SERC Physical Therapy

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/

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