Appalachian PT: Protecting Your Shoulders From Injury

Appalachian PT: Protecting Your Shoulders From Injury

2019

NEWSLETTER

HOWWILL YOU CELEBRATE SHOULDER RELIEF?

INSIDE: • Discover Waking Up Without Shoulder Pain! • Exercise Essentials • Patient Success Spotlights • Complimentary Seminars • Use It or Lose It!

2019

NEWSLETTER

DISCOVERWAKING UPWITHOUT SHOULDER PAIN!

Whether you have shoulder pain or have been suffering for a long time, seeing a physical therapist at Appalachian Physical Therapy, Inc. can help you return to a more active and pain-free life. Give us a call at: • Broadway: 540-901-9501 • Harrisonburg: 540-209-8977 • Pinehurst: 910-215-0541 is emerging. However, when those pains don’t go away, or when the uncomfortable feelings have certain characteristics, it’s important not to ignore them, and seek help. If you keep experiencing shoulder clicking or “popping,” for example, you may have a ligament tear in your shoulder area. Sharp pain should also be checked out with your physical therapist, as this means the shoulder joint is not moving in good alignment. There are also more easily-ignored symptoms, like a dull pain that runs along the side of your arm, or sudden arm weakness whenever you try to carry something or reach for an object. These symptoms, you should definitely not ignore. Call us today to discover how Appalachian Physical Therapy can pinpoint the cause of your pain, relieve it quickly and teach you how to maintain healthy shoulders.

What would you do with a shoulder injury? If you have been researching those first troublesome aches and pains about your shoulder, then you have probably realized by now, the sheer number of injuries that befall the shoulder area. That’s because this large joint is the connecting point for so many crucial daily actions. Among the most common types of shoulder injuries are biceps tendonitis, rotator cuff tears and sprains, arthritis and shoulder impingement. Injury Causes. Many shoulder injuries result from tasks requiring heavy lifting or repetitive reaching motions. Along with manual labor jobs, work around the house such as cleaning gutters or hanging up wet clothes are common culprits. In addition, athletic pursuits like weightlifting, swimming, and tennis can unfortunately lead to shoulder injuries. Along with these activities, passive movements can also be a problem. If you have continuous poor posture, the improper positioning of your shoulders, can make you extra vulnerable to scapula (shoulder blade) and rotator cuff injuries. Know the Warning Signs. All of us experience occasional aches and pains from doing too much, which does not necessarily mean a chronic problem

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www.aptfc.com

USE IT OR LOSE IT!

“You experience people working with you that know what they are doing!” “I had a knee replacement back on May 13th. I am doing well and feel good. I had a shoulder reconstructed about 5 years ago. I went to Appalachian Physical Therapy and recovered with a new shoulder at about 110%. I decided I wanted to go for the gold again so I went to Appalachian with my knee. My coworkers say if I come away with a knee at 110% they are going to call me the Bionic Woman. It is beginning to look very possible. All of the therapists are very good. Everyone is kind and caring. You really have to dig in to turn good results but you experience people working with you that know what they are doing.” - Linda S. Rockingham, VA “Appalachian PT is like PT on steroids!” “I had PT before but, the myofascial work that I got here has given me hope. I thought my only options were joint replacement or living with severe pain. Appalachian PT is “The best staff and service I have experienced. Educational brochures and lectures have provided a better understanding of the body and processes. I have had great results following rotator cuff surgery and continue to receive treatment for multiple issues. Highly recommend.” - Mary C. Harrisonburg, VA “Left with no pain!” “Dr. Walsh was patient and thorough. I went in with the beginnings of a migraine from tension, and left with no pain! She is incredibly knowledgeable but unassuming and kind- she never made me feel inferior or silly, which is an unfortunate feeling I’ve experienced with others in the medical field.” - Abby A. Whispering Pines, NC like PT on steroids!” - Lou B. Harrisonburg, VA “Great results following rotator cuff surgery!” You can certainly ease problems associated with shoulder injury through medical attention and physical therapy. However, protecting your shoulders in the first place is always the best strategy. Make sure your posture is the best it can be at all times, whether it’s while you’re relaxing in your favorite chair, standing in line, hitting the gym, or working long hours at your desk. Think “up and back,” because letting the weight of your head and trunk rest forward puts pressure in all the wrong places, including your shoulders. Positioning yourself before sleep is also crucial; resting on your favorite side when the weight is on your shoulder can definitely create shoulder impingement over time. Avoid any positions where your arm is over your head while sleeping. You’ll additionally reduce wear and tear on your shoulders by being more mindful of how you use them. Does your job or sport absolutely require repetitive lifting, reaching or swinging? If so, it’s helpful to get coaching from a physical therapist -- or even an actual coach -- about how to reduce the strain on your shoulders by shifting your positioning and using correct technique. Along with placing your body more efficiently to perform tasks, it’s also helpful to strengthen your shoulder muscles for light but frequent daily chores as well as strenuous, repetitive motions. Try to do a combination of some basic exercises a few times a week, in order to strengthen a range of muscles, including those in your rotator cuff region.

Doing wall push-ups -- essentially a standing push-up in which you “lift off” from the wall rather than the floor -- is one classic option. Secondly, consider buying resistance bands, which are inexpensive and portable. Attach them to a doorknob and pull them toward you, holding for a few seconds with each repetition. Do these reps in groups of five, two or three times a day. Lastly, don’t forget that classic “chair push-ups,” in which your arms do the work of lifting off the chair, are great for toning shoulder muscles. If you have questions about an aching shoulder or wondering if you are setting yourself up for injury, give us a call to speak with one of our physical therapists today. Your shoulders will be happy you did! http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00327 http://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail.aspx?cid=95bd746b-b25f-46f5- 8373-fb56c9f6b46a

Call us today to schedule an appointment!

PATIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHTS

“Patient is treated more than another task!” “Caring, professional, and knowledgeable staff, including the front desk staff. It’s just the right size, so that the patient is treated more than another task.” - Karen B. Harrisonburg, VA “Appalachian Therapy is the best in Moore County!” “I have been a patient there on several occasions with knee and back issues and Appalachian Therapy is the best in Moore County.” - Al M. Pinehurst, NC “Had my recovery as top priority!” “The staff are friendly, patient, and professional. I felt confident that they knew what they were doing and had my recovery as top priority. Adam explains each exercise and the reason for doing it. He is kind and helpful.” - Sandra P. Mathias, WV “Helped my pinched nerve!” “The therapy really helped my pinched nerve and I feel so much better.” - Cynthia B. Broadway, VA “They always cure me!” “They always cure me and they are so kind, fun, knowledgeable, and professional.” - Johnny R. New Market, VA “Their treatment of you leads to good results and lessening of your pain!” “The physical therapists have an intimate knowledge of the muscles of the body and how they are responsible for the pain that you are experiencing. They listen carefully to the description of your physical ailments. Most importantly, their treatment of you leads to good results and lessening of your pain.” - John H. Jackson Springs, NC

www.aptfc.com

COMPLIMENTARY SEMINARS You are invited to our

WHY DO I LEAK? SEMINAR SEPTEMBER 11TH • 7:00-8:30PM PINEHURST CLINIC • 910-215-0541

HYPERMOBILITY SEMINAR SEPTEMBER 19TH • 7:00-8:30PM HARRISONBURG CLINIC • 540-209-8977

Ray Metzger, PT and Dr. Teri Walsh, DPT will host a Why Do I Leak? Seminar that will be held Wednesday, September 11th at our Pinehurst clinic.

Colleen Whiteford, DPT & Lisa Shoaf, DPT will host the Hypermobility Seminar that will be held Thursday, September 19th at our Pinehurst clinic.

If you’re confused about what to do and looking for answers, here’s some of what you’ll learn:

We’ll be reviewing many ways to improve symptoms of incontinence and how to combat them.

We’ll be reviewing many ways to improve the range of motion in the joints.

Don’t delay! Register by calling or via email at [email protected]

• UPCOMING SEMINARS •

SENIOR ENRICHMENT CENTER (PINEHURST) ARTHRITIS: Sept. 26, 4-5 pm Presented by Karen Backall, PT

PINEHURST LOCATION: PLANTAR FASCIITIS & FOOT PAIN, & HOW TO NATURALLY SUPPORT YOUR ARCHES: October 9th, 7-8:30 pm Presented by Ray Metzger, PT and Dr. Teri Walsh, DPT.

Register by calling the Senior Enrichment Center, on 15-501, Moore County at 910-215-0900 or email at [email protected]. HARRISONBURG LOCATION: NEUROPATHY: August 15th, 7-8:30 pm Presented by Dr. Bill Whiteford, PT, DPT and Annie Baker, MSPT.

LOW BACK PAIN – THE MOST COMMON INJURY IN AMERICA: November 13th, 7-8:30 pm Presented by Ray Metzger, PT and Dr. Teri Walsh, DPT. Register by calling our Pinehurst office at 910-215-0541 or email at [email protected].

VESTIBULAR: October 15th, 7-8:30 pm Presented by Adam Van Nortwick, DPT.

BALANCE/FALL PREVENTION: November 14th, 7-8:30 pm Presented by Colleen Whiteford, DPT

Register by calling our Harrisonburg office at 540-209-8977 or email at [email protected].

www.aptfc.com

BEING A PRACTICE MANAGER WITH VICKI TERRY

It is an inside job. Being the practicemanager, onemust know ALL there is to know and more regarding scheduling, billing, accounts receivable as well as accounts payable. Making sure we all get paid and of course good ole Uncle Samneeds his part as well. Being aware of all the changes coming down the line each year with all the different insurance companies and of course the credentialing that is done on a regular basis. Making sure all employees are up to date on licenses, employee policies and the list just keeps on going and going and going….. You get the idea. This is some of what the administrative part of our organization performs on a daily basis. God help them. I would not want to do that every day but, heck, that is why we all work well as we all have different gifts. Vicki Terry is our administrative chief and manages all of this insanity into a neat and orderly package and does so with a finesse that is hard to beat. She is greatly appreciated and I have asked her to give us a little history regarding her position here with Appalachian Physical Therapy. “It’s hard to believe this month I will celebrate my 17th year working at APT. I began working in 2002 and about a year later was given the opportunity to assume the role of Practice Manager when the current one retired. For several years prior to her retirement I had the privilege of being mentored and “shown the ropes” froma lady thatmademewant to strive to live and performup to her example. (Thank you Faye, you were my inspiration!) I feel so blessed to work at a job that I love. My co-workers are not only friends but my family. These wonderful people have acceptedmy husband, daughter, andmyself and allowed us to be part of their lives. I am originally from Chesapeake, VA but moved to Rockingham County after attending EasternMennonite High School. After meetingmy husband (We just celebrated our 30th anniversary!) we decided the Valley was the place for us. We have lived in Broadway for the past 18 years and have a daughter that just graduated from Liberty University. In my spare time I love spending time with my family, outdoor activities, antiquing/flea marketing, cooking, and watching movies.

Over the years I have experienced somany joys and challenges and I would not change a thing. I never imaginedwewould leave all our paper trails and venture into the electronic age. (I think its’s safe to say that you can teach an old dog new tricks!) I have also enjoyed watching the therapists constantly striving to improve patient care through further education to improve their skills aswell as to keep up to date with therapy advances. One of my favorite things is seeing the relationships develop between our patients with myself and other staff. I work primarily in our Broadway, VA office so if you are here don’t hesitate to pop your head in my door and say Hi, I’d love to hear from you. I also have the opportunity of visiting or filling in at our Harrisonburg, VA office. I’ve even had the privilege of flying to our Pinehurst, NC office with the owner in his plane. I know our staff is very competent to assist you but if you ever need anything please let me know, I’m always here to help. “

ARTWORK AT THE OFFICE

Juanita “Winnie” Higgins Winnie Higgins was born and raised in Southern New Jersey and at the age of 90 came to Virginia to live with her daughter. She paints mostly in acrylic but does work with watercolor and colored pencil from time to time. She has won numerous awards both county-wise and state-wise in New Jersey, has taught classes in acrylic painting and judged several exhibits for the Federation of Womans Clubs USA. Her artwork will be exhibited at our Harrisonburg office July 25 - September 25. Open house at our office with light refreshments will be held July 31 from 6-7:30 pm. Come by, meet Winnie, and see her work!

MAKE PAYMENTS ON OUR WEBSITE! Appalachian PT gives patients the option to pay online using our website. All payments are totally encrypted for security. Select the “Pay” tab at the top of the page. It’s just that easy.

EXERCISE ESSENTIALS Try these exercises to keep you moving...

WAND SHOULDER FLEXION Lying on your back and holding a wand, palm face down on both sides, slowly raise the wand towards overhead. Repeat 3 sets of 8 reps.

Exercises copyright of

Strengthens Shoulders

www.simpleset.net

DEAD BUG | HEEL TOUCHES Lie on back, hands up, knees up and engage your core. Slowly lower one heel to the ground. Alternate sides. Keep core engaged.

Engages Core

Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

Why You Need To Come In For Another Check-Up:

� Move without pain � Bend and move freely � Balance confidently & securely

� Sit for long periods comfortably � Walk for long distances � Live an active & healthy lifestyle

TAKE CARE OF YOUR ACHES & PAINS BEFORE IT ’ S TOO LATE!

BROADWAY CLINIC 540-901-9501

HARRISONBURG CLINIC 540-209-8977

PINEHURST CLINIC 910-215-0541