Stretch Physical Therapy & Wellness - November Edition

Stretch Physical Therapy & Wellness - November Edition

513-874-8800 www.stretchphysicaltherapy.com Painless News

November 2017

A TRULY

Meaningful Holiday Even though autumn is almost at its end, I’m still often struck by the beauty of Ohio’s changing seasons: drive. Though, even with the extra days, our plans are a little up in the air at the time I’mwriting this. My mother-in-law recently sold their family home and is rebuilding it into a kind of“landominium,”so it’s unlikely that will be the spot for future get-togethers. the deep browns, reds, and yellows drifting down from branches overhead, leaving

a multicolored spectacle wherever you look. When I’m driving, it’s not uncommon for me to actually stop

But no matter where we are, Thanksgiving is sure to be a big operation. Usually, our get-togethers range from 15 people all the way to 40, with

“I love Thanksgiving not only because it gets everybody together, but because it forces us to pause and really consider our relationships. “

the car on the side of the road, step outside into the crisp air, and marvel beneath a particularly

everybody bringing one or two items to contribute. With so many people pitching in, we end up with a table piled with all kinds of foods, from the classic standbys to some family recipes. Though, living in Ohio, I need to clarify: We don’t do dressing most years, unless I take the time to make it myself. Luckily, the day is usually pretty stress-free, with everybody working together to get everything prepared. Besides eating one of the most wonderful meals of the year, we spend a ton of time chatting and catching up with one another. I love Thanksgiving not only because it gets everybody together, but because it forces us to pause and really consider our relationships. We reflect on what we all mean to each other and the importance of these connections. We always take a moment before eating to say a big prayer and give thanks for everything we’ve been given. This year, I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a fabulous family, with all of us achieving so much in so many different avenues. I’m also thankful to have the opportunity to make time for these loved ones, breaking bread and drinking wine together without a care in the world.

gorgeous tree swaying in the wind. Sometimes, my husband pokes fun at me for this tendency, but I guess it’s just in my nature.

But as fall finally turns to winter, my favorite thing isn’t the landscape draped in frost. It’s the opportunity to reflect back on the year that’s passed, spend time with family and friends, and appreciate those things that make life meaningful. I’m talking, of course, about Thanksgiving, a holiday I

look forward to more than perhaps any other.

- Kim Nartker

The fourth Thursday of November used to typically find us at my family home out in Georgia. For years after I opened Stretch Physical Therapy, I was too busy treating patients and managing the business to make the time for the 11-hour

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3 Shoe-Buying Tips

FOR KNEE PAIN SUFFERERS

When you suffer from knee pain and stiffness, finding the right pair of shoes can make a difference. The right shoes can help alleviate some of the stress that is placed on the knee. However, for those with osteoarthritis, tendinitis, or any number of other conditions affecting the knee, tracking down that perfect pair of shoes is often a problem. To help make your next shoe search easier, here are a few tips to keep in mind. ASK FOR ASSISTANCE. When you know your shoe size and the style you want, it’s tempting to visit the shoe store, get in, and get out —all without consulting anyone. The truth is, consulting a shoe expert canmake a world of difference. For instance, many athletic shoe stores have the tools and know-how to set you up with a great pair of shoes. GO FLAT. Heeled shoes, both high and low, place a lot of strain on the knees, a notion confirmed by a Harvard Medical School study. When you shop for footwear, focus on shoes that offer even footing fromheel to toe. There should be minimal difference in the thickness of the sole at the front of the shoe and the back. SOFT, BUT NOT TOO SOFT. Well-padded soles help reduce the amount of strain placed on the knee. A good cushion will absorb the impact fromwalking, giving your knees much-needed relief. But you don’t want padding that is too soft, or you risk not getting the proper amount of support your feet require. It’s all about achieving balance between padding and support, something a shoe expert can help you find.

PATIENT

Testimonials

“I came to Stretch because I had severe back pain that limited me from getting down to the floor to play with my grandkids, and going to Kings Island with my family. I am now pain free and I can stand up tall, go to Kings Island, and can function without pain.” -Kathryn D.

“I chose Stretch PT for my therapy after spinal fusion surgery. I checked with family, friends, and social media for recommendations and nearly all told me to go to Stretch PT in West Chester. I went to them for nearly two months, and they not only helped to relieve my back pain, they helped my with my mobility and balance for my multiple sclerosis. I highly recommend them for anyone needing physical therapy.” -Mark K.

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Physical Therapy Can Help Young Athletes

RECOVERY, PREVENTION, AND EDUCATION

As athletics become a bigger commitment for children of all ages, injuries happen more frequently. Nobody wants their child to suffer an injury while playing sports, but when it does happen, you want to know that your kids have safe recovery options. Physical therapy offers many benefits to athletes dealing with pain, as well as those seeking to prevent injury in the first place. Young athletes aren’t just dealing with the strain of physical activity. They also have to cope with the fact that their bones and cartilage are growing, which increases the likelihood of tissue injuries. If your child is injured, physical therapy offers a safe, non-invasive path to recovery without the need for excessive medication. Physical therapy is a dynamic method that accounts for the unique needs of every individual. This adaptability allows for tailored treatment programs based on strength and flexibility training.

In physical therapy, recovery and training techniques are coupled with education, limiting the risk of a repeat injury. This education also aids in injury prevention by teaching young athletes about body mechanics. If a child understands the tenets of safe, mechanically soundmovement, they are less likely to end up on the sidelines. Sports medicine and physical therapy techniques increase range of motion, promote proper stretching, and help a child become more in tune with what their body is telling them. If you are the parent of a young athlete, consider consulting a physical therapist as your child becomes more serious about their sport. It won’t just limit the risk of injury; it can also increase performance. Of course, some injuries are unavoidable. In those instances, physical therapy is often the safest road to getting your child back on the field and doing what they love most.

HAVE A LAUGH ON US! Brussels Sprouts

WITH SAUSAGE

Looking for an easy, delicious Thanksgiving side dish? This gem requires only a few ingredients.

Ingredients

Recipe courtesy of InTheKitchenWithKath.com.

•

½ cup water

•

2 tablespoons olive oil

•

Salt and pepper

•

3.3 ounces fresh, hot Italian sausage

•

1½ pounds Brussels sprouts

Directions

4.

When sprouts are just about done, remove cover and raise heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring just once or twice, for a couple more minutes. The liquid should evaporate, and the sprouts should start to brown. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot or warm.

1.

Trim sprouts and cut in half.

2.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, 3–5 minutes. Add sprouts to skillet. Add ½ cup water. Add salt and pepper. Cover and cook 10 minutes or until just tender. Check them periodically and add a bit more water, if necessary.

3.

5.

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Phone: 513-874-8800 stretchphysicaltherapy.com Monday–Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

4851WunnenbergWay West Chester, Ohio 45069

Inside

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ThanksgivingWith the Nartkers

Shoe-BuyingTips for Knee Pain Sufferers What Our Patients Are Saying

Physical Therapy Can HelpYoung Athletes Brussels SproutsWith Sausage

Iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons

Iconic Macy’ s

THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE BALLOONS

SNOOPY When it comes to balloon characters, none is more famous than the classic“Peanuts” beagle. His first balloon floated through the sky in 1968, and he’s been a regular fixture ever since. Charles Schultz’s famous pooch holds the record for most variations in a parade (eight) andmost total appearances (40). Though Snoopy doesn’t come out every year, he usually closes the showwhen he does. PIKACHU The Pokémonmascot didn’t appear until 2001, but he’s become a star attraction, showing up every year since. Bright, expressive, and impossible tomiss, Pikachu checks off all the boxes for a successful balloon character. For 16 years, those who predicted that Pokémon was just a fad have gotten a big, yellow reminder of just how wrong they were.

Thanksgiving is a holiday full of traditions, from turkey and stuffing to football and naps. Since 1924, the Macy’s Parade has grown to become not only a Thanksgiving staple but also the world’s largest parade. Over 3.5 million people attended the parade last year, with another 20 million tuning in from home. The main attraction is always the massive character balloons, which first graced the skies in 1927. Over the decades, some of these balloons have become nearly as famous as the character they depict. FELIXTHE CAT When the Felix the Cat balloon appeared in 1931, it set the standard for all characters to follow. Sadly, the original balloon got tangled in wires and caught on fire, so it has been lost to history. Felix’s influence on the parade is so immense, however, that when Macy’s brought himback in 2016 for the parade’s 90th anniversary, they recreated his original design. Without Felix’s debut, that parade might look a lot different today.

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A One-Day Special OFFER FOR ALL PRESENT AND PAST PATIENTS OF STRETCH PHYSICAL THERAPY

Dear Valued Customer,

This fall marks the fourth anniversary of Stretch PT. We want to do something special to celebrate! This is our BIG THANK YOU for allowing us to serve you. To thank you, our valued customers, we are having a day of completely free exams for:

• All past clients who have not been seen in PT in more than three months.

• All present clients who have another problem not currently being treated.

• All loved ones, family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers of our past and present patients.

If you are a past or present patient, call 513.874.8800 to schedule your free exam. If you are referring a friend or family member, give them the certificate included in this letter and have them call 513.874.8800 to schedule their free exam. Free Exams Held On:

Tuesday, November 14th, from 7 am – 1 pm.

The Free Exam consists of a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with the physical therapist of your choice.

The PT will talk with you about the history of your problem. They will take measurements to test how well you are moving and to test your strength. After a thorough exam, they will give you a written copy of:

1. The cause of your pain or problem 2. A plan for successful treatment

The appointments are free, but limited, as each PT only has 10 spots. Call 513.874.8800 now to schedule your free exam. The free exam is ideal for people suffering from: • Lower Back Pain

• Neck Pain • Headaches • Shoulder Pain

• Knee Pain • Problems Walking

• Arthritis • Sciatica

- Kim Nartker Sincerely, Owner/Founder Stretch Physical Therapy & Total Wellness

P.S. As a special bonus, all people attending a free exam on November 14th, 2017 will receive a free copy of the report “How to Avoid Back Pain Surgery.” ** This free exam, valued at $75, requires that you get a certificate by calling ahead and scheduling a time.