FyzicalLasCruces: October Is PT Month

NEWSLETTER THE

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OCTOBER IS NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH

INSIDE: • Why #ChoosePT? • Staff Spotlights

• Reducing Stress With Mindfulness • Free Virtual Workshops

October is fast approaching, and with it comes its share of official “national day” designations, including whimsical days like “National Pumpkin Seed Day.” But did you know that the entire month has been dedicated to National Physical Therapy Month? So, as the leaves are turning and you’re working on your jack-o-lanterns, take the time to learn more about the many benefits of physical therapy. What Is National Physical Therapy Month All About? For almost 40 years, physical therapy has been celebrated by official proclamation. And since 1992, October is the month for honoring physical therapists and the important role they play in healing people in pain. In the modern era of social media, hashtags like #UsePhysicalTherapy and #ChoosePT have helped spread the word. Physical Therapy Month allows patients to share their stories about how PT has changed their lives for the better. It also gives physical therapists a forum for spreading the word about the different kinds of treatment patients can receive. Many members of the general public don’t realize that aside from specialized exercises that build strength and flexibility, PT also offers pain management through massage, heat and cold applications, and specialized electronic-pulse devices. OCTOBER IS NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH NEWSLETTER THE

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Whether you have been injured or have been suffering for a long time, seeing a physical therapist at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers can help you return to a more active and pain-free life. Give us a call at the location nearest you! What Symptoms and Conditions Does PT Help? Physical therapy tends to be associated with sports injuries, along with chronic problems such as back pain, surgery recovery, and balance issues. Yet, you may not realize the range of problems which physical therapy can help -- both for pain management and to help ease other symptoms. Do you have hand pain and stiffness? Physical therapists treat hand and wrist conditions ranging from carpal tunnel to “trigger finger.” Tennis elbow and rotator cuff injuries can also be aided through PT. Among other conditions the general public may not associate with physical therapy are pelvic floor dysfunction, TMJ, cardiopulmonary disease, Parkinson’s, and traumatic brain injuries.

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WHY #CHOOSEPT?

In recent years, National Physical Therapy Month has also focused on the alternative PT offers over opioids. With opioid abuse at an all-time high -- and tragic overdoses on the rise -- alternatives to this class of prescription medication are even more important. The National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that opioid prescriptions have quadrupled in recent years. Yet, the number of people reporting chronic pain has not gone down. Of course, many people who have conditions like back injuries or arthritis already understand that physical therapy can increase their range-of-motion. But aside from adding flexibility, physical therapy is a viable way to reduce acute and chronic pain. Prescriptions certainly have a valid place in pain management, and it’s true that physical therapy isn’t right for every patient. So how can you tell if physical therapy is a better choice than prescription opioids? The CDC suggests that if you fall into any of these categories, physical therapy can be beneficial: • Pain comes from fibromyalgia, low back pain, knee arthritis or hip arthritis. These conditions in particular are known for responding well to physical therapy when it comes to pain management. • The pain has lasted more than 90 days, meaning that it has gone from “acute” to “chronic.” • The benefits of prescription opioids don’t outweigh their risks. In the early days after an injury or an operation, painkillers help patients function without crippling pain. But with each day that passes, the risks opioids pose outweigh the rewards. • If you’ve become afraid of the pain. Obviously, nobody welcomes physical discomfort. But some people become overly dependent

on a pill’s ability to remove all aches and twinges. In physical therapy, pain is a way to determine exactly what needs to be worked on, in order to reduce discomfort down the road. Does an official month really matter, given that physical therapists are out there making a difference every day? In many ways, yes! If you or a loved one has been on the fence about giving PT a chance, the many stories you’re likely to hear during this month of public awareness may help you to decide. If you have any questions about whether you should #UsePhysicalTherapy, call our office today to discuss your condition and to set up an evaluation. Sources: https://www.moveforwardpt.com/ChoosePT/Toolkit https://www.moveforwardpt.com/choose-physical-therapy-over-opioids-for-pain-management- choosept https://www.moveforwardpt.com/Resources/Detail/physical-therapy-vs-opioids-when-to- choose-physica https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160645.php https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-physical-therapy-month-october/

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graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions with a doctorate degree in physical therapy. She has worked in multiple settings in both Idaho and Connecticut, but her passion is in working in outpatient clinics where she uses personalized approaches for each patient to help them achieve their goals. She has advanced training in the use of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and has used it extensively to helpmany with joint pain, especially in the spine. Emily loves going on adventures with her husband, Jason. Some of those include snorkeling, hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, exploring caves, fishing, visiting historical sites, and of course, long walks on the beach. As new residents to New Mexico, they can’t wait to see what else is in store! Robert, DPT, PT

STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Rodrigo Quevedo, DPT, PT Rodrigo was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He grew up playing tennis, soccer, and golf and has always had a passion for sports and the great outdoors. After high school, Rodrigo attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a focus on Motor Behavior and a

doubleMinor in Psychology and Sociology. He then attended the University of Texas at El Paso and graduated with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Since graduation, Rodrigo has worked in various settings in Texas, New Mexico, and Washington state but his primary interest is the outpatient setting where he has had the opportunities to evaluate and treat a multitude of diagnoses. Rodrigo’s treatment philosophy is patient-centered – he seeks to deliver competent, evidenced-based care with a specialized focus on holistic wellness. In his free time, Rodrigo enjoys golfing, hiking, cycling, hot yoga, spending time with family, reading books/current events, and traveling domestically and internationally – having traveled to 20 countries to date. Emily, DPT, PT

Robert grew up in southern Texas in a city called Pharr. Robert enjoys playing guitar in his spare time, watching sports, going on hikes, and playing with his dog Einstein. He became interested in physical therapy later in his life as he had the privilege of taking his father to physical therapy after having both of his knees replaced. Robert went to The University of Texas at El Paso in order to obtain his Doctoral of Physical Therapy degree. Robert also is

Emily grew up in Southeastern Idaho surrounded by potato fields. She became interested in physical therapy after watching her sister go through extensive therapy for her shoulder. She later

very excited to help the communities of El Paso and Las Cruces. Robert’s passions include sports, orthopedics, and vestibular. He also enjoys getting to know patients and helping them get back to the things they love to do.

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FREE VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS

REDUCING STRESS WITH MINDFULNESS There are several stressors that each of us deal with on a daily basis. Between doing our jobs, taking care of our families, and paying attention to current events, it’s hard not to be stressed sometimes! However, there are ways to combat stress, such as practicingmindful behavior. According to Help Guide, mindfulness has been found to be a key element in stress reduction and overall happiness. Being mindful means that you are focusing your attention on the present moment, accepting and observing it for what it is without judgement. If you practice mindfulness on a daily basis, you will be better able to respond to stressful situations in a calm and level-headedmanner. The less stress you experience, the lower your risk is of developing many health problems that are directly correlated to stress. Practicing mindful behavior improves your mood, and helps your brain to function and focus more efficiently. Mindfulness allows you to be more focused, which keeps you safer and healthier. It also brings a more open attitude towards the unknown. This decreases feelings of anxiety or worry. There’s no reason to crack under pressure! Learning new breathing techniques to center yourself during the day and paying attention to what kinds of stress affect what parts of your body can really help your health in the long run. To learnmore about stress management, contact our physical therapy clinics in Las Cruces and El Paso.

OCTOBER 21ST | 6:30PM NOVEMBER 18TH | 6:30PM Low Back Pain & Sciatica HELD ON ZOOM! OCTOBER 7TH | 6:30PM NOVEMBER 4TH | 6:30PM Balance & Dizziness DECEMBER 2ND | 6:30PM Shoulder Pain

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