Physical Therapy Example

Physical Therapy Example

717.591.0955 • www.GilbertPT.com Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Friday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

MADDEN

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

www.GilbertPT.com 717.591.0955

GILBERT Monthly

5103 Carlisle Pike • Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

MAR 2021

INSIDE

W hen I was studying to child. We were all very excited, but soon, she experienced intense lower back and hip pain. Her doctors told her this was normal and that it was to be expected with pregnancy. become a physical therapist, my sister-in-law became pregnant with her first I remember thinking, “I wish there was something I could do to help her.” As a physical therapy student, my entire education was focused on ways to help people recover from pain, and yet, my sister-in-law was being told that her pain was normal and something she would have to live with. I decided to dig a little deeper. I soon learned that about 80% of pregnant women experience hip and lower back pain, so I began studying how this pain could be treated and remedied both in prenatal and postnatal stages of pregnancy. By the time my sister-in-law was pregnant with her second child, I was educated and experienced enough to offer therapeutic solutions to her pain. To my joy, she was in far less pain during that pregnancy than she was with her first child. As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month this March, I’m honored to share my expertise and give an important reminder to moms, moms-to- be, or women who may consider having children someday. Pregnancy is a tremendous undertaking, and it often comes with intense emotions, changes, and challenges for many women. However, if the pains of pregnancy are not properly addressed during pregnancy and after birth, it may continue or lead to further problems. For example, lower back pain could become a chronic issue for women after they give birth. This can be especially true for women undergoing their first pregnancy. This is the first time their bodies have ever

FOCUS ON YOUR

experienced anything like this, and if not prepared properly or addressed as early as the first trimester, this pain and subsequent issues can follow. Pregnancy is also a beautiful time. Pregnant women are growing another life! But where the doctor’s appointments focus on the baby, its health, and the position its in, the work we do together at the clinic is focused on the mom. My goal is to ensure moms feel comfortable and cared for during this wonderful but challenging time. I also enjoy experiencing those moments with you! I love hearing about the first time the baby kicked or what new thing your body did this week. As I look back on my journey to becoming a physical therapist focused on women’s health, I can’t help but admire the woman who has inspired me all my life. My mom was my first teacher and dedicated her life to teaching me and my siblings. As a stay- at-home mom, she was always encouraging me to be the best I could be. She was foundational to helping me become who I am today. Now that I’m grown, I consider my mom to be one of my greatest friends. That’s the joy of motherhood. You raise and cultivate these little people to be the best that they can be, then send them off to be adults. I would hate for any moms to spend their time in motherhood focused more on their pain than on the memories they create during pregnancy and with their child. This March, I want to encourage all moms, pregnant women, and those who are considering pregnancy to think about their health. Just call the office, and I’d be more than happy to speak with you.

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You Don’t Have to Be in Pain When You’re Pregnant!

Our Very Own Dr. McMillen Can Help Women Feel Better During and After Pregnancy HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY

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Why We Love PT

3 Steps to Finding the Perfect Pillow!

English Ground Beef Pasties

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Your Story is Powerful, So Share It!

S cientists believe humans choose to work together because of the evolutionary benefits that cooperation provides. This could explain why we take our friends and family’s word for some things instead of relying on our own instincts, such as when deciding where to go for dinner or what movie to see. But when it comes to pain, we tend to fend off the weakness by not sharing our experiences. When you suffer from pain, the world can feel very isolating. You may think you’re the only one who has to worry about missing your favorite activities with friends or fake your way through a day at the park with the grandchildren because you don’t want to seem weak or old. But the truth is that you’re not alone! Just like you’ve got that one friend who loves tacos or a coupon as much as you do, you likely know someone who is suffering from chronic pain due to aging, injury, or genetics. That’s what makes your story so powerful. Just by sharing that story, you can help someone else realize that their pain isn’t something they have to live with alone and that healing can be affordable and noninvasive.

Why Your Testimonials and Referrals Are So Important SHARE YOUR STORY

Here are two effective ways to share your story.

1. Refer Someone: You can help your friend or a family member find a reliable physical therapist by referring them to our team. Start by sharing your story and answering their questions. Describe what your process was like and what you may have struggled with. Offer guidance they may otherwise have to spend hours on the internet to hunt down. Once you’re finished, give them our phone number so they can get more information on what they need to do to get started. 2. Write a Testimonial: Sometimes strangers make the most profound impact on our decisions. In fact, 85% of consumers read more than 10 reviews before trusting a business. Writing a testimonial can help those just beginning their search for pain relief. Share as little or as much of your experience with our clinic as you would like (online or in person at your appointment) and you’ll be able to help others you don’t even know on their journey toward healing.

Happy International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month!

–Dr. Abbey McMillen

Thank you for sharing your story!

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www.GilbertPT.com

717-591-0955

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WHY WE LOVE PT

“Results were fast and remarkable! I met my physical therapy team — Dr. Jon, Pat, and Erin — two days after a total knee replacement. In a little over two weeks, I set aside the walker and the next week put away the cane. They combined stretching and strengthening therapy sessions in a welcoming, stress- free atmosphere. While the therapy sessions were fast paced, I was treated more as a friend needing help than just another patient in PT. They were responsive to my questions and concerns and addressed them in a positive manner. Should I need physical therapy again, I will return to Gilbert Physical Therapy.” –Ernest “Ray” W.

HAVE A LAUGH

Do You Groan When You Wake Up? How Your Pillow Causes You Pain — And How to Prevent It

“After attending an arthritis workshop with Dan, I decided to make an appointment. Attending the

sessions and learning various exercises helped my lower back. It is doing very well, and I’m so glad I came to Madden. Dan and the entire staff are so professional and personable, and it was such a pleasure getting to know each of them. THANK YOU SO MUCH!” –Linda E.

S top wasting your life on bad sleep and get a better pillow! Yes, it can be that easy. We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping. Why not spend those hours in the most comfortable state possible? If you’re struggling with pain or stiffness in your neck and shoulders, consider improving your pillow game. Keep it neutral. The best pillows keep your spine and neck neutral throughout the night. This means your head doesn’t sink too far behind your shoulders, nor is it craned forward or tilted. Holding your head in these positions for too long can cause the neck and shoulder muscles to stiffen, and this leads to pain. Instead, find a pillow that fits your sleeping position. If you sleep on your back, find a pillow that offers a medium level of firmness and softness. Side sleepers will want a firm pillow that holds their head up, while stomach sleepers should choose a soft pillow that will prevent their head from tilting too much. Practice proper pillow maintenance. Like any other tool, your pillow needs proper upkeep to continue doing its job. Fluff it every day to keep the material from settling or losing shape and wash it twice each year — following the manufacturer’s instructions on the tag — to protect the material from dust, drool, and sweat. With proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your trusty pillow. Know when it’s over. After two years, all pillows need to go into retirement. By then, the material will begin to lose its shape, and no amount of cleaning will remove the grime and dust that has settled in it. Plus, your body and lifestyle may have changed in those two years. The kind of pillow that was once ideal for you may now be causing you pain. Evaluate what you need every two years and find a pillow that suits your sleep style. If replacing your pillow doesn’t do the trick for your neck or shoulder pain or you suffer from chronic issues, our team can help you find the regimen you need to strengthen your neck and shoulders. Call us today to feel better when that alarm goes off every morning.

ENGLISH GROUND BEEF PASTIES

“After surgery on my rotator cuff and bicep, I felt like I would never have normal use of my left arm again. Because of great recommendations on Nextdoor Kingswood, I decided Gilbert PT was where I wanted to have my physical therapy. Dr. Abbey McMillen, Matt, and Rachel worked diligently with me — always professional, cheerful, and understanding of my personal needs. It wasn’t long before I started to feel improvement in my range of motion and strength. What a difference they made in my quality of life. Because of my wonderful experience with the three of them and the excellent staff at Gilbert Physical Therapy, I have no hesitation about recommending them to others who are facing physical therapy after an injury or surgery. Thank you Abbey, Matt, and Rachel for a very pleasant and successful recuperation!” –Barbara D.

“The high quality of service, knowledge, and professionalism of therapists at Madden Physical Therapy (Matt Conroy) helped me to regain leg strength and helped to relieve my knee and leg pain. Now I am able to work in my own yard and flower beds and will soon be enjoying my granddaughter’s softball games again. I can enjoy life with my family like I did 15 years ago. Matt spoke with me after I attended their free clinic to alleviate knee pain without drugs or surgery. He evaluated my strengths and weaknesses and set up an exercise program to help ease my pain and to restore my mobility and balance. Everyone is very pleasant, professional, helpful, and efficient. All of the paperwork was handled, appointments scheduled, and evaluations done and sent directly to the insurance company. Now I can stand, sit, walk, and do yard work for a few hours at a time, not minutes like before I started PT. I feel as though I have been given a second chance at my family life. I would highly recommend Madden PT. Thank you for restoring my mobility!” –S. Wingler

In lieu of corned beef this year, try this spin on authentic English pasties — savory pockets of pastry dough stuffed with seasoned ground beef.

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb ground beef • 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced • 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry dough • 1 tsp dried parsley • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup beef broth (as needed)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, and potatoes. 3. Roll out the pastry dough into roughly 10-inch circles or squares. 4. Spoon 1/2 of the beef mixture onto each sheet of dough, then top the mixture with parsley, salt, and pepper. 5. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching each pasty shut and tucking in both ends. 6. Transfer the pasties to the prepared baking sheet, then cut sev- eral small slits in each pasty for ventilation. Bake for 45 minutes. 7. Remove the pasties from the oven and reduce the heat to 350 F. Spoon 1 tsp beef broth into each slit, then bake for an additional 15 minutes. 8. Serve and enjoy!

Inspired by AllRecipes.com

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www.GilbertPT.com

717-591-0955