Holiday stress

‘Tis the season to be jolly...since when? Holidays are wonderful when you look back at the memories that are shared, but the chaos can fill us with stress and depression rather than happiness and joy. Between thinking of gifts, checking if your bank account can provide the gifts, and dealing with your hectic family reunion, how do you keep your sanity?

Stress is a natural part of life and is difficult to figure out because it means something different to everyone. When a person is stressed out, it is difficult to stop and regroup. The best way to stop the stress is to eliminate it to begin with. You may feel physical strain this holiday seasons because the body works together as a system. What may affect your mental health will also trigger a physical stressor. It is beneficial to determine your tolerance level for stress and to do your best in changing a stressful situation whenever possible this holiday season.

First, plan ahead. Do things the old fashion way—sit down, clear your mind, and see what should be done first. The more difficult tasks should be at the top of your priority as they are most likely causing you the most stress. Use your imagination and picture how things will play out. Create backup plans. It is key to be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect as families change and grow and traditions and rituals change.

Taking on more responsibility than you can or should handle can also cause you stress. It’s okay to ask for help.  If a holiday dinner is what is driving you insane, ask some family members if they are able to prepare a portion of a meal. If finances are a problem, it is best to save ahead of time. If you have not started to do so, try finding sales. There are always loopholes and by exploiting them you can have a less stressful holiday season.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

When to seek the help of a physical therapist

Are daily activities becoming tiresome and difficult to manage? Has pain or discomfort become a normal feeling on a day-to-day basis? Do simple tasks such as taking off you shoes or walking up the stairs hurt your joints? If so, it might be time to seek help from a physical therapist.

Physical therapists are highly trained and educated healthcare professionals who help patients reduce pain and improve and restore mobility. Physical therapists are able to assist your recovery both before and after surgery as well as teach their patients how to prevent or manage the symptoms of their condition in order to achieve long-term health benefits while also showing you alternate techniques to pain management without the use of medication or surgery. With each visit to the physical therapist, his or her goal is to promote movement, reduce pain, and restore function to the problematic area using a well-organized fitness program designed specifically for you in order to achieve a much more healthy and active lifestyle.

Knowing if and when you should seek a physical therapist is often tricky. If you are experiencing pain that will not go away in a joint or muscle and it persists longer than a few days, it may be in your best interest to seek the help of a physical therapist. If pain is recurring even after you think it has “passed”, a visit will not hurt as it is better to be safe than sorry. If you have been through a traumatic event, such as slipping down the stairs, problems may still persist and it would be in your best interest to seek the help of a physical therapist. If medication no longer temporarily helps the pain, you may be experiencing a more chronic problem, it may also be a good time to seek therapy. Lastly, if you see visible changes such as swelling around the injured joint, a physical therapist is the person to contact.

If these pains continue when doing basic activities a physical therapist can help determine the cause for your pain and guide you on the right path. Pushing past a pain will not benefit you in the long term but rather subside and will eventually surface again with possibly a more severe problem.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

Beating Holiday Stress

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, they said. All your troubles will be out of sight, they said. Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m beginning to feel fa-la-la-la-lethargic. In reality, the over-commercialized holiday season has become a point of stress for most of us. Whether it is the stress of shopping in an overcrowded mall in an attempt to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones, feeling overwhelmed by all the holiday festivities you are required to attend, or because the year is coming to a close and you didn’t accomplish what you hoped, the pressure of the holidays can get to all of us in a number of different ways.

The truth of the matter is we put unrealistic expectations on ourselves and are spreading ourselves thin in an attempt to spread holiday cheer, although “thin” isn’t exactly how we’re feeling after all the overeating we do at our holiday festivities. The list of stressors goes on and on, but what we really want to know is how do we cope with the stress and anxiety associated with the holiday blues?

The best offense is a good defense

When it comes to managing holiday stress it is best to go into the season with a game plan. Be sure to budget not only your money, but your time.

Shopping

There are a number of ways to cut down on shopping stress. When it comes to spending money, it is always wise to make a budget. Figure out who you are buying gifts for this season and how much money you are looking to spend on each person. Try not to beat yourself up if you go a little over budget, after all, ‘tis the season.

It can be overwhelming shopping in an overcrowded mall. Online shopping can be a good remedy for this stress. Who wouldn’t prefer to knock out the bulk of their shopping from the comfort of their own home? It can be less time consuming and allows you to the opportunity to multi-task.

Suggest organizing a Secret Santa or Grab Bag with your friends to help cut back on spending.

Festivities

Holiday parties can be fun and festive with good eats and drinks, but sometimes during the holiday season the number of parties we are required to attend can be overwhelming. Remember, it is okay to say no sometimes. Chances are you are not the only one feeling the heat because of the number of festivities you have on your plate.

If you think attending parties are stressful, imagine hosting one. The host is a stressful task no matter the time of year, which is why recruiting close friends and family to help with the planning, shopping, set up and management of the party is crucial. Never be a afraid to ask for help as delegating responsibilities will do wonders for decreasing stress.

Family

‘Tis the season for families to come together in celebration with peace, love, and harmony. However, not all families are the Brady Bunch. No one knows how to get under your skin like family. Whether it be frustration from pointed comments or lingering tension with another family member, keeping your composure is the best and sometimes only way to cope. Despite the anxieties you may be feeling from a family reunion, there is a time and place for these things to be discussed and it is not over a Thanksgiving turkey. Family is family and nobody is perfect. It is much easier to keep an open mind and heart and accept people for who they are, especially during this time of year.

Happy New Year?

Another year is coming to a close and maybe you have not accomplished what you  hoped. Perhaps you didn’t reach your weight loss goal, or maybe you didn’t get the promotion you wanted or your love life is lacking. Life is not as neatly packaged as the presents we wrap at this time of year and it doesn’t always go according to schedule. Remember that you are only human and it is unhealthy to put so much pressure on yourself to be perfect and have a perfect holiday season. Life isn’t perfect. Adapt. A new you year is upon us, so regroup, reframe, and do your best.

Good luck this holiday season keeping your stress levels down. It is important not only for your sanity but for your body and overall wellbeing. Happy Holidays!

National Influenza Vaccination Week

We have officially turned the calendar to December. Colder weather, including snow, is on the horizon, meaning we will have some beautiful scenery and some tough commutes! Along with the change from fall to winter, however, comes a greater chance of getting sick. December is a month in which individuals should take the initiative to stay healthy, and from the 6th until the 12th of the month, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention encourages everyone to participate in National Influenza Week.

The influenza vaccine has received some criticism in recent years but the fact remains that it provides many health benefits. The vaccine is also known as a flu shot, and is an annual vaccination in which a low strain of different viruses are exposed to your immune system in order to strengthen resistance to the infection. An annual flu shot is necessary to protect you fully as the body’s immunity to vaccines declines and the influenza virus continuously changes due to mutations.

The most common question regarding the influenza vaccine is if it is necessary. Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and possibly death, and the best way to reduce the chances of being susceptible to the virus is to get the shot each season. The virus will spread less through the community if more people decided to get the flu shot.

Influenza vaccines will prompt the body to create antibodies to help aid the immune system two weeks after you get the shot. Feeling sick for a few days simply means that your body is reacting to the foreign substance and is therefore lessening the chances of catching the virus again. Influenza vaccinations are available as early as October, although the most common outbreaks occur during the months of December and January.

The first step in staying active and keeping your body physically fit is staying healthy.  The flu shot is offered at doctors’ offices, health clinics, pharmacies, and college health centers, so you can still get the vaccine even if you do not have a regular doctor. Consider receiving the influenza vaccine if you are serious about protecting yourself from getting sick.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

What to Expect from Your First Visit to a Physical Therapist

Have you considered physical therapy or have you already made your first appointment? Congratulations on beginning this next chapter of wellness in your life! It should be your top priority to get back to normal whether you’ve suffered from chronic pain for a portion of your life or you have had a sudden accident causing injury.

Your first appointment will be highly informational for both you and your physical therapist. During this evaluation, your physical therapist will ask you questions regarding your injury or condition as well as your lifestyle and history. Through a series of tests such as postural and movement analysis and strategic palpation of the affected muscles and joints, your physical therapist will be able to formulate a personalized action plan for your success.
The first visit to the physical therapist will in many cases be your first therapy session. Don’t forget to bring your insurance card or any paperwork from your doctor and be sure to wear comfortable clothing as your therapist will need you to have full range of motion. A typical physical therapy session will last around 45 minutes.
The physical therapist may prescribe you exercises to be performed at home in addition to exercises he or she will assist you with during a session. It is crucial to follow this routine as it will help further your progress as well as help with pain relief. The physical therapist will monitor and record your progress each session in order to fine tune your treatment plan and to make sure you are receiving the best treatment for your ailment.
Physical therapy is your first step to regaining your health and wellness and getting back to the lifestyle you remember. If you are looking to ease your chronic pain or need help recovering from an accident or injury, take that step and book an appointment today!
We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

Basketball Injuries

As we get into the full swing of basketball season, players must be wary of injuries on and off the court affecting your game. Whether it is a pickup game on the neighborhood court or an organized league in a crowded gymnasium, millions of men and women who play basketball each year are at risk for a wide range of injuries.

According to a study by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), 22% of all male basketball players sustained an injury last year, with 42% of the injuries were to the ankle or the foot. Sprains were the most common types of injuries followed by injuries to the hip, thigh, and knee. Perhaps the most alarming statistic, however, is 60% of these injuries occurred during practice and 59% during the second half of a game.

These statistics prove warming up through proper stretching and building up endurance to prevent fatigue is the most important factor in preventing basketball injuries. Basketball is a fast-paced, physical sport, and maintaining a high level of fitness is optimal in preventing injuries.

The offseason is usually the most important part of your training regimen for the season. A physical therapist can help you maintain a proper fitness program made up of strength training, flexibility, and aerobic exercise. Athletes who are out of shape are more likely to sustain and less likely to recover from an injury. It is also required to get a yearly physical examination and to follow any recommendations your doctor may have.

Warming up is also another major factor in preventing an injury when playing basketball. Dynamic stretches should be done before a game or practice and static stretches should be done as a cool-down afterward. Keep yourself hydrated throughout a game and make sure you wear proper basketball shoes with skid-resistant soles. It may also be beneficial to wear other equipment, including a mouthguard, ankle supports, and knee and elbow pads.

If you are injured during a game or practice, a physical therapist can help you get back on the hardwood as quickly as possible. He or she can help you recover from common basketball injuries such as ankle and knee sprains, jammed fingers, and stress factors, and many more! Although some sports injuries are not 100% preventable, you can decrease your risk of a season-ending injury by following these basic prevention methods.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montgomery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Liberty. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!

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