physical Therapy is pleased to send a check for $100 in Joyce’s name to Buddy Dog Humane Society. We chose Joyce Richard as the patient of the month because she was extremely dedicated to her physical therapy, and she made a fantastic return to full function after surgery. Joyce met all of her PT and personal goals, actually exceeding initial expectations. She turned a challenging situation into a huge success story. In addition, Joyce always had a smile for everyone and a contagious laugh! Congratulations, Joyce!

During Memorial Day weekend of 2006, my family went to the Buddy Dog Humane

Society to adopt our dog, Zoey, who has recently

celebrated her 13th birthday. She has been

my companion ever since — especially now, since the children are grown and on their own. Zoey greets me every morning, we walk together as much as weather permits, and she loves her goodnight pats as she opens her eyes to acknowledge another great day we shared. RIDDLE TIME!

Ritz Cracker Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe inspired by joythebaker.com.

There was a green house. Inside the green house, there was a white house. Inside the white house, there was a red house. Inside the red house, there were lots of babies. What is it?

Make the most of these last few summer weeks and wrangle the kids for this fun, easy dessert! You can even save the leftovers in the freezer for those busy back-to-school nights.

• 4 ounces dark chocolate Ingredients

• 1 pint of your favorite ice cream

• 24 Ritz (or generic

butter round) crackers

pieces, melted

Directions 1. Melt chocolate pieces in a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and drippy. 2. Arrange crackers, bottom side up, on a cookie sheet. Use fork to drizzle melted chocolate over crackers, then place them in freezer to cool quickly. 3. Remove crackers from freezer and place small ice cream scoop in the center of 12 crackers. Press remaining crackers, chocolate side down, onto the ice cream scoop. 4. Freeze at least four hours before serving. Wrap individual sandwiches in plastic wrap to store in freezer for up to seven days — but they’ll never last that long.

Laugh Out Loud

Professional Physical Therapy | 508-528-6100 • 3

DON’T LET ANOTHER SUMMER PASS BY WITHOUT FEELING BETTER!

Your free exam is here now. But just like summer, it won’t be around forever. Take advantage of this offer before it’s too late. Present this coupon to a friend or family member, and tell them to contact Pro PT in order to schedule a FREE consultation and screening.

508-528-6100

620 Old West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038

www.ProPTinc.com

A Message From the Alaskan Wilderness:

Don’t let pain limit your vacation possibilities. There’s an entire world out there to explore, and you shouldn’t have to stay at home due to unwanted discomfort.

• Headaches • Trouble walking

the freedom to travel comfortably. This exam is ideal for people suffering from: • Lower back pain • Hip pain • Knee pain • Shoulder pain

Before summer’s out, take advantage of Pro PT’s Free Exam, so you can adventure wherever your heart takes you, whether that be Alaska, Australia, or anywhere in between. Pain shouldn’t force you into having a summer staycation. Give yourself or a loved one

Free Exam will include consultation with the therapist of your choice, screening examination of the problem area, and suggestions/plan to address the cause of the problem.

• Sciatica • Arthritis

THIS OFFER EXPIRES AUGUST 31, SO DON’T WAIT

Professional Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Inc. • 508-528-6100

www.ProPTinc.com 508-528-6100

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

620 Old West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Dispatches From Alaska | Cure for the Common Cold? | Buddy Dog Humane Society, Inc. | Ritz Cracker Ice Cream Sandwiches

Thank you for being part of the Professional Physical Therapy family! The Effects of Negative News

They Say Ignorance Is Bliss … But Is It Healthy?

It’s nearly impossible to log on to social media or turn on the TV without seeing something distressing. Instead of dwelling on what’s troubling, let’s focus on how to protect our mental health. The Psychology of Bad News A study by Psychology Today found that people who watch negative news feel worse about pre-existing worries than people who watch happy or neutral events. That means people watching the news don’t just feel anxious about the world — they feel more anxious about their own lives. British psychologist Dr. Graham Davey, who specializes in the effects of media violence, says negative news can affect how you interact with the world around you. As you consume threatening news, you’re more likely to spot threats in your day-to-day activities that aren’t there, which leads to anxiety.

Why Is the News So Negative? As news media revenue goes down and people become desensitized, news organizations feel the pressure to show emotionally relevant material such as crime and accidents. At a basic level, for something to be “newsworthy” — negative or not — it needs to be the exception to the rule, not the norm. That means watching the news might give you an inaccurate view of what daily life is like in the world. How to Fight the Negativity It’s important to understand important issues of the day. But when the news becomes too much, psychologists encourage you to take a break with some good news — or no news at all. Advances in medicine and technology happen all the time! Seek out those stories, or take a break from news altogether. That’s when no news can become good news.

4 • www.ProPTinc.com | Professional Physical Therapy