How Physical Therapy Can Help You Get Healthier
From fad diets to detoxes, the media regularly bombards us with messages about how to get healthier. Even seemingly simple advice like “exercise regularly” can be difficult to navigate when fitness influencers battle it out to prove that their 30-day program is better than the rest.
At PTI we want to help you cut through the noise. Our trained experts take a holistic view of health and wellness and understand that good health isn’t just about physical health but mental and emotional health, too. We also know that everyone isn’t starting from the same place — and that’s okay! We’ll meet you where you’re at and help you develop strategies to find a health-promoting regime that works for you.
Despite what you may have read on social media, evidence-based health-promoting behaviors are fairly straightforward. However, they can be difficult to implement, especially between work, family, and other obligations. We get it. That’s why we advocate for small, simple changes that can make a big difference.
Are you ready to start making healthy changes in your life? Call us today to set up an appointment!
What It Even Means to “Be Healthy”
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” which speaks to the complexities of health as a concept.
Good health also means different things to different people. For example, an 80-year-old on medication to manage high blood pressure and diabetes might consider herself healthy because she’s still physically active and can live independently. Meanwhile, a 20-year-old with no health conditions and excellent metabolic health might consider himself unhealthy because he struggles with exercise.
Living an entire life free of disease or illness is impossible for most of us. However, we can still strive to live as healthy as possible. Moving regularly, managing stress, and eating a nutritionally dense diet will help you feel your best, regardless of whether or not you meet the WHO’s (or anyone else’s) definition of “healthy.”
Our Patients Get Great Results
“Anytime I have a physical problem, I can count on the very best care at PTI. I have been returning here for many years and always finish therapy feeling stronger and better each time. Many thanks to James and John for taking such good care of me.” – E.M.
5 Simple Tips for Healthy Living from Our Team
1.Get Enough Sleep: Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. A lack of deep REM sleep will have physical and psychological ramifications, affecting cardiovascular health, insulin levels, and cognitive abilities. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
2. Move Your Body: Exercise is another health-promoting behavior that has a big impact. Regular exercise improves your metabolic health, elevates your mood, and helps you stay mobile even as you age. Aim for 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise (i.e., walking) each week–that works out to about 22 minutes daily!
3. Eat a Nutritious Diet: Although it may seem like certain foods cycle in and out of “health food” status, research has confirmed the ideal diet: one that’s varied, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. One simple tip for eating healthier is to emphasize adding healthy foods to your meals rather than restricting less healthy choices.
4. Stay Hydrated: As part of that nutritious diet, ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration helps prevent injuries and may lessen your chances of developing chronic illnesses. Current recommendations vary but usually land at around 8 cups a day.
5. Meditate Daily: Taking five minutes each day to practice deep breathing and mindfulness can, like exercise, have a radiating effect on your physical and mental health.
Physical Therapy’s Role in Promoting Good Health
Our physical therapists have several tools to help you live the healthiest life possible:
- We can help you manage or resolve injuries and/or painful conditions that keep you from being physically active.
- We can help you develop a fun, effective exercise program that suits your interests and abilities.
- We can identify areas of musculoskeletal weakness or impairment that might cause problems for you down the road — and give suggestions for managing that impairment now!
- We can show you relaxation techniques to manage stress.
- And much more! When you visit us, we’ll create a customized program that addresses your unique needs.
Find Good Health with PTI!
Our team of movement and musculoskeletal experts is here to help you live a full, healthy life. To get started, call us to schedule an appointment today!
Recipe of the Month: Veggie Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
- 3 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Stir Fry Sauce
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions:
- Make the stir fry sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Make the stir fry. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the red and yellow peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots and toss. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the stir fry sauce. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are crisp-tender. Season to taste. Top with the green onions and sesame seeds and serve.
Simple Strategies for Incorporating Exercise Into Your Daily Routine
Regular exercise is crucial to so many aspects of your health. It can prevent chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease or diabetes, help you stay mobile well into old age, and even regulate your emotions. Unfortunately, your workouts are often the first to slip when life gets busy. It can also be challenging to begin a regular exercise routine, especially if you have to fit it into an already jam-packed schedule. The good news is that you don’t have to work out like a professional athlete to reap the benefits of staying active. In fact, a few simple strategies can increase your daily activity levels–no matter how busy you are!
5 Easy Tips for Sneaking in Physical Activity
- Park at the far end of the parking lot, so you have to walk a little further to get to the store.
- Take the stairs whenever possible.
- Do some stretches or core exercises while you’re watching TV.
- Go for a quick walk around your building during your lunch break.
- Try a micro-workout. Micro-workouts are short, 10-minute circuit-style workouts that pack a big punch. Keep a set of dumbbells by your desk and work out on your break!
Visit PTI for More Tips!
Our physical therapists can work with you to develop a program for daily physical activity, no matter your needs. We can show you efficient strength training routines, suggest daily mobility exercises, and help you set movement goals. We can also help you resolve any pain or other conditions that might limit your physical activity. Incorporating movement into your daily routine helps exercise feel like second nature. Schedule an appointment to get started!