Professional Physical Therapy - July 2017

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

July 2017

counter service. Take a number, wait in line, and we’ll help you when we get to you.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Freedom and Independence page 1

At Pro PT, we stand in direct opposition to this style of care. Our primary goal is always patient satisfaction, and we pride ourselves on building relationships. We treat patients as people, part of our family, not numbers on a spreadsheet. We offer care that’s independent from the headaches and red tape of hospitals and doctor’s offices, and we truly listen to your concerns and needs. As we’ve learned from our forefathers, you don’t need to put up with a broken system. Instead, you can create your own. To paraphrase the moving words of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, it is your right, it is your duty, to throw off such systems, and to provide new guards for your future security. One of the many beauties of America is that there’s nothing stopping entrepreneurs from fixing problems through the creation of small businesses. If you want local, personalized care, you can sidestep deli-counter medicine and seek an alternative. Small businesses that improve the lives of citizens are a cornerstone of the American dream, and it means a lot to be able to take part in it. Providing the best experience for patients has been the mission of Pro PT since day one, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone that steps through our doors is what makes our job rewarding. This Independence Day, I hope you can relax and spend a little time with your family. As you barbecue, watch your local parade, or listen to the Boston Pops, take a moment to remember the values that our great country was built upon. Freedom and independence are powerful ideals that matter as much today as they did in 1776, and that’s definitely something worth celebrating!

The Worst Kitchen Utensil Ever page 2 Client Testimonials page 2 Patient Spotlight page 3

Freedom and Independence What the Fourth of July Means to Me

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always relished Fourth of July celebrations. Watching fireworks really brings people together, and it feels like everyone is looking at the sky at once, making it a true community experience. Taking in the festivities is great, but just as important is remembering why we celebrate Independence Day in the first place.

Break Corner page 3

Summertime Frozen Yogurt Pie page 3 3 Great Ways to Use Coconut Oil page 4 Professional PT patients, enter to win! 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.

As we’ve learned from our forefathers, you don’t need to put up with a broken system. Instead, you can create your own.

Our founding fathers rebelled against a system that offered few benefits to our citizens. They realized the colonies weren’t being served by the British Empire, and fought against this injustice. Winning independence was no easy task, but their intensity of passion and purpose never wavered. Living in Massachusetts, we walk some of the same streets people like Paul Revere and Samuel Adams did, and we feel a deep connection to our history and values. When it comes to systems that don’t serve people well in America today, I think the medical establishment would top the list for many people. In the past few decades, medicine has become depersonalized, sterile, and bureaucratic. Getting the care you need requires jumping through all sorts of hoops. I think of this type of care as deli-

June Gift Card Winners Maureen Osolnik Virginia Morfopolous Deborah Powers Al Bryda Marianne Bruder

– Dr. Stacey Raybuck Schatz

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The Worst Kitchen Utensil Ever

Say No to the Avocado Slicer

The avocado slicer. Bon Appétit magazine called this kitchen utensil “the last thing you’ll ever need.” TV chef and host Alton Brown will yell at you if you have one. And if you do have one, ask yourself this: Why? If you don’t have one, pat yourself on the back — you’ve saved yourself from one of the most useless utensils in the world. Okay, but let’s say you do have one. Is it possible to turn this (barely) one-hit wonder into something worthy of your kitchen? We can try. Egg slicer. Hard-boiled eggs can be difficult and messy to slice up for a salad or side dish. That’s why they make egg slicers, a close cousin of the avocado slicer. But here’s the great thing about using

And that’s it. We tried. Considering the highly specialized shape and overall design, you aren’t going to get much mileage out of an avocado slicer. Sure, you can slice mushrooms, various soft fruits, and soft cheeses, but each item must be fairly small to accommodate the shape of the avocado slicer. There is, however, another tool you can use to get the job done. Call it the world’s best kitchen utensil — the chef’s knife. A good, sharp, well-maintained chef’s knife can last a lifetime. It will slice and dice just about any food item you need prepped. Do some research and find the chef’s knife for you. You’ll be glad you did. Here are three resources to get you started: thekitchn.com/from-budget-to-big-spender-10-chefs-knives-for- every-budget-166133

an avocado slicer to prep hard-boiled eggs: the clean-up. Cleaning an egg slicer can be a kitchen nightmare, while avocado slicers are a cinch to clean.

foodandwine.com/lifestyle/kitchen/best-chefs-knife gentlemansgazette.com/best-knives-home-cook

Success Stories

WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING ...

“When I started doing physical therapy, I was in moderate pain in my lower back and my left shoulder. I’ve worked with Alex

“I had fallen down and broken my left ankle; two major bones were badly fractured, and it was difficult to walk

for several months and am feeling much better. The exercises he has taught me have made me feel more confident in my ability to do more than I thought I could. I am looking forward to continuing my exercises, including new ones, at home. The staff has been wonderful every time I’ve been here for treatment. I will miss seeing everyone and getting ‘the works’ (ice and stim) after each session. Thank you, Alex!”

after surgery. A plate and pins had been secured in my ankle. The knowledge and caring that the physical therapy team demonstrated throughout the therapy sessions encouraged me to continue the exercises at home and be diligent about my recovery. I was initially discouraged by my progress, but amazingly, my recovery is close to 100 percent, and I am feeling great!”

-Pamela Cox

-Leanne Reardon

“When I first came to Pro PT, my left knee was swelling to the size of a grapefruit every day, and the only way I could ride my bike was by wearing a steel reinforced knee brace. After knee

surgery, I started physical therapy and discovered that although the meniscus of my knee felt fine, the ligaments and soft tissue had serious issues. The PT crew developed a great series of stretches and exercises to strengthen and repair the damage, followed by ultrasound, stim, and ice, so that when I left after my sessions, the swelling was reduced. I was returned to being able to ride my bike. Thanks for a great job! I’ll soon be back to 100 miles a week and happy!”

“I can get up from the floor on my own. I can walk for a longer distance, which also equals more time walking. I can work in the yard all day and lift more now. I am standing and sitting straighter again and am no longer in constant pain!”

-Paul Sager

-Mike Czarnowski

2 • www.ProPTinc.com

of the Month

Random Smiles Project

“Over the past 10 years, I’ve come to Professional Physical Therapy for various ailments, such as shoulder, hip, and back pain. Another time, I came after knee surgery. This time, I came preemptively because my back was bothering me, and I didn’t want to wait until the symptoms got a lot worse. I always leave feeling much better, knowing more about my physical make- up, with more tools to help myself. Each time I return, it feels like home. Everyone here is so friendly, caring, and knowledgeable. I can’t thank Sue F., Amber, and Dr. Raybuck enough! As a Franklin teacher, I would like to donate to Random Smiles here in Franklin, since it supports Franklin public school students in need.” We are honored to choose Mary Sandford as our patient of the month. Mary has displayed dedication and discipline not only with her rehab, but also with her overall health and fitness. Having seen her positive transformation, we are proud of her, and we recognize her with this $100 contribution to the charity of her choice, Random Smiles.

Congratulations, Mary!

RIDDLE TIME!

Summertime Frozen Yogurt Pie

Looking for a summer dessert you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging in? Try this easy, low-fat frozen treat!

Ingredients

Laugh Out Loud A man was driving a black truck. His lights were not on. The moon was not out. A lady was crossing the street. How did the man see her?

(strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries) • 3 (6-ounce) containers regular yogurt (berry flavors work best)

• 1 premade graham cracker pie crust • 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip • 1 cup frozen or fresh mixed berries

Directions 1. Combine Cool Whip, mixed berries, and yogurt in a bowl. Mix with a spatula until well-blended. 2. Pour yogurt mixture into pie crust. 3. Cover pie with foil or plastic lid. 4. Store in freezer for at least 3 hours, or until frozen through. 5. Serve frozen or slightly thawed.

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This Fourth of July, celebrate freedom and independence with Pro PT’s Free Exam! This exam is ideal for people suffering from:

• Lower back pain • Hip pain • Knee pain • Shoulder pain • Sciatica • Arthritis • Headaches • Trouble walking

You deserve to live with FREEDOM from pain, and we’re giving you the INDEPENDENCE to choose the date and time of your exam.

In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson called “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” unalienable rights. Don’t let pain sacrifice your ability to embody these great ideals. Call us today to schedule your exam. 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. THIS OFFER EXPIRES AUGUST 31, SO DON’T WAIT!

www.ProPTinc.com

Pro PT wishes you a happy Fourth of July!

Your free exam is here , just in time for Independence Day. This Fourth of July, give your loved ones the gift of FREEDOM from pain, with a Pro PT Free Exam. 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.

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

Thank you for being part of the Professional Physical Therapy family! Nature’s Great Multitasker

3 Ways to Use Coconut Oil and See Results!

Coconut oil is one of nature’s great multitaskers. You can cook with it, bake with it, use it as a dietary supplement, apply it to your skin, and run it through your hair, all of which deliver unique benefits. In this issue, we’re going to look at three of the most immediate benefits you can enjoy by using coconut oil. Rejuvenate your skin. Instead of reaching for lotion or body oil, reach for the coconut oil. It’s a single ingredient, so you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin, which means you don’t have to worry about any sort of reaction. That is, as long as you aren’t already allergic to coconut! It helps keep skin hydrated and youthful-looking, plus it can treat symptoms related to dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and numerous other skin conditions. Just keep in mind, it cannot treat the base cause of any of these conditions.

Give your hair extra luster. The plant-based fatty acids in coconut oil help alleviate dry hair, dry scalp, and dandruff. At the same time, it can help reduce the effects of everyday damage, including sun damage. Use coconut oil as-is, or combine it with an essential oil for an extra punch. Apply it about 30 minutes before showering and let it soak in. Just be sure not to use your typical shampoo to wash away the oil; hot

fact that it literally pulls bacteria away from your teeth and gums as you swish it around. All it takes is a tablespoon of oil and about 20 minutes. Once you’re done, spit the oil into the trash. That may sound a little gross, but avoid spitting in the sink. The oil may solidify and cause a clog.

water alone should do the trick. It may take a little longer to rinse the oil residue, but you’ll be left with soft, clean hair.

Freshen your smile. When swished around in the mouth, coconut oil can reduce bacteria and freshen your breath. It’s all thanks to coconut oil’s antibacterial properties, and the

4 • www.ProPTinc.com