SERC Physical Therapy

We love to hear our patients’ success stories. How has your life improved through your experience with us? Are you moving better and feeling better? Do you have a therapist you want to applaud? Share your experience with us!

It’s snow season just about everywhere! Don’t injure yourself trying to clean up after the storm. Snow removal can be a burden, especially to the low back, shoulders and neck. Below are some strategies you can use to help prevent injury: Widen Your Base of Support: Use a wide stance to improve balance and stability.... Use Your Legs: When you bend to shovel, make sure you keep your back arched. Do this by pushing your hips backward, shoulders forward and bending down from your hips and knees. Keep the Shovel Close: Hold the shovel close to your body to decrease strain on the low back, neck and rotator cuff of the shoulder. Know Your Limits: Be sure to keep each shovel load small enough to feel comfortable. Take breaks to prevent over straining muscles. Don’t Twist: Toss snow straight ahead vs. twisting your body to throw. See more

Did you know, patients who attend therapy in a hybrid model have the highest patient satisfaction rates? Our patients who attend therapy sessions via both telehealth and in-clinic are 99.5% satisfied with their outcomes. See for yourself: Through telehealth, you are able to connect with your therapist more frequently to ask questions and review home exercises which empowers you to take a more active approach to your care.

It's American #HeartMonth This week we're looking at the risk factors for heart disease: High LDL cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, poor diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol use. When you look at this list, it becomes clear that most if not all of these risk factors are controllable! As recommended by the American Heart Association for physical activity and overall cardiovascular health:... Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity (or a combination of both), preferably spread throughout the week. Where to get started? The easiest and most effective way to begin an exercise program is to start walking. It is easy, sociable, can be done anywhere, and doesn’t cost a penny. It is easy to make a walking program part of your daily routine and it doesn’t have to be 30 minutes continuously: You can break it up into three 10-minute sessions per day.

Making a difference: Our latest Pillars with Purpose Grant is for $3,000 to The Good Samaritan Health Center. This grant will provide plinths, TheraBands, storage and other small PT equipment to assist in delivering care to the patients of Good Samaritan. It is with great honor that I am able to share Upstream Rehabilitation's first free standing pro bono clinic is fully functional and has begun treating patients. Thank you to Upstream leadership and Pillars for getting thi...s dream to the finish line, ~Aaron Honeycutt, RVP, Benchmark Rehab Partners #upstreamfamily #pillarswithpurpose #pillarsdailybread

The hand is a complex and delicate part of our body that we use for all aspects of our daily activities. One of the most common diagnoses is carpal tunnel syndrome. Did you know occupational and physical therapy can help with carpal tunnel syndrome? Recent evidence has suggested that occupational and physical therapy are just as effective as surgery in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome when manual therapy is utilized. The use of manual therapy can improve hand and wrist function and improve pain and result in lasting outcomes making it an excellent first-line choice for treatment.

Today’s #SaturdayStories is inspired by the more than 2,500,000 U.S. Veterans that have been diagnosed with PTSD. One of our clinics in Soddy Daisy, TN wanted to find a way to make a difference so they orchestrated a fundraiser, Cents for Service Dogs, to raise $300 for Warrior Freedom Service Dogs, Inc. Warrior Freedom Service Dogs is a non-profit organization with the primary focus of providing an avenue for combat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to ...gain a Service Dog free of charge while reconnecting to the society they fought for. We are inspired by our associates every day that strive to make a difference in their communities and beyond. Pillars has matched the Soddy Daisy team’s fundraising effort with a grant that brings the donation total to $600 for the Warrior Freedom Service Dogs. #PillarsWithPurpose #UpstreamFamily

How does Telehealth work? Through the use of a video conference, our therapists perform an evaluation of your injury and limitations and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. When we come to where YOU are virtually, we can work with you one-on-one to assess your condition and provide real-time feedback, modifications and recommendations on current programs and exercises. ... We believe that one of the most powerful things therapists can do is listen to and observe their patients! THIS is Telehealth. Do I need a referral? How does the video conference work? Visit our frequently asked questions page: https://serc.urpt.com/telehealth-faqs/

As the holidays approach, it’s easy to be tempted by cravings of sweets, baked goods and favorite comfort foods. Here are some helpful tips to get through the holidays without packing on the extra unwanted pounds: 1. Exercise 30 minutes each day. This will get your heart rate up, burn calories and relieve stress. 2. Eat as you normally would. Don’t skip meals!... 3. Don’t stuff yourself. Eat until you feel satisfied and full. 4. If you must snack, try nuts, vegetables and fruit. 5. Drink plenty of water. Consume 8 ounces prior to a big meal to make you feel full. 6. Make your own healthful dish for a gathering. 7. When socializing, don’t stand near the party table where the snacks are. 8. Cook healthy. For instance, use low-fat chicken broth instead of butter with mashed potatoes and choose light or fat-free salad dressings.

We’re told to eat more veggies and fewer carbs, to wear this shoe or try that workout. Nutrition and physical activity are common topics on social media, in the news, and in emails from your gym. Learn how it all works together to boost your immune system. https://serc.urpt.com//physical-activity-nutrition-can-boo

Despite unified warnings from lawmakers, specialty providers, and other stakeholders, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) plans to move forward with deep, across-the-board payment cuts to more than 30 specialties including an alarming 9% cut to physical and occupational therapy services on January 1, 2021. Fortunately, Congress is working to stop these severe cuts from taking effect. Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) and Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) rece...ntly introduced the Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act (H.R. 8702), which would provide much-needed relief to dozens of specialty providers that are scheduled to incur severe Medicare reimbursement cuts by keeping funding levels for affected specialties at 2020 levels over the next two years. Your lawmakers need to hear from you about the urgency of stopping these devastating cuts before the end of the year. Please email your lawmakers now and ask them to oppose Medicare cuts to specialty providers by supporting H.R. 8702! https://www.aptqi.com/take-action/

Migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, cerviogenic or craniovertebral pain. Headache symptoms are associated with many different illness and pathologies and account for 8 million doctor visits each year. Did you know that physical therapy can help? Our physical therapist will complete a comprehensive evaluation aimed at determining the musculoskeletal causes of your headaches and will create a customized program to address your needs. Physical therapy will address posture, range of motion, joint mobility and strength.

As a successful obstacle course racer, including an appearance on the TV series American Ninja Warrior, Josh March is a pretty tough guy despite his modest stature. All that climbing, grabbing, swinging sometimes competing for hours on end requires strength of body and mind. But in the immediate aftermath of September 2017 surgery to repair rotator cuff and biceps tendon tears, doubt had crept in. His left arm in a sling for six weeks, in pain, unable to sleep, March had moments in which he asked himself: What have I done? Learn how he was back to competing in the months after his surgery as part of our #UpliftedLives series.

What is telehealth? Telehealth physical therapy is simply physical therapy services that are provided over a technology platform, instead of in our clinic. You will meet with our team thorugh a video conference on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. One of our licensed physical therapists will work one-on-one with you to assess your condition and provide real-time feedback. They can also provide modifications and recommendations on current programs and exercises, and help you continue your PT progress without disruption or regression. Let us meet you where YOU are!

In this technological age, we have infinite amounts of information at our finger tips and can speak face-to-face with a loved one on the other side of the world. These advancements can make life more efficient, but they also can increase the risk of injury as the result of poor posture and repetition. On average, 79 percent of adults ages 18 to 44 report having their phone on hand for all but two hours per day. We depend on our devices for both home and work, and this repeti...tion may result in pain. From text neck to low back pain to selfie elbow, read on for 5 prevention tips to help combat the physical issues that can be caused by tech. https://serc.urpt.com/blog/technology-may-harming

Back pain is one of the most common complaints among Americans. Approximately 60-80 percent of Americans experience some kind of back pain at some point in their lives, and around 11 percent of American adults report back pain each year. Don’t let decorating for the holidays or retrieving large packages delivered to your doorstep lead to back pain. Use proper posture: Don’t bend forward to pick up an object, squat and lift with your legs, keeping your back straight. ... Check the object: Test it out before you lift to make sure that the contents are balanced and not too heavy. Warm up: Before lifting, stretch your legs and back. Observe your surroundings: Make sure you have enough room to lift the object safely. Avoid overworking yourself: Take breaks! Wear proper footwear. Often, back pain caused by reversible problems will usually go away within a few days at most. However, if your pain continues for over a week or is unusual or severe in any way, you need to seek medical help or physical therapy for your lifting injury. You should consult your physical therapist if: The pain lasts more than a few days The pain is acute or chronic The pain is caused by a non-traumatic injury The pain is intermittent

TOGETHER WE GIVE. Upstream’s Pillars With Purpose Benevolent Funds are the first ever formal, tax-deductible, associate driven charitable program that provides a way for both associates and patients to give back and support worthy causes at home and around the world. Our goal is not just to treat the symptoms of problems but to effect lasting and positive change. Upstream’s guiding principles extend far beyond the walls of our centers and the hours in which we operate. Be p...art of what we are doing and make a difference in the lives of those around you. https://pillarswithpurpose.org/donate #GivingTuesday #Pillars #SupportYourWay #UpstreamFamily

"My back pain had gotten to where it was hurting just about every day. Even from the second week (of Physical Therapy), I felt a huge difference. I feel confident doing the exercises on my own. I learned a lot! Thank you!" Megan is now ready to take on her long work shifts on her feet as well as pick up her children! We're so happy we could be a part of Megan's journey.

While social distancing is critical during a pandemic, social isolation can have a negative impact on our overall health. So much time at home may be more conducive to watching television and snacking than it is to maintaining your regular exercise routine. But staying active is more important now than ever. Learn how exercise can help you stay happy during social distancing and find out how much you need to make that happen: https://serc.urpt.com//exercise-can-help-you-stay...-happy-d/ #MotivationMonday

Our clinics are CLEAN. Our environment is SAFE. We are READY to provide the care you need.

For many people the holidays mean a time of celebration, family, big meals and presents. Unfortunately it’s also a season of more stress and anxiety. While stress is a natural and sometimes vital part of our everyday lives, too much stress or handling stress poorly can lead to a number of physical, mental, social and environmental issues. Learn 4 ways you can reduce holiday stress this year: https://serc.urpt.com/b/four-ways-to-reduce-holiday-stress/

Warmest wishes for a safe, healthy holiday!

Active Adults, what is your favorite way to exercise? According to the American College of Sports Medicine, individuals over the age of 65 should perform moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 30 minutes per day, five days per week, or vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise 20 minutes per day, three days per week. Moderate-intensity exercises can include brisk walking, dancing, gardening and housework, whereas vigorous-intensity activities include running, walking briskly up a hil...l, fast cycling, fast swimming and participating in competitive sports. Be sure to include strength and flexibility exercises that target large muscle groups such as the chest, shoulders, arms, back, abdomen and legs. Physical therapy can assist in the recovery of age-related injuries and also as a preventative measure before injuries occur. Physical therapists are specifically trained to develop exercises throughout the lifespan and can assist individuals in starting or returning to a safe exercise routine.

Is prehabilitation (prehab) right for athletes? Exercise-based injury prevention can reduce the risk of injury in collision sports. Therapies and exercises like plyometrics, Nordic drops and balance training can create a significant decrease in injury risk. ... In fact, prehab, including stretching, strengthening and agility drills can help to reduce injury by 88% in female soccer players.

Keep moving forward! Are you interested in starting a fitness routine but you aren’t sure what’s right for you? Identifying your goals for exercise and understanding exercise components allows for the safe and accurate selection of the right program. Learn about some of the differences: https://serc.urpt.com/bl/choosing-the-best-workout-for-you/... You won’t get anywhere when you are standing still. #MotivationMonday

This week our #SaturdayStories feature gifts from the heart. During this season of pandemic isolation, Robbe Bendick one of our Upstream associates, and her family wanted to take the opportunity to bring joy to their community by making and delivering hand-crafted cards and posters for the residents and staff of the their local elderly care facility. While the cards did not have a significant monetary value, they certainly offered encouragement and appreciation during this t...ime. May we all remember that it’s not always about how much we give, but about the love we put into giving that counts. #PillarsWithPurpose #PillarsDailyBread