Woodlyn Physical Therapy July 2019

JULY 2019 WOODLYN WORD

WOODLYNPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM

302.366.7600

CLOSE TO A MIRACLE IS THIS THE BEST SUMMER EVER?

You know your summer is going to be good when the first few weeks start out on the right foot. This past May, my son graduated from college, my wife graduated with her doctorate, and my daughter went to Italy to spend a few weeks studying abroad. These were big accomplishments for each member of my family, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. I also started this summer off great. Last month, I mentioned the promising potential of the new Diowave 60-watt laser I brought into the clinic to offer laser therapy treatment. A few weeks ago, a gentleman from Florida flew up to train me on how to use the new laser. Since then, the results I’ve been getting are unreal. patients that he wouldn’t use himself. When I bring something new into the clinic, I’m always the first guinea pig. I’ve been using the Diowave laser to treat a nerve injury in my elbow. Part of my hand, between by thumb and index finger and down to my wrist, has been numb since 1993. Since I started using the laser, my hand has gotten 90% better. I’m not the sort of physical therapist who will use something on his

The laser wasn’t a perfect fix, but a night-and-day difference was something I didn’t think was possible. Having experienced this amazing improvement for myself, I felt confident using the Diowave laser on an old friend who came in for help. Two years ago, Carl came to my house in bad shape. He was losing feeling in his leg and struggling to walk. We did a couple treatment visits, but then Carl suddenly stopped coming. I didn’t hear from him for almost two years. Then, earlier this summer, Carl was at my door again, this time bent over at a 90-degree angle and walking with a cane. Carl’s back pain had caused him to lose all feeling in his leg. He couldn’t even move his big toe, let alone walk. This is exactly the kind of case the Diowave laser is meant to treat. We set up the laser and focused on the nerves coming down the spinal column in his back. After 10 minutes of treatment, Carl could feel my hand touching his leg. He quickly took off his shoe and was amazed to see all of his toes moving.

that simply weren’t effective, all while feeling worse and worse. After seven treatments with the laser, Carl was walking straight again, no more cane and no more pain. What’s even better is that he’s been sleeping through the night again for the first time in years. Carl’s wife was in tears at his last appointment, calling his recovery a miracle. I wouldn’t go so far as to call the Diowave laser a miracle, but it is healing people. There are so many patients who struggle with pain or mobility issues caused by inflamed nerves. Until now, there were limited opportunities to get quality treatment for those problems. Carl and I are both proof of what can happen when you start thinking outside of the box with your health. This summer has been pretty great, and I look forward to what the future will bring. If Carl and I are any indication, with the Diowave at the clinic, the future will bring many more happy, healthy patients.

Over the last two years, Carl had spent a couple grand on various treatments

-Jim Brennan

WOODLYNPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM • 302.366.7600

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LIMBERING UP FOR YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP

Even though road trips offer you a break from the monotony of your office, the stiffness in your muscles and joints that comes from sitting in one position for too long can follow you onto the road if you’re not careful. Whether in front of a laptop or behind the wheel, taking the opportunity to stretch and exercise on your summer road trip is a great way to prevent the soreness from following you back to the office. Here are a few stretches to keep in mind for the next rest stop.

your elbows at 90-degree angles, then lean forward. This will cause your chest muscles to open up. Hold this position for 15 seconds. You can do a similar stretch by bending downward while keeping your hands on your car door in front of you, stretching your entire upper body. While you’re driving, a good way to prevent sore hips is by making sure your knees are slightly elevated above them in your seat. Once you have the opportunity to stop, try doing some hip flexors. Kneel on one knee, slowly push your pelvis forward, squeeze your shoulders back, and open your chest. Hold this position for 15 seconds, then repeat while kneeling on the other knee. FOR THE HIPS

FOR THE NECK

your arms upward, and then lean your upper body forward. You’ll feel a pull in the back of your upper leg. Once you’ve done this for about 15–30 seconds, repeat the process with your left heel. The road may be long, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel it in your muscles. If you stop every couple of hours and take some time to limber up, your body will thank you.

Reach your left arm over the top of your head and touch your right ear. Then, gently pull your head to the left and hold it there for 15 seconds. Repeat this process with your right arm.

FOR THE CHEST

FOR THE LEGS

Stand in front of a door frame with one hand pressed on either side and

To stretch out your hamstrings, place your right heel on a small step. Extend

ZUCCHINI, AVOCADO, AND SWISS CHARD—OHMY! A GUIDE TO EATING SEASONALLY THIS JULY

When you eat something during its harvesting season, you get the most out of your meal. In-season fruits and vegetables are more nutrient-dense than their out-of-season counterparts, and there’s no matching the flavor profile of fresh, in-season produce. Even better, because in-season foods are so bountiful during their peak, you can save a lot of money by shopping with the season. This July, enjoy some tasty foods during their prime with this handy guide.

Don’t forget about the cherries and blueberries, too! Because these fruits are so plentiful this time of the year, it’s easy to find ingredients for your favorite recipes. Host a Latin-inspired foods night with fresh guacamole and salsa, or make a delectable shortcake with a blackberry and strawberry mixture on top. There’s no better time to fire up the grill than July, and not just because of the weather. Zucchini and corn reach their peak during July, and these grilling favorites pair well with steaks, burgers, hot dogs, or fish. Go low-carb by stuffing your zucchini with vegetables and a protein for a charred skillet bowl. Even better, add some corn to your fresh salsa to add an extra zing to your GRILL GAME SO STRONG

tacos. Regardless of how you utilize them, zucchini and corn are sweetest, juiciest, and freshest during July.

GO GREEN

Filling your plate with plenty of greens is never easier than in July. Pick up a bundle of spinach, arugula, lettuce, Swiss chard, or any other leafy green, which are all juiciest and freshest during July. Cucumbers and green beans are bountiful this time of the year, as well. This July, add some fresh flavor to your water with cucumbers or create hearty salads with any of the leafy greens mentioned above. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate the middle of summer than by consuming its most delicious foods.

FRUITFUL HARVEST

Avocado toast lovers rejoice! Your season is here. Avocados are in season during July, joining many other fruity favorites. Gorge yourself on scrumptious blackberries, sweet strawberries, and bountiful tomatoes.

WOODLYNPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM • 302.366.7600

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INSOMNIACS UNITE 3 FREE APPS TO HELP YOU CATCH THOSE Z’S

Everyone with a smartphone has heard time and time again that looking at your phone before bed is a bad idea. According to the National Sleep Foundation, “The use of electronic devices in the bedroom further disrupts the natural pattern of the sleep-wake cycle” primarily because of the blue light emitted

from the screen. While most scientific >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

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