ROC Physical Therapy - July 2022

ROC Physical Therapy - July 2022

Physical Therapy Treating Our Patients the Way We Want to be Treated

JULY 2022

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DOGS: PAWSOME COMPANIONS July and August are notoriously known as the dog days of summer, so what better time to talk about the dogs that have forever left pawprints in my heart? a curse! You’d get painted with a coat of Sugar Bear’s hair!

A TRIBUTE TO THE DOGS THAT MAKE OUR LIVES WHOLE

It’s often said that dogs are the only things in our world that will love you more than they love themselves, and having owned many dogs in my lifetime, I know this to be true. At the beginning of COVID-19, my family and I went through a terrible loss as our Sugar Bear passed away at the age of 13. Whoever first said that dogs’ lives are too short was spot on because this loss was devastating. Sugar Bear was an all-white English Lab. We were very fortunate to have loved on her for 13 great years, and she lived a wonderful life. She was my kid’s first dog and we taught her how to catch a Frisbee and fetch a ball. She loved going out on our boat, standing up on the bow, and letting her ears flop in the breeze as we cruised along, and she rode the wind. She was a fantastic water dog, too! Sugar Bear wasn’t much of a cuddler unless it was getting late in the evening or if someone was sick or hurt. Any time my kids got sick, she’d jump into nanny mode and cuddle them. Each time that I was in recovery mode after four different knee surgeries, Sugar Bear was cuddled up next to me on the couch. Her instincts were spot on and her heart was so big! When I’d do my routine situps and pushups on the floor, she always needed to make sure she was up against me, touching me somehow as I worked out. She was a great companion! “THEY HAVE A CERTAIN INTUITION AND LOVING WAY ABOUT THEM IN THAT THEY CAN WARM HEARTS AND LIGHT UP A ROOM IN AN INSTANT.” When you lose a pet, it leaves a giant hole in your heart, and each one has their own personality and special place in your heart. We miss Sugar Bear daily, but certainly not her shedding! Wearing dark or black clothing in our house was

My wife and I both grew up with dogs. My family had golden retrievers and one in particular, I really bonded with. Her name was Sundance, or Dancer for short. I was about 12 or 13 years old when we got her, and I latched onto her — she was amazing. I taught her to get the mail. When

she’d hear the mail truck way down the street, she’d ask to go outside. I’d let her out, and she’d go and wait in the driveway. Then, once the mail truck came up the street, she'd run up to it, put her paws up into the truck, and the mailman would put the mail in her mouth. She’d then proudly bring it into the house! The value of owning a pet is huge. They are amazing companions and so therapeutic — there’s a reason dogs make great therapy animals. They have a certain intuition and loving way about them in that they can warm hearts and light up a room in an instant. While my daughter was in the hospital when she was young, she had a therapy dog visit her in her room. The dog got up on the bed with her and snuggled, and it drastically calmed her and lifted her spirits. There is so much that dogs have to teach us about responsibility, unconditional love, companionship, and friendship. They are amazing parts of our lives and each one, just like a little person, touches our lives. I remember Sugar Bear, Sundance, and all of the other pups that were great companions to me, fondly. They’re amazing parts of our lives! – Matt Smith

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No. 4: Shin Splints If you plan on doing a lot of high impact activities, such as running and jumping, you may experience shin splints. You’ll need plenty of rest and ice to heal from this injury, but physical therapy can also help to get you back on your feet! A treatment plan that may include specific stretches, strengthening exercises, and massages can help alleviate the condition. If you’re upset about an injury putting a stop to your outdoor fun this summer, you aren’t alone. We see patients with life-disrupting and even life-changing injuries all the time. Your pain deserves proper treatment, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.

shin bone. Luckily, you don’t have to live in pain. Physical therapists can design stretches and stability/ strengthening exercises to address your specific problems. No. 2: Ankle Sprains If you’ve ever gone out for a run and suddenly felt a pulsing pain in your ankle, then you may know how easy it is to get ankle sprains. These painful and debilitating injuries can leave you helpless on the sofa, but a little physical therapy can get you back into the wilderness again. No. 3: Tennis or Golfer Elbow In summer, many people dust off their tennis racket and golf clubs to start playing again. Unfortunately, these sports can lead to some awkward movements for your body, especially your elbows. Tennis or golfer elbow can occur from repetitive strain on your elbow tendons. Even people who don’t play tennis or golf can suffer from these injuries, so they benefit from a diagnosis and a treatment plan that can help them avoid future problems.

Summer is a fun, exciting time of year. However, it can also lead to being less careful than usual because of all the fun activities we participate in! Here are some common summer injuries to try and avoid. No. 1: Knee Injuries Knees are one of the most commonly injured joints in the human body. You might experience knee pain after a fall while playing sports, or you can even tear your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), which connects the front center of your knee to your 4 Common Summertime Injuries PT CAN HELP ALLEVIATE

Ditch the Flops Why Your Flip-Flops Are Doing More Harm Than You Think

‘What if I just only wear flip-flops? Will that help?’ Unfortunately, this isn’t just something your body “gets used to.” Wearing flip-flops for a long period of time can cause chronic problems in addition to standard joint pain. For instance, you could experience plantar fasciitis — which is pain in the tissue that connects your heel and toes — or Achilles tendinitis. The latter results from overuse of the tendon in the back of your heel. Essentially, because your foot is having to compensate for flip-flops’ lack of support, the overexertion at an unnatural angle causes more problems over time. ‘So, I can never wear flip-flops, then?’ Good news! You don’t have to swear off flip- flops or sandals. Find a pair of shoes that offer the right amount of support for your arches. You can tell if shoes have this by looking for the “bump” in the middle of the shoe. Archies are a popular flip-flop brand with the arch built right in! Test drive a pair of these or consult with a trusted physical therapist to find the flip-flops or sandals that give you the summertime look we all want without the flip-flop pain.

Whether you’re walking around poolside or simply enjoying a day at the ballpark, few summertime outfits are complete without a pair of flip-flops. But if you struggle with foot pain — or are simply aging out of your invincible 20s — wearing flip- flops may be one of the worst things you can do for your feet.

‘Why do my feet hurt!?’ Because flip-flops don’t have any support, your arches receive more pressure than when you are wearing shoes that have built-in materials for arches, like tennis shoes. That often explains why your feet are sore, but this can also create a problem for the rest of your body.

‘Wait — flip-flops can hurt my whole body?’ Wearing flip-flops can limit how you walk because you’re compensating for the arch pressure. This can impact your ankles, knees, lower back, and hips by placing unnatural weight on these joints and muscles. This could also have an impact on your balance, since the distribution of your weight with each step is off-kilter.

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From pain killers to carbonated drinks, you can find caffeine everywhere on the American market. However, high caffeine consumption can pose risks. The good news is that in moderation, caffeine may contain useful health benefits, but if you want to actually benefit from caffeine, consider these healthier options. But what is caffeine, exactly? Caffeine is a natural stimulant — in other words, it stimulates the brain and central nervous systems, which prevents weariness and helps you stay alert. Over 80% of the world’s population consumes a caffeinated product every day, including tea, coffee, soda, and energy drinks. In North America alone, this number rises to 90%. Research shows that caffeine may possibly elevate your brain function and metabolism, and during exercise, it may even increase your body’s use of fat as fuel — but that doesn’t necessarily mean chugging an energy drink is ideal. Why? Its health benefits come mainly through tea or coffee. Walk into any grocery store, and you’ll notice that many highly caffeinated drinks are also high in sugar and additives. Sugar is extremely harmful to your long-term health — and GET CAFFEINATED IN A ‘HEALTHY’ WAY KEEP IT SIMPLE

no matter what benefits you read about caffeine, the harmful effects of sugar can overwhelm them by heightening your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and much more. The experts agree: Tossing a sugar cube or two into your cup of coffee isn’t the same as drinking a sugary Red Bull. Additionally, too much caffeine can cause some problems. In some individuals, caffeine can promote headaches, migraines, and high blood pressure. Caffeine is also a psychoactive substance, which means it’s habit forming. After a period of not drinking coffee, you might be familiar with the “caffeine withdrawal” and its side effects: anxiety, tremors, restlessness, irregular heartbeat, and even trouble sleeping. Thankfully, these effects are temporary. Studies show that the people who benefit the most from caffeine are often those who drink anywhere from 1–4 cups of tea or coffee a day. You can also find zero-sugar seltzer waters with low doses of caffeine if you need a small kick. Keep it simple, and you’ll avoid excess sugar and reap the benefits of caffeine more fully.

HEALTHIER HOT DOGS WITH SLAW Inspired by RachaelRayMag.com

TAKE A BREAK!

Craving a healthy dog for National Hot Dog Month? We’ve got you! Follow our recipe for a dog packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. (Serves 8)

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 green apple, peeled and diced • 1 red onion, thinly sliced • 1 small head red cabbage, cored and shredded • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 tbsp grill seasoning • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 8 organic chicken sausage links • 8 whole-wheat hot dog buns, toasted

1. In a large skillet over high heat, warm the vegetable oil. Sauté the apple, onion, and cabbage and toss until wilted. Season with cumin and grill seasoning and cook for 10–12 minutes, until tender. 2. Add the vinegar and maple syrup, then toss to combine. Cook for 1 minute and set aside the slaw. 3. On the grill, cook your chicken dogs according to the package instructions. 4. Assemble the works, starting with the bun and piling in the chicken dog and slaw. 5. Dig in! For an extra health boost, serve with grilled summer vegetables.

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916.983.5611 ROCPT-ergo.com 1635 Creekside Dr., Ste. 101 Folsom, CA 95630

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1.

The Dog Days of Summer

2. Why Summer Can Be Dangerous

Why You Need to Ditch the Flip-Flops

3. The Healthiest Way to Get Caffeinated

Healthier Hot Dogs With Slaw 4. Try These Easy, Healthy Microhabits

5 Easy, Healthy Microhabits INVEST A FEW MINUTES FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE

No. 2: Dedicate 5 minutes of your lunch to walking. Whether you want a relaxing walk or a quick jog to get energized, spending time during your lunch to venture outdoors might be more restorative for your mind and body than you’d expect. This is especially easy to do if you’re

No. 4: Create a gratitude habit. If your world disappeared tomorrow, what would you miss? Take time in your day, whether it’s the morning, afternoon, or night, to think about everything and everyone you value in your life. This advice isn’t just about achieving better emotional fulfillment; studies show that gratitude practices have significant health benefits, from improved heart health to mental health. No. 5: Take breaks. Avoid burnout. We can get fixated on our jobs and our obligations. But everyone needs regular breaks and personal days off to avoid burnout. Plan to take breaks, and make a promise to never skip them. With these small self-improvement commitments, you might surprise yourself with how far you can go!

Creating a new habit can feel like an enormous hurdle, but the most successful attempts often start with very small steps. Try these very small commitments — they could make a big difference, and even develop into more dedicated habits. No. 1: Go to bed 10 minutes earlier. Research shows that adults need 7–9 hours of sleep. It’s a common myth that adults can get accustomed to five hours of sleep, but experts from the Sleep Foundation say otherwise. While daytime drowsiness may stabilize over weeks or months, persistent sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your metabolism,

working from home!

No. 3: Find a way to eat an extra serving of fruit or vegetables. If you find yourself struggling to eat healthy foods, don’t subscribe to premade meal kits only to give up a few days later. Instead, try adding fruits and vegetables to meals you already prepare and/or enjoy. Once in a while, replace overly salty or sweet snacks with fresher alternatives.

cardiovascular system, and immune system. To slowly convince yourself to get more sleep, try getting to bed 10 minutes earlier each time. It’s a small, simple change that could make a noticeable difference.

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FREE BALANCE AND FALL-PREVENTION WORKSHOP

Wednesday, Jul. 27, 2022, at 3 p.m. Learn how to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling before it’s too late. The Otago Exercise Program is a personally tailored program that can reduce falls by 40%.

Call Today to Reserve Your Spot: 916-983-5611 Presented By: Alex Keane, Doctor of Physical Therapy, certified in the Otago Fall Prevention Exercise Program Matthew Smith, Physical Therapist with over 30 years of experience

Roc Physical Therapy 916-983-5611 Rocpt-Ergo.com 1635 Creekside Drive, Suite 101 Folsom, CA 95630