| Fran's Favorite Quotes |
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"The more one judges, the less one loves." |
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The MPT Team is excited to support the following races this Spring- come out and join us! Girls on the Run- 5/16 Granger Paths- 5/17 (Click on links for more info) |
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Do you have pain in your back, neck, shoulder, knee or arm? Do you have pain when you exercise, garden or when going about your normal routine?
If so, now you can call us directly and get immediate relief as you no longer have to see your physician first.
We want you back in the game TODAY! Call us for an evaluation at 574-233-5754
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The new MPT site offers quick and easy access to essential information for our patients,regarding their first visit, necessary forms
and FAQ's.
The website is also a great resource to
learn more about our services, facilities and staff.
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| Dear Friends,
I hope you are all enjoying the signs of Spring as it is always such a glorious time of year with the signs of new life everywhere! On a personal note, I'd like to share with all of you, my daughter, Mara and son-in-law, Louie, brought into this world my first grand baby Elsie Grace Rodriguez! What a blessing! For all those grandparents out there, I don't need to say anything more.
I thought I would follow this great personal news with a remarkable story about a young 101 year old woman who brought in her daughter-in-law for her physical therapy last week? Did I say a woman who is 101, 40 years older than me, brought in her daughter-in-law for physical therapy? Yes!
I don't think I can truly explain to you, what it was like seeing and speaking to this woman! She is indescribable because she looks and acts like she is a young 70 year old. I couldn't help but ask her secrets to successful aging.
Her first answer was unexpected and let me know what a sharp woman she was as she informed me that she obviously had great genes. Her second answer surprised me a great deal, as she told me exercise was the other key! I asked her how she knew that exercise was so important and how often did she exercise. Her answer was again surprising! She does some form of exercise, resistance, aerobic or combination everyday! She let me know that weakness sets in daily and that she needs to strengthen her legs and upper arms to keep pace and/or beat the weakness that wants to take over her body.
Well, there you have it. A woman who has been able to keep ahead of her weakness curve by exercising everyday. I think we should all try to take her words to heart and continue to take control of our lives in order to stay healthy, independent and happy. In staying healthy, we can be independent longer and have every opportunity to live a longer life playing with our grandchildren ( and great-grandchildren in some cases!) and enjoying our children more than we could ever have imagined!
If you need direction, feel free to call.
Enjoy,
Fran
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Don't Let Gardening Be A Pain! April showers bring May flowers, and that means it's time for yard work! Common gardening activities, such as digging, planting, weeding, mulching, and raking can cause stress and strain on muscles and joints. This is especially true for senior citizens and people who are normally sedentary. Different body areas such as the shoulders, neck, back, and knees can be vulnerable to injury during gardening.
The following tips can help minimize or prevent injuries:
- Warm up before you garden. A 10 minute brisk walk and stretches for the spine and limbs are good ways to warm up.
- Change positions frequently to avoid stiffness or cramping.
- Be aware of how your body feels as you work in your garden. If a part of your body starts to ache, take a break, stretch that body part in the opposite direction it was in, or switch to a different gardening activity. For example, if you've been leaning forward for more than a few minutes, and your back starts to ache, slowly stand up, and gently lean backwards a few times.
- Make use of a garden cart or wheelbarrow to move heavy planting materials or tools. Be sure to keep your back straight while using a wheelbarrow.
- If kneeling on both knees causes discomfort in your back, try kneeling on one and keep the other foot on the ground. Use knee pads or a gardening pad when kneeling.
- If kneeling or leaning down to the ground causes significant pain in your back or knees, consider using elevated planters to do your gardening.
- Use good body mechanics when you pick something up or pull on something, such as a weed. Bend your knees, tighten your abdominals, and keep your back straight as you lift or pull things. Avoid twisting your spine or knees when moving things to the side; instead, move your feet or pivot on your toes to turn your full body as one unit.
- Avoid bending your wrist upwards when pulling things or using gardening tools. Instead, keep your wrist straight and use your shoulder muscles to pull and lift.
- End your gardening session with some gentle backward bending of your low back, a short walk and light stretching, similar to stretches done before starting
If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call @ (574)233-5754! * article courtesy of www.moveforwardpt.com, Andrea Avruskin PT, DPT
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