Synergy Therapeutic Group - December 2018

Synergy Therapeutic Group - December 2018

1110 N. CEDAR COURT CARBONDALE, IL 62901

PHONE: (618) 529-4360 FAX: (618) 529-4560

12 SOUTH DIVISION STREET DU QUOIN, IL 62832

PHONE: (618) 542-8950 FAX: (618) 542-8746

DECEMBER 2018

Health & WWW.SYNERGYTHERAPEUTICGROUP.COM

Wellness

THERAPEUTIC GROUP

THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY

I n August, Illinois passed a law that revolutionized the way residents can alleviate their aches and pains. Patients no longer need a referral from their physician to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist. This means anyone can address their pain without months of jumping through hoops and waiting in agony. The old law was dangerous, leading people astray for long periods of time and hooking others into cycles of addiction. Before August’s changes, patients with back pain had to first visit their physician for some relief. Even if they knew they wanted to try physical therapy, they had to go to a physician to get the referral. Most physicians order MRI scans and X-rays to determine a diagnosis. Some prescribe opioid medication to help their patients relieve the pain, while others order back surgery for adjustment. In some cases, a physician would recommend both. The prescribed medications numb the body without targeting the pain. The risks of addiction increase as a patient continues to suffer through their pain and attempts to mask it with opioids. True relief will be postponed, and only after months of trying everything the physician has to offer will the patient get a referral to see a physical therapist. Within weeks of seeing the therapist, their movement usually improves. Suddenly, actions they could not do before are easy, and their pain subsides. Unfortunately, they still may have mounting medical bills and a lingering addiction pinned to them for the rest of their life. These drugs kill more than 100 people every day, and they do not discriminate against their targets. I see this too often. How Recent Medical Laws Will Help Save Lives A BETTER CHANCE TO HEAL PAIN

Lives can be saved if medical

professionals work together to find the source of the problem rather

than prescribing pills that act as sustainers to help someone live through it. Masking pain with opioid prescriptions and surgery before considering other options is not a solution. Now, I don’t want you to get the idea that physical therapy will help with every condition and that modern medicine is useless. Medical marvels happen every day, and sometimes there are underlying issues that physical therapy cannot treat. But unlike common medical practices, physical therapy works to find a solution. Therapists help guide a body through movements and exercises designed to strengthen a body’s natural ability to heal itself and alleviate pain. Therapists give patients tools and solutions for relief. If we can’t find an appropriate solution to the root cause of the pain, our exercises will still make the body stronger, rather than damage it like opioids or surgery do. Patients no longer need to wait to get a plan of care for their pain condition. They can come see us without a physician’s order. They can take control of their lives when it comes to pain-mitigating services without having to wait for a referral. Synergy Therapeutic Group ensures that each patient feels safe and hopeful for the future.

–Subrat Bahinipati

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AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

NATURAL SOLUTIONS

The effects of winter can be harsh on your skin. Dry skin is frustrating, especially when it becomes chapped and cracked. Sunlight, cold and dry air, certain soaps, and chemicals all aggravate and worsen this condition because they weaken the outer layer of skin and make it less capable of retaining and replacing moisture. Your genes are also to blame, since certain skin types are more prone to dryness. You know the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? When it comes to preventing painful cracked skin, this sage advice holds true. It starts with moisturizing, says dermatologist Ellen Marmur. “The best prevention is to begin using a moisturizer before your hands show signs of dryness.” Two ingredients are key to an effective moisturizer: humectants, which draw moisture from the skin to maintain hydration, and emollients, which smooth the skin and retain moisture. Both come in synthetic and natural forms and are easily found at your local grocery store. Natural humectants and emollients hydrate the skin long-term, while

synthetic versions may soften the skin for a while, but don’t moisturize as well. For natural humectants, use ingredients such as aloe, honey, and glycerin. Natural emollients include shea butter and avocado oil. Lotions with added fragrance can further irritate already-dry skin, so it’s best to use fragrance-free. Once you’ve picked your favorite moisturizer, store it in an obvious place — your desk, nightstand, car — where it’ll serve as a reminder to reapply it throughout the day. Once is not enough, Dr. Marmur points out. A single use is enough protection for only about five minutes. With your moisturizing routine down, protect your skin from the elements by covering sensitive areas, like your hands and feet, with protective layers. Use warm water instead of hot water to wash, and try to limit showers to less than 10 minutes. Even though they feel good, long, hot showers dry out the skin more. If you live in a cold or dry climate, you might also consider using a humidifier for added moisture.

PATIENT

SUCCESS STORIES

“I hurt my right shoulder building a large shed (too much hammering). It continued to get sorer to the point of not being able to sleep or raise my arm up. I took prednisone, which gave relief, but once I stopped, it came back. “I then received a cortisone shot, which didn’t help that much. Another doctor recommended physical therapy. After working with Claire for a few months, I am now pain-free.” –Stephen W. “My freshman year of high school, I started having recurring knee pain. Throughout my high school years, I tried a lot of different treatment methods, like topical ointments and ibuprofen. Now, after coming to Synergy as a high school senior, I can finally do the things my knee pain prevented me from doing before, like running and playing sports. I’m glad to say that I now have little to no knee pain anymore!” –Hope T.

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HOW PEDIATRIC THERAPY CAN HELP YOUR CHILD GROWING PAINS

You love your kid, and there isn’t anything you wouldn’t do for them. But for some parents, it can feel like their kids aren’t developing as they should, and nothing they do helps. There are many reasons why a child may be lagging behind their peers, but proper support and therapeutic solutions can help kids live happy, healthy lives. At Synergy Therapeutic Group, we utilize our expertise in pediatric occupational therapy to help children grow into healthy adults. Below are a few ways our professionals can help your child. Sensory and Brain Diagnoses Children with sensory integration disorder, autism, and similar disorders have a hard time perceiving what they see, hear, smell, and touch. Everything is heightened to the point of overstimulation. Other kids struggle to pay attention because of their overloaded senses, while kids with visual processing disorders may struggle to perceive the world around them because their brains are decoding information from their eyes incorrectly. These can be lifelong conditions, but most people can live successful lives.

Pediatric occupational therapy can help your child develop their fine motor skills while working through their sensory sensitivities. Therapists work with you and your child to develop a plan that is best for their sensitivity, helping their body progress as they grow with their sensory sensitivity. Therapists can also help you as a parent understand your child’s diagnosis and provide you with exercises to do at home. Coordination and Muscular Disorders For children with muscular or coordination disorders, the most basic activities are more challenging. This makes normal activities, like chasing friends, getting dressed, climbing into bed, or putting puzzles together, extremely difficult because their strength and mobility is weakened. Much like therapeutic exercises can help kids with sensory disorders master their motor skills, therapy can help kids with muscular disorders develop stronger bodies. They can train their bodies to function at a regular rate, and in the process, you’ll see the confidence in your kiddo skyrocket as they master more and more movements. Again, just like children with sensory challenges, most can lead happy lives.

GET BACK TO L I V I NG YOUR L I FE

Learn more about the pediatric programs Synergy Therapeutic Group can offer your child by calling (618) 529-4360 .

LEARN HOW TO MANAGE BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA WITHOUT MEDICATION, INJECTIONS, OR SURGERY.

BUTTERY ROASTED CHESTNUTS

SIGN UP AT SYNERGYTHERAPEUTICGROUP.COM/WORKSHOP . YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP. ONLY 20 SPOTS AVAILABLE! WORK YOUR BRAIN

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds fresh chestnuts, unpeeled • 2–3 sprigs rosemary • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste • Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 450 F. 2. Place a large sheet of foil on a rimmed baking sheet. 3. On a large, flat workspace, place chestnuts flat side down. Using a sharp knife, carve an X on the rounded side of each chestnut. 4. In a large bowl of hot water, soak chestnuts for 1 minute. 5. Pat dry and transfer to a medium bowl. Add rosemary, butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Toss to coat and transfer to baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer. Gather the edges of the foil together, leaving an opening at the top.

SOLUTION ON PAGE 4

6. Roast until peels curl up, about 30–45 minutes. 7. Transfer to a platter and serve while hot or warm.

Inspired by Bon Appétit

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

WWW.SYNERGYTHERAPEUTICGROUP.COM (618) 529-4360 1110 N. CEDAR CT. • CARBONDALE, IL 62901

THERAPEUTIC GROUP

INSIDE The Impact of Legal Reform 1 Combat Winter Skin With Natural Solutions Hear From Our Clients! 2 The Benefits of Pediatric Therapy Buttery Roasted Chestnuts 3 Get an Exam on Us! 4

HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATE

The free exam is ideal for people suffering from:

• Low back pain • Arthritis • Sciatica • Neck pain • Headaches • Shoulder pain • Knee problems • Problems walking

If you tell someone about the free exam, have them text us at (618) 243-7834. If they come in, you can get a free exam on us! You have to let us know you sent them! Allow others to get help too.

*For more information on how to participate, call (618) 243-7834. It is easy to get lost in the noise and opt out of communication from us. If you have not opted in, we cannot communicate with you.

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