OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga - October/November 2021

OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga - October/November 2021

MOTION Monthly THANKS, COACH HONORING THE LESSONS I LEARNED AS AN ATHLETE Everyone has someone or a group of people whom they look up to and whose habits they try to emulate. If you’re a former athlete like me — or were in the pee-wee leagues — I’m willing to bet some of those people are past coaches. That is the case for me, and as I continue to grow and learn as a professional, father, husband, and small-time coach, I remember those lessons today. Oct. 6 is National Coaches Day, and I’d be remiss if I let this month pass by without touching on a few of the ways my coaches have inspired me. I played a few sports when I was a kid, including baseball, football, and basketball. However, as I grew older, football became my main sport (I even considered a college career), and it was my high school football coaches who made the greatest impact. Now that I’m a leader, I have a tremendous amount of respect for their organization and structure. When you consider how they were able to coordinate effective, strong practices among 50–60 high school boys, it’s hard not to be impressed. Throughout my career as a leader at OPTM Saratoga and now within Golden Bear, I can appreciate their efforts, and I often look to their leadership as inspiration. The work we do at OPTM of Saratoga is very similar to the athlete- coach relationship. Not only do we coach our patients through the exercises their treatment requires, but we often find ourselves empowering our clients through this healing journey. I also believe it takes a coaching mentality to lead a team of therapists and aides through treatment plans to foster better collaboration (or teamwork, if you will). As we continue to grow at OPTM of Saratoga, I’m grateful to have learned about structure from my high school coaches. It’s become imperative to our success and ensuring those pieces of collaboration continue, so our patients still receive the best level of care possible as we continue to expand our reach.

Make Your Move to Better

Fabrice coaching his son Owen's baseball team

reader of our newsletter, you may remember I had the opportunity to coach my oldest son’s Little League baseball team when he was 7 years old. At that age, it was more like herding cats than coaching, but it was so much fun! My goal was to make sure the kids were enjoying themselves and creating memories they will never forget. Unfortunately, children’s athletics can be too serious (usually parents do this), so I tried to make sure my players had fun! Today, I still coach as an assistant, and I hope to coach my youngest son, too! Whether it’s through the clinic or on the ball field, I’m proud to follow the lead of the many great coaches I enjoyed over my years as an athlete. We have been able to instill a system of mentorship, teamwork, and trust by operating under a coaching mentality, and it’s made our clinic (and hopefully, my son’s little league experience) better for it. This fall, I hope you take time to appreciate the good coaches in your life. They may have had a greater impact on you — or those you love — than you may think.

I’m proud of this team at OPTM of Saratoga, and I’m honored to continue being one of its coaches.

–Dr. Fabrice Rockich

Of course, I’d be remiss if I let this “holiday” pass by without mentioning my own coaching experience! If you’re a longtime

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They Know What They’re Doing!

OUR NEWEST PT MAY BE FAMILIAR TO SOME PATIENTS She’s Back — Again!

SUCCESS STORIES

If you’re a longtime patient of OPTM Saratoga, then you may recognize our newest physical therapist, Dr. Nicole Reichenberger.

“Celeste Kim has been my physical therapist at OPTM and has given me a set of stretches and exercises to increase mobility and flexibility to my hips and lower back. I feel a night-and- day improvement compared to when I first started working with Celeste: no more back stiffness, better posture, and more flexibility. I have an exercise and stretching plan to help me maintain the mobility I’ve gained. I kidded Celeste that she was making up some of these odd stretches, but trust me, she knows what she’s doing! A++” –Rich H. “I’ve been working with Emily for my pelvic floor health this past year. She has been an incredible therapist, allowing me to be open and honest with her about my concerns — and she is always listening with an empathic ear. She has taught me that my body isn’t my enemy, and that with the right exercises and treatments, progress is possible. I highly recommend seeing her if you’re in need of pelvic floor help! She is very knowledgeable, kind, and caring. There’s no one else like her!” –Neralee P.

Nicole first came to our clinic as a young student to job shadow in 2016. When it was time for her clinicals during physical therapy school, she returned for six weeks, and this August, Nicole came back — this time more permanently.

Nicole is our newest physical therapist at OPTM Saratoga, and she comes to us with a passion for athletics and empathy for what her patients are going through. “I played soccer and field hockey, and I kept injuring and dislocating my shoulder,” Nicole says. “It was my first experience with [physical therapy] — I loved the process … I saw firsthand how debilitating it can be to have an injury that can take you away from what you want to do.” That experience in physical therapy sparked a career for Nicole, who says her favorite part of the job is interacting with clients and learning about their background, goals, and success. It’s the moments when clients are excited to tell us about how they went hiking without pain or picked up their grandchildren with ease that motivate Nicole to continue the work she does.

“Phil is a fabulous PT. I have had knee and back issues that Phil has helped me through. I would recommend not only Phil but OPTM as well. They are a fabulous team that works together.”

–Janet S.

“I started treatment with Tyler Vinson at OPTM in March after a referral from my primary care physician for a ruptured or bulging disc in my low back. Using body and soft tissue work and an exercise regime, he brought my pain levels from a 7 (where I was having trouble moving) to a 1–2. I saw significant improvement over the 20 visits covered by my insurance. The entire team is friendly and supportive. I would highly recommend Tyler and OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga — and would not hesitate to use them again.” – Judy H. “I have used OPTM Saratoga several times for various aches and pains, and their care has always been outstanding! Their therapists know which techniques and exercises will get you back to full health quickly. All of their staff really seem to care about you. Booking is easy, and you can usually book your next appointment within minutes. All around I’m always impressed with them!” –Sarah-Rose L.

And being back at OPTM Saratoga just makes the experience sweeter, Nicole says.

“It’s a really fun place to work … Physical therapy can be serious, [but] everyone has such a great attitude and keeps it really fun. I think that’s what it should be,” Nicole says, later adding. “I love how everyone is willing to help out. Everyone is approachable, friendly, and always willing to help me find my way.” Growing up in Cupertino, California, Nicole regularly returns home to visit and spend time with her family. They enjoy hosting barbecues and spending time in their backyard. She also keeps her competitive spirit alive on her Peloton and by playing tennis. And if you’re a superhero fan, Nicole

can chat about the Marvel Universe with you! She and her boyfriend are currently working their way through all the movies.

We’re glad Nicole returned to the clinic! She is a great addition to our team.

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HELP US HEAL MORE PEOPLE BY LEAVING A REVIEW! WE WANT YOU!

At OPTM Saratoga, our mission is to provide comprehensive healing without the use of injections, surgeries, or medication. Our goal is to help our patients get back to the lives they want to live in an effective, timely, non-invasive manner.

And you can help us do that!

This month, we are asking YOU to leave us a Google or Facebook review. Let others know how OPTM Saratoga helped you and what your experience was like. When you do that, we can help more people.

Why Your Reviews Matter

People want to do business with people they trust, and if you received great service and care from OPTM Saratoga, you can help others trust us, too! According to Inc., about 91% of people regularly read online reviews, and a whopping 84% of them trust the validity of the reviews. That’s a lot of power in your hands! When you leave a Google review for OPTM Saratoga, you ensure that patients who are considering physical therapy learn about their options. Your experience could ...

• Help someone in pain find the relief they deserve • Help a grandparent play with their grandchildren again • Help an elderly adult avoid a dangerous fall • Help a mother recover faster from labor and delivery • Help an amateur athlete get back to doing what they love Simply put, your words can have a tangible impact on someone’s healing journey!

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DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT — HERE’S SOME INSPIRATION! READY TO LEAVE A REVIEW? “Several months ago, I went to OPTM to help me address some issues I had been putting off. I have arthritis in my back and degenerative discs, so I assumed I would just have to live with my back pain, increasingly poor posture and breathing, and inability to enjoy golf anymore. After working with Tyler, my therapist, for 3–4 months with treatments and exercises, I am so excited that my back pain is much less, I can get deep breaths when I want, my posture is much better and continues to improve, and I am enjoying golf again! I feel very encouraged by the results!”

–P.Y.

“OPTM is the PT office I have chosen for the past 15 years to rehab my meniscus knee tear, shoulder labral tear post-surgery, nerve neck pain, tennis

elbow, strained back, and on and on. They have excellent physical therapists and support staff! They are thorough in their diagnosis, explain the course of treatment step by step, and are punctual and friendly. And my rehab has been successful every time!”

–G.P.

“After attending a free shoulder workshop, I went to OPTM for a free evaluation of a shoulder injury that

I sustained when I crashed while bicycling. Although I decided that I could manage my own recovery from the injury, I asked OPTM to help me with some exercise-related big toe joint pain. Tyler Vinson worked with me to increase the flexibility in the joints and gave me exercises to help reduce the pain to mild discomfort. The exercises also strengthened my left knee so that I can hike and bike vigorously. I am very pleased with the outcome and the therapy provided by Tyler. I very strongly recommend OPTM for your physical therapy. And they are very courteous and friendly too!”

–P.N.

12930 Saratoga Ave. #B5 Saratoga, CA 95070

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It’s the Key to Combating Chronic Pain PERFECTING YOUR POSTURE If you have sought treatment for chronic pain, then you know just how detrimental and debilitating it can be. For instance, what may start as hip pain can transform into knee and ankle discomfort as you try to function with an injured hip. This is what makes early physical therapy intervention so valuable; through safe, proper movement, your body’s chronic pain won’t become widespread and will be treated at the source. However, this same concept applies to how you sit, stand, and move. Unless you’re a musician, you likely haven’t thought much about your posture. This winter, take a closer look at how you stand or sit to help your body avoid the following common issues that come with poor posture. Shoulder and Back Pain Whether you’re hunched over your desk all day or sitting up too straight , your shoulder and back can take the brunt of the force you put on it when you sit or stand a certain way. This can lead to lower back pain and rotator cuff issues. (As your shoulder muscles take on this pain, so can your neck, which could lead to headaches.) Instead, try to find a happy medium where your lower back doesn’t hold all the force and your shoulders are not bent forward. Arthritis Intensity If you struggle with knee pain, you’re going to want to pay attention to this one. Poor posture adds more strain to knees, which can increase the level of pain and stiffness in this joint. This is particularly harmful to patients with arthritis, who already have chronic deterioration of this joint. Give your knees a boost by operating with proper posture.

Mental Health Risks Throughout the course of several studies, researchers have found that sitting upright and with proper posture can improve your confidence and mood. In these same studies, those who kept their usual posture or slouched did not report the same findings. Furthermore, better posture may make you feel less fatigued and contribute to better focus because walking or functioning with improper posture is actually far more exhaustive for your body! Looking to perfect your posture? Ask your physical therapist at OPTM Saratoga how you can incorporate posture exercises into your daily routine.

WORD SEARCH

ONE-PAN VEGGIES AND CHICKEN

Inspired by Tasty.co

What’s better than a healthy, seasonal dinner? How about one that requires minimal effort too?

INGREDIENTS

• 1 sweet potato, cubed • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 4 tbsp olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp rosemary • 2 tbsp thyme

• 2 apples, sliced • 4 chicken thighs

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a baking sheet, add potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and apples. Layer chicken thighs on top. 3. Drizzle with olive oil. Then season with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. 4. Turn chicken over and add seasoning to the back side. Return skin- side up before baking. 5. Bake for 30 minutes, and broil for 5–10 minutes afterward. DIRECTIONS

BLACK COSTUME GHOST HALLOWEEN

HAUNTED MOON MYSTERY ORANGE

PARTY PUMPKIN SHADOWS SPOOKY

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12930 Saratoga Ave. #B5 Saratoga, CA 95070 408-973-7700 www.optmsaratoga.com

The Value of Great Coaching Page 1

They Know What They’re Doing! Page 2

Meet Our ‘New’ PT Page 2

Battle Chronic Pain With Better Posture Page 3

One-Pan Veggies and Chicken Page 3

Corn Maze Safety Page 4

FUN FOR ALL THIS FALL 5 Corn Maze Safety Tips

Wear proper footwear. Ensure that you and your family all have proper footwear, preferably closed-toed shoes, while exploring the maze. You never know what kind of critters or potentially harmful hazards may appear in your path. Eat beforehand and stay hydrated. Be sure to eat before setting out into the maze and don’t bring any glass bottles with you, as it can be dangerous if broken. Furthermore, do not consume alcohol before or while enjoying your time at the corn maze. Be prepared. Accidents can happen, usually at the most unexpected times! It is important to always have a first-aid kit handy. Be sure to call 911 in an emergency and let staff know what is going on.

Fall brings apple cider, pumpkin patches, fun seasonal outfits, and corn mazes. Unless you are visiting a “haunted” corn maze, you and your family probably won’t be chased by a chainsaw- wielding serial killer while you try to navigate through. However, safety risks are still present. Here are five safety tips to keep the fun coming during your next corn maze experience. Follow the rules. At the entrance to each corn maze, there should be a sign stating the rules for visitors. For the safety of yourself, your children, and others, be sure to read each rule and follow along. Always accompany your kids in the corn maze — it is a maze, after all! Watch for tripping and fire hazards. Keep your eyes peeled for any obstacles on the path, including holes, bumps, ruts, and corn stalks. While navigating a maze, it can be easy to forget to look down while searching for the exit. To prevent fires, you should also avoid smoking and never use matches or lighters.

As long as safety is the top priority this fall, fun will be had by all!

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