OPTM PT Saragtoga June 2019

OPTM PT Saragtoga June 2019

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Changing Roles How OPTM Saratoga is Growing

When I was studying to be a physical therapist, I would envision owning a clinic of my own someday, but I never could have imagined this dream would grow the way it has. Now, after more than 20 years in physical therapy and nearly 15 years as a business owner, I’m humbled to now lead a clinic with 25 team members who are just as focused on helping people find relief as I am. Yet, at some point, I recognized that I didn’t have all the tools I needed to keep OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga running efficiently. In physical therapy school, entrepreneurship basics like marketing concepts and business administration aren’t part of the regular curriculum, and I knew I needed to fill in these gaps. With that in mind, I decided to scale back the amount of time I spend with patients to a few hours in the morning, opening up my days to new responsibilities. This new direction has allowed me to devote more of my personal time to my wellness, coaching my son’s baseball team, and spending time with my family, but it has primarily allowed me to take on more of a CEO role with OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga. Pulling back a bit has allowed me to see the ways the business and the team we have at this clinic have devoted themselves to helping others lead healthier lives. They have done a great job with this shift, and I’m proud that they represent OPTM Saratoga. We have a great culture at our clinic, and I have nothing but trust in their abilities. The tough part for me is fully letting go, and while staying connected can be difficult, I’m also learning that I have more opportunities to connect in different ways. Everything we do at OPTM Saratoga is interwoven, and I feel like I have been able to be more involved in this community than I have been in the past. I’m tapping into this creative side for the business that I had to stifle before, and I’m able to give more attention to the little details and expand what we can offer.

The staff at OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga

For example, I’ve been striving to offer more workshops for patients. This change in focus has allowed me to find the best way to disseminate this information through various platforms, including this newsletter and by offering more workshops and learning opportunities for patients. I’m excited to see this area of our practice grow more, along with the various programs we have already put in place. I’m thrilled to see the progress being made in our clinical mentorship program in particular, which has been established as a platform and program designed to attract more passionate therapists into this field and allows those dedicated to it opportunities to grow. I may no longer be in the trenches all day, but my focus is still on patient success. I’m learning and connecting with more patients than I ever have, because I have the freedom to focus on more than just my own patients. When I am at the clinic, I run into former patients of mine and can catch up on their success, but I also get to meet with new patients and hear their stories. Meeting more of you is even better when I hear the praise you have for my team; it’s honestly the biggest compliment I can get. If you haven’t seen me on the clinic floor recently, don’t be afraid to ask if you can say hi! I’d love to hear about your progress and ways OPTM Saratoga can continue to transform and stay involved in this Saratoga community. All of you are the reason we can continue to follow our dreams, and for that, our entire team is grateful. Dr. Fabrice Rockich

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Have Fun in the Sun Avoiding Common Summer Injuries and Finding Treatments

SUCCESS STORIES

Because of our year-round warm weather, it can be easy for Californians to forget just how fun summer can be. With the kids out of school and more families taking vacations, getting outside is easier than ever once summer starts. This year, don’t miss out on the fun of summer by preventing these common injuries. Play Like a Kid Summertime is filled with endless opportunities for kids to run and play, but more outdoor fun can also increase the chances for cuts, scrapes, bruises, and injuries. Avoid midsummer panic by assembling a first-aid kit outfitted with sunblock, aloe vera, bandages, ice packs, and water. Seek medical help for severe injuries, and consider the advantages of a physical therapy regimen for broken or sore limbs. Fore! There is no off-season when it comes to golfing in California, and the risk of injury is always a possibility whenever you step onto the golf course. Before you hit the links this summer, warm up by stretching your shoulders, arms, and back. Watch how you position your knees with each swing, and take plenty of breaks. If you do find yourself in pain, physical therapy can target common golf injuries. Golfers often report rotator cuff injuries, back pain, and muscle soreness — all problems physical therapy is prepared to treat. Dig in the Dirt There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cultivating your own garden, but the fruits of your labor will be even sweeter if your body isn’t in pain because of it. While you tend to your plants this summer, show your body a little love by taking a few precautions. Garden out of raised planters or use long- handled tools to prevent the amount of time you have to spend bent over. If you are on the ground, use knee pads or sit on a stool to give your joints some relief. Whatever you do, listen to your body, use proper form, and take frequent breaks. Don’t let pain slow you and your family down this summer. See how the experts at OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga can help you by calling 408-973-7700 and visit OPTMSaratoga.com for more tips.

“I have rehabilitated two labrum tears at OPTM Saratoga now with Fabrice and Phil. I have come out much stronger and healthier in both situations. I received the best treatment that was very personalized to my injuries and level of athleticism. From day

one until my last session, they were very attentive and always had my best interest in mind. Hopefully I won’t have to come back any time soon, but I can guarantee that I will come back here if I am injured again. Prior to my injury, I could not perform shoulder, chest, or triceps exercises without pain. I am now pain-free and stronger in all aspects!”

–Christopher Palermo

“Before PT, I experienced pain in my left knee, especially during jogging. Thuy methodically took me through exercises with gradually increasing intensity. After four weeks of PT, I now jog two miles every day and have no pain. I want to thank Thuy and OPTM Saratoga.”

–Behzad Razavi

“I absolutely love this place. Your entire staff is so great, friendly, and fun! My PT went well, Jenice was fantastic, very detailed with my exercises, and very personable. Really enjoyed my time with her. I’m now able to stretch my hamstrings

without too much pain and will continue my work at home so I’m able to continue playing soccer without the fear of reinjuring myself.”

–Suzanne Zorich-Feathers

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Little-Known Benefits of Physical Therapy DID YOU KNOW? What comes to mind when you think of physical therapy? If it’s post- surgery routines and relief from pain, you’re not wrong or alone in your thinking. But physical therapy can also help patients in many other areas of their lives! Read on to learn more about three little- known benefits of physical therapy. Cancer Treatment Relief Physical therapy will not cure cancer, but it can give patients a boost in their fight. To start, cancer treatment is exhausting, and it’s not uncommon for patients to feel weak and lethargic. Physical therapy can strengthen the body as it fights the disease while also remedying the side effects of its treatment. Secondly, your physical therapist can alert you and your doctor to any additional symptoms they find. As another medical professional in your fight, your therapist creates exercise routines specifically for your body and are a consistent check in with your health. Save Money Physical therapy is a great treatment option, but it can also provide you with extra savings. In fact, according to research, those who opt for physical therapy for their lower back pain save 50 percent more money than those who start their treatment with surgery. If you know you’re prone to tightness in your calves, have struggled with knee

pain, or are living with other forms of chronic pain, physical therapy can strengthen your muscles, relieve discomfort, and help you avoid a costly trip to the emergency room or a surgeon. Manage Your Health Movement can be a powerful tool in helping you prevent and manage chronic conditions, and physical therapy’s regimented fitness routine can be a great way to move. For those with diabetes, heart conditions, and lung diseases, physical therapy can manage and decrease the pain and discomfort associated with these afflictions. This may include educating clients on caring for themselves while they live with these diagnoses, too. The benefits of physical therapy stretch beyond muscle sprains and surgery. To learn how OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga can help you find relief from everyday maladies, call 408-973-7700.

ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH TOASTED HAZELNUTS With raw zucchini, toasted hazelnuts, and a robust Parmigiano-Reggiano, this early summer salad is a delight of different textures and flavors that will make a great side at your next cookout.

TAKE A BREAK June Word Search

N J

S B R R B T Z B H A T T V

H O R I

E J

R V M U E Q I

O Z

W I I M R V E F D Y W A Q H J G T M T R L A P N H M Z C N J A U H B A P K Z P U T A N H E S P R X S C X B J V S U M E D G O D K J V A U Y A L P S X I O V J B Y L N V T T N T M A S P O D B Q E E O H R U P H O T N M N N Z H H S D M F T O E U F L C U Y C B N E D V Q Q P O F K T D B W S J G V M N C A E B S M W A Y L G G G C B V X Y C D U D G U X F D X K D H Y A I Q G M I A G T R A V E L E H

Ingredients

• 3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.) • 1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped • Mint leaves, for garnish • Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish 3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve. Inspired by Food & Wine magazine

Directions

1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons

Beach Hot Play Tan Break June JUNE

Summer Travel Fun Outside Sun Vacation

BEACH

BREAK

FUN

HOT PLAY TAN

OUTSIDE

SUMMER TRAVEL

SUN

VACATION

on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice.

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18780 Cox Ave Saratoga, CA 95070 408-973-7700 www.optmsaratoga.com

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Dr. Rockich Explains His New Role Page1

What People Are Saying About Us Page2 Watch Out for These Summertime Injuries Page2 Surprising Benefits of Physical Therapy Page3 Zucchini SaladWith Toasted Hazelnuts Page3

Travel-Sized Fitness Equipment Page4

That Good Burn Fitness Equipment You Can Take With You While You Travel Traveling is one of the best ways to stretch your comfort zone and make new memories — if only your fitness routine didn’t have to suffer for it. However, there are ways to feel a good burn no matter where you travel. Pack the following equipment for your next vacation and never miss a workout. Resistance Bands Spend more time by the pool and less time working out on vacation when you double the effect of your squats with these rubber bands. Each band is a stretchable loop that you wear around both legs at once, and they’re conveniently compact and lightweight. (Pro tip: Wear your band just above your knees for the most resistance!) You can incorporate your bands into any workout, as the level of resistance you choose with the band will impact the amount of work your muscles do. The best part about this equipment is that it packs a punch for your glutes, and it’s small enough to fit in a purse. Core Sliders Traveling is a great time to have a few extra cheat meals, but you don’t want this indulgence to come at the expense of your core strength. While you’re on vacation, keep your gut strong with core sliders. These

thin, round discs are placed under your hands or feet as you pull and push your limbs away from your body in a plank position. They are the perfect tool for when a crunch just isn’t enough or when you’d rather not lay on the hotel floor. Swim Goggles Make your swimming routine more effective and (literally) keep your eye on the prize with a pair of swim goggles. Most goggles are small, and some even come with their own case. The key is to find a pair that fits your head well. Unlike resistance bands or sliders, which all function the same general way, an ineffective pair of goggles can leave you fidgeting with your gear more than actually working out. Try on a few pairs or read through the reviews before making your selection. You can feel the burn on vacation without getting a sunburn. Pack these lightweight tools in your carry-on and jet away on new adventures this summer.

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