A Thank You to the Patients at Lakeshore Physical Therapy

by Julia Glick, PT

As we usher in December and begin to reflect on this unusual and tumultuous year, it is important to identify the facets of our lives that give us meaning. For me, the ability to continue our work as physical therapists has been the fundamental through-line of 2020. During a time with many unknowns we have been able to come to work every day and do what we know how to do best: help patients. The patients at Lakeshore Physical Therapy allow us this privilege, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Even when we are not living in a pandemic, I love my job. I get to have uplifting interactions with people daily and see them improve, progress, and transform! I still get excited each time a post-operative patient starts to walk without a limp, or to see the delight in a patient's eyes as they announce that they could go down the stairs without pain for the first time. Of course the body is full of surprises and not every patient visit is one of drastic improvement, but I am able to end each day having made a positive impact on someone’s life or having been inspired by the wonderful patients at Lakeshore Physical Therapy. 

Not only do I get to apply my passion for anatomy and biomechanics and further my understanding of the uniqueness of each body, I get to learn about our patients as they allow us to become a part of their lives, some over many years. We celebrate important milestones together - engagements, new houses, births of children and grandchildren, and most recently, the adoption of many puppies. The mutual trust and genuine regard we share with our patients extends into our lives as well: as I planned and celebrated my own wedding this year, many of our patients were eager to hear updates, and it was lovely to be able to share photos and stories with them.

 

While this year has been difficult and isolating at times, the patients who have allowed me to participate in their care have given me joy and purpose. And as we turn to brave the uncharted year ahead, I am happy as I look forward to the continued opportunity to partner with our patients for a healthy new year. 

 

Thank you to everyone who lets us do what we love – especially all of our patients! 

Start 2017 Off Right!

by Sally Fansler, PT

The start of a new year is the perfect time to resolve to change something. As we all know, however, a New Year’s resolution can be difficult to stick to. In fact, University of Scranton research suggests that even with the best intentions, just 8% of people achieve their New Year’s goals. So why do so many of us fail at goal-setting?

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard digs into the issue by looking into the human psyche to examine why we tend to resist change. In order to make a change, the authors pinpoint three things that need to be addressed. The first of these is the Elephant: our emotional side, the instinctive part of us that craves instant gratification. Often the Elephant is the first cause of failure because in the short term, it’s much nicer to sleep in or eat ice cream than it is to get up early to go to the gym or eat broccoli. The second component, the Rider, sits on top of the Elephant. The Rider is analytical and strategic, but often has difficulty controlling the emotional Elephant. The last component to successful change is to make a straight and clear Path. With that, the Elephant does not pull the Rider off course and the Rider can guide the Elephant smoothly along the Path.

In physical therapy, we consistently encourage our patients to set realistic goals and make changes. A change in posture can alleviate neck pain. A change in hip strength can improve running speed. A change in overall fitness level can reduce daily fatigue. Pain can be a motivating factor in the beginning, but by changing a habit, we remove conscious deliberation from the situation, which helps us on a healthy path. Here are a few tips:

• Make your goals clear and concise. “Lose weight” is unclear and easily compromised. “Lose 10 pounds in 90 days” is measureable and specific.
• Set small, easy steps to motivate the Elephant. Many people quit because their goal feels like too much at once.
• Establish some accountability by setting up someone to report to and share in your progress.
• Celebrate small successes rather than waiting until the goal is complete.
• Focus on the present. Right now, what can be done to help move forward toward your goal?

Change is a continuous process and must be sustained over a long period of time for the results to be clear. A combination of a solid goal, a dose of motivation, and a supportive environment are the best ingredients for success.

References:

Heath C, Heath D.  Switch:  How to Change Things When Change Is Hard, Random House Inc., (New York: 2010).

“New Years Resolution Statistics,” Statistic Brain (2016), data from University of Scranton Journal of Clinical Psychology.