Ergonomic Spring Cleaning

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As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, we feel energized and motivated to engage in spring cleaning, a ritual that has been taking place for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Spring cleaning gives us an opportunity to breathe new life into our homes after the winter season.

Deep cleaning your home can be a daunting task, especially for those with chronic pain or limited mobility. The following tips for ergonomic cleaning can help you avoid pain and strain while getting the job done.

  1. Use Proper Tools: Invest in ergonomic cleaning tools that reduce the need for bending and stretching. Lightweight vacuum cleaners with adjustable handles and mops with long handles are great tools for reducing back strain. Consider using a scrub brush with long handles for cleaning your bathtubs and showers. You can even get a powered version which rotates on its own which helps you avoid having to tightly grip and exert pressure onto the cleaning tool to scrub away messes.
  2. Maintain Good Posture: Stand up straight while cleaning and avoid bending over excessively. Try to look ahead rather than looking down. Looking ahead can help in maintaining good posture and avoiding strain on the neck. Utilize a step stool by sitting on it when cleaning low areas rather than bending down to clean.
  3. Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated: Cleaning can be physically demanding, so take regular breaks to rest your muscles and prevent fatigue. Drink plenty of water while cleaning to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels.
  4. Alternate Tasks: Avoid doing repetitive motions for an extended period. Alternate between tasks to give different muscle groups a break.
  5. Use Proper Lifting Techniques: When lifting heavy objects like buckets or furniture, bend your knees and use your legs to lift, rather than your back. Keep the object close to your body and avoid twisting while lifting.
  6. Use Padding: Place padding under your knees or use knee pads when kneeling to clean low surfaces to reduce strain on your joints.
  7. Use Two Hands: When using cleaning tools like mops or brooms, use both hands to distribute the workload evenly and reduce strain on one side of your body. When dusting or wiping down surfaces, alternate between hands.
  8. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any discomfort or pain while cleaning. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and take a break or adjust your technique.

Workplace Wellness – What Is It and Why It Should Matter

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There are many factors that come into play when searching for a new career opportunity; location, pay rate, and benefits are always the topics of conversation during the interview process. How much of the company culture and the other important factors come into the conversation?  At Tx:Team, we are proud of our culture and the essential elements that define us.

Indeed, one of the top platforms for job searching, has compiled information based on reviews and determined a Workplace Wellness score for each company. This score serves as a report card reflecting employees’ sentiments about their workplace. Indeed collects information to help job seekers find better work and to encourage companies to create positive work environments where employees can thrive. This information is helpful for people who are looking for jobs because it can show them which companies are the best fit for them.

Guided by insights from the largest study of work well-being and in collaboration with industry experts, the Work Wellbeing Score evaluates the key aspects of happiness, stress, satisfaction, and purpose.

The Work Wellbeing Score brings together the following four survey statements:

  • Happiness: I feel happy at work most of the time.
  • Purpose: My work has a clear sense of purpose.
  • Satisfaction: Overall, I am completely satisfied with my job.
  • Stress-free: I feel stressed at work most of the time.

 

 

 

 

 

What is your company’s Workplace Wellness Score?

Tx:Team has a Workplace Wellness score of 82 = High. This is a direct reflection on how associates have responded to the survey statements.

The wellbeing survey statements are:

  • Achievement: I am achieving most of my goals at work.
  • Appreciation: There are people at work who appreciate me as a person.
  • Belonging: I feel a sense of belonging in my company.
  • Compensation: I am paid fairly for my work.
  • Energy: In most of my work tasks, I feel energized.
  • Flexibility: My work has the time and location flexibility I need.
  • Inclusion: My work environment feels inclusive and respectful of all people.
  • Learning: I often learn something at work.
  • Management: My manager helps me succeed.
  • Support: There are people at work who give me support and encouragement.
  • Trust: I can trust people in my company.

When searching for a new career opportunity, location, pay rate, and benefits are understandably at the top of the list of considerations. However, as a job seeker, it’s crucial not to overlook asking about the company’s workplace wellness initiatives as they can provide valuable insights into whether the company’s culture aligns with your preferences and values. Take the opportunity to ask whether employees feel energized, supported, and encouraged in their roles. Ask them what their Workplace Wellness is—it’s a topic we’re passionate about discussing here at Tx:Team!

Ask an Expert: Where Can I Find a Good Pair of Supportive Shoes That Still Look Good?

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Question: Where can I find a good pair of supportive shoes that still look good?

Answer: We recommend searching within your community for a local shoe store that specializes in footwear. Shoes are categorized by features that address different foot mechanics and diagnoses. Shoes are classified by three types such as neutral, stability, and motion control.

Shoe stores often cater to walkers and runners, but others have the resources to meet the needs of a more complex population with uncommon foot pathologies. These stores offer an abundant selection of footwear spanning from running shoes to sandals to dress shoes.

Conditions such as over pronation, posterior tibial tendonitis, heel spurs, bunions, and a host of other health conditions may be relieved with appropriate footwear made of quality materials. In more severe instances, custom orthotics are also an option.

We find that if shoes do not look good our patients will not wear them. With enough research and effort our patients can often find a shoe that offers a compromise between support, quality, and fashion.

Chris Barrett, PTA

World Lymphedema Day

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What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is the accumulation of excess lymph fluid in tissues, leading to swelling. It occurs when the lymphatic system, responsible for draining fluid from tissues, is compromised. Causes include infection, cancer, scar tissue from radiation therapy, or surgical removal of lymph nodes. This swelling can affect various body parts like arms, legs, shoulders, hands, fingers, chest, or neck, making the skin feel tighter or thicker. Symptoms may include aching, tingling, weakness, and joint pain, limiting mobility. Those affected are also prone to recurrent infections in affected limbs.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical and occupational therapists can craft a tailored treatment regimen to manage swelling and aid in your return to normal activities. A common treatment plan for lymphedema is complete decongestive therapy or CDT. CDT includes manual lymphatic drainage, personalized exercise programming, compression bandaging, and education on skin and nail hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Physical and occupational therapists will carefully monitor your progress throughout your treatment sessions and once swelling has decreased to the desired measurements, they will help you to take over your own care.

While all physical and occupational therapists are prepared by their education and experience to treat lymphedema, you may want to consider treatment by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). A physical therapist with a CLT certification has received intensive training on the management and treatment of lymphedema. The Find a PT tool built by the American Physical Therapy Association can help you find a CLT in your area.

Source: American Physical Therapy Association

The Important Role of Feet and Ankles

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The foot and ankle form a complex system of 28 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 ligaments, tendons, and muscles that serve as the foundational support for our entire body structure. They are essential for supporting body weight and maintaining balance, stability, and propulsion as we navigate different terrains.

Any discomfort, injury, or misalignment in the feet or ankles can significantly impact our mobility and posture, leading to potential pain or issues in the knees, hips, or lower back. Given the integral role of the feet in overall body function, addressing any related injuries or dysfunctions is crucial for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Common issues associated with the feet and ankles include hyper- or hypo-mobility, arthritis, overuse injuries like shin splints and tendonitis, ankle sprains, instability, and post-fracture complications.

Physical therapy offers effective solutions to alleviate these problems. Physical therapists specialize in assessing, treating, and enhancing the function of the foot and ankle through a combination of techniques such as manual therapy, targeted exercises for strengthening, balance enhancement, and posture correction. PTs personalize treatment plans to address specific goals and diagnoses, aiming to alleviate pain, enhance strength, restore motion, improve stability, and reduce chance of future injury. PTs can conduct thorough gait analyses to identify and rectify any biomechanical abnormalities, thereby reducing strain and dysfunction throughout the body. Thanks to physical therapy, you can return to an active, pain-free lifestyle by minimizing limitations and optimizing overall foot and ankle function.

Ask An Expert: How Should I Feel After Physical Therapy?

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How should I feel after physical therapy? Is it going to be painful?

Physical therapists have gained a little bit of a reputation when it comes to pain. If you’ve been through physical therapy before, chances are you initially felt like treatment was making things feel worse. BUT, if you stick with it, the gains and improvements come with time.

We, as therapists, are focused on a number of things including, but not limited to, increasing your endurance, balance, flexibility, and strength. All of those things require prescribing specific exercises almost like you would do in a gym. Improving strength is only achieved by putting an adequate amount of “stress” on a muscle group which, in turn, causes some ache, fatigue, and soreness.

That being said, the level of soreness you feel after therapy should not interfere with your daily activity. Your physical therapist will constantly be checking in on how you felt after all activities. Ask questions if you aren’t sure if what you’re feeling is normal. You’ll hear a lot of people say “no pain, no gain,” but the real saying is “consistency over intensity.” Keep your bodies moving and stay healthy!

Kim Rea, PTA

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

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Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (“TMD”) is a musculoskeletal problem of the jaw generally characterized by jaw pain and clicking and often accompanied by headaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and neck pain. It can be worsened by poor postural habits, grinding/clenching teeth while sleeping or awake, sleep apnea, dental conditions, chewing gum, ice or other dense items, eating foods that require wide jaw opening, stress or psychological trauma, and others. Common treatment options include a bite or night guard, dental care, psychotherapy, physical therapy, and surgery.

Physical therapists evaluate and treat both the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the cervical spine (neck). Clinicians begin a course of care by evaluating the neck and jaw to identify patients’ unique presentation and develop customized treatment plans accordingly. During the evaluation process, neck and jaw mobility, strength, jaw opening and closing, airway clearance, surrounding tissue tenderness, muscle and ligament tightness, disc and retrodiscal tissue mechanics, signs of grinding/clenching and posture are assessed.

Physical therapy treatment often involves a combination of manual therapy, exercise, postural training, eating and chewing education, dry needling, and other modalities to address both jaw and neck pain and dysfunction. Physical Therapy is often provided in conjunction with medical management, dental care, and psychotherapy as appropriate. Treatment for TMD can range from weeks to months and is often related to complexity and chronicity of condition.

Patients who are compliant with care including self-management typically appreciate the greatest success. Your dentist, physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant can refer you to physical therapy.

 

Dr. Mike Winebrenner is a 1999 graduate of the Bachelor of Science program in Physical Therapy at Daemen College and a 2008 graduate of the Master of Business Administration program from Loyola College in Maryland.  He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Widener University in 2009.  Mike is Dry Needling, LSVT BIG and Bike Fit certified. Additionally, he has advanced training in temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). With a strong background in spine care, his focus is on long term prevention and wellness.  Mike’s commitment to exercise and wellness is evident by his active lifestyle, including cycling, fishing, kayaking, hiking and health club exercise.

Why Do My Joints Hurt in the Cold?

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While there is no single explanation on why cold weather can affect the joints and cause pain, experts have several possible explanations.

Changes in barometric pressure, or the pressure of the air, can affect the body. When barometric pressure drops, tendons, muscles, and surrounding tissues expand. This expansion can induce discomfort, given the confined space within the body. When the cartilage that cushions the bones inside a joint has been worn away, the nerves in exposed bones might pick up on changes in pressure. Humidity, precipitation, and temperature are also at play with weather, making it challenging for scientists to pinpoint the precise cause.

Low temperatures can make the fluid inside joints thicker, thus making them feel stiffer. When temperatures drop, nerves and blood vessels in extremities constrict, reducing blood flow to preserve warmth for vital organs. This vascular response can lead to stiff and achy joints. Rainy, chilly days also contribute to a decrease in physical activity. When people become less active, joints can become inactive and subsequently stiffen. Those with arthritis and chronic pain are more vulnerable to cold weather discomfort.

To fend off winter joint discomfort, consider adopting these proactive measures:

Bundle Up: Combat the cold by dressing in layers, indulge in warm showers or baths, and cozy up with a heating pad or electric blanket to soothe your muscles.

Stay Active: Keep your muscles and joints agile by engaging in low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, or swimming. Steer clear of unnecessary joint strain, like lifting heavy objects.

Prioritize Rest and Nutrition: Ensure a good night’s sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and foster a positive mindset. These factors can positively impact various facets of your health, potentially alleviating joint pain.

The impact of weather on joint pain highlights the need for a holistic lifestyle approach. Adopting lifestyle changes can play a pivotal role in combating winter joint discomfort. For individuals seeking personalized guidance and specialized care, the expertise of a physical therapist can be instrumental in managing and mitigating the effects of joint pain.

The assistance of a qualified physical therapist can provide targeted and individualized solutions. A physical therapist, with their knowledge of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and rehabilitation techniques, can tailor a treatment plan to address the specific needs of individuals experiencing joint pain. Through collaborative efforts, individuals can work towards enhancing joint mobility, reducing pain, and improving overall quality of life, even in the face of challenging weather conditions. Embracing a comprehensive approach that combines personal initiatives with professional guidance is key to effectively managing joint pain, ensuring a more comfortable and active lifestyle.

Source: UChicago Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

New Roles and Promotions at Tx:Team

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We are pleased to announce the promotion of three associates to new positions at Tx:Team. Please join us in congratulating them on their new roles!

Mitch Parsons has been elevated to the position of Director of Rehabilitation – Employer Based Clinics.  Mitch originally joined Tx:Team in 2004 and worked as a primary Physical Therapist and Outpatient Coordinator.  After leaving to pursue other endeavors, Mitch rejoined Tx:Team in 2017 in the newly created position of Manager – Employer Based Clinics.  Mitch brings over 25 years of clinical and management experience in a variety of settings, including critical-access hospitals, long-term care facilities, continuing-care retirement communities, home health, and employer-based clinics to his new role.  He will continue to work with new and existing employers to offer the best in musculoskeletal Primary Care and Work Injury Management solutions for their employees. Mitch is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Physical Therapy and the MBA Program at University of Tennessee.

Katie Guerdan has been elevated to the position of Director of Human Resources. Katie joined Tx:Team in 2015 and has held the positions of Human Resources Generalist and Manager of Human Resources. Katie has spent the majority of her career working for healthcare-related companies, which has afforded her valuable and applicable experience in the areas of regulatory compliance, employee relations issues, performance management, training, recruiting, and benefits administration.  Katie is a Certified Professional in Human Resources and is a member of Society for Human Resource Management. In her new role of Director of Human Resources, Katie will be responsible for further optimizing Tx:Team’s human resources processes, focusing specifically on growth, efficiency, and maintaining effective internal systems.  Katie is a graduate of Indiana University.

Spencer Sheridan has been elevated to the position of Director of Finance.  In the summer of 2011, Spencer completed an eight-week internship with Tx:Team during which he built or enhanced many of our financial forecasting tools. One week after his graduation the following summer, Spencer rejoined Tx:Team in a fulltime role in Finance department.  He has developed a passion for measuring, analyzing, and connecting operational performance to financial outcomes. Spencer has held previous roles as Financial and Operations Coordinator and Manager of Finance.  Spencer brings a systematic and analytical approach, coupled with a strong desire to help solve problems, to everything he does.  In his new role as Director of Finance, Spencer will be responsible for further standardizing financial processes and systems, leading the development of new forecasting platforms, and overseeing all aspects of accounting and finance for Tx:Team. Spencer is a graduate of Wabash College.

We are proud of Mitch, Katie, and Spencer, and look forward to working with them closely in their new roles. Congratulations, all!

Empower Your New Year: Unveiling the Transformative Power of Physical Therapy and Fitness

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As the New Year unfolds, many of us set resolutions aimed at enhancing our lives. It’s an ideal time to highlight the immense impact of physical therapy (PT) and fitness on achieving these aspirations. Embracing regular physical activity not only benefits our physical, mental, and social health but also aligns seamlessly with common New Year’s resolutions geared toward self-improvement and well-being.

Engaging in regular physical activity yields a multitude of advantages: strengthening muscles, enhancing cardiovascular health, and aiding in weight management. Furthermore, it serves as a proactive measure against chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and mood disorders like depression.

The mental benefits of physical activity are as equally profound as the physical benefits. Exercise improves cognitive functions, including memory and overall brain performance. It mitigates anxiety, promotes relaxation, and contributes to improved sleep patterns. Additionally, it fosters social connections, providing opportunities for interaction and companionship.

However, obstacles can hinder progress, such as age-related concerns, fear of injury, or existing health conditions. This is where the expertise of physical therapists becomes invaluable. They craft tailored plans that suit individual needs, leveraging evidence-based approaches to break barriers and facilitate progress towards your resolutions. Collaborating within interdisciplinary teams, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants empower patients to actively participate in their health journey and enhance their movement capabilities.

This New Year, let physical therapy and fitness be your guiding lights toward achieving your resolutions. By employing hands-on therapeutic techniques, delivering comprehensive education, and prescribing personalized exercises, these professionals significantly contribute to improved quality of life, enabling you to feel more empowered, knowledgeable, and in command of your health and well-being in 2024 and beyond.

Source: choosept.com provided by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)