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 Kleinpeter Physical Therapy, 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 regimen 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 healthily 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.”
5 Simple Tips for Healthy Living from Our Team
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 Kleinpeter Physical Therapy!
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!
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6027933/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315424/, https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/why-sleep-important
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 Kleinpeter Physical Therapy 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!
Try an October “Reset” Before the Winter Holidays
With the weather finally starting to cool off, October is a great time to get back into the habit of physical activity before the holidays kick into gear. Here are some of our favorite ways to get moving in the fall:
01
Go for a walk.
Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of cooler temperatures. A brisk walk around your neighborhood is also a great way to admire your neighbors’ Halloween decorations.
02
Enjoy a game of tag football.
Why should the pros have all the fun? Invite your friends over for a friendly skirmish–no tackling required.
03
Try a local hiking trail.
You aren’t the only one enjoying the cooler weather. Spend a few hours exploring a nearby hiking trail and check out what nature’s doing to prepare for winter.
At Kleinpeter Physical Therapy, we know things start to get busy at Halloween–but October is the perfect time to squeeze in some fun outdoor activities before things get going!
HEALTH & WELLNESS WORD SCRAMBLE
Unscramble the movement words.
Focus on your well-being! See how many health-inspired words you can solve.Direct Access
Did You Know You Have Direct Access To Physical Therapy?
Whether you want to come in for a check-up, suffered a recent injury, or want to improve your health, a physician referral is not needed. In the state of Louisiana, you have direct access to physical therapy!
You have the power to choose. Just as you can fill a prescription for medication at a pharmacy of your choice, you can choose where to receive physical therapy as well.
Taking care of yourself means taking charge of your healthcare, so remember that regardless of which physician you see, you have a choice when it comes to physical therapy.
Minor aches and pains are warning signals from your body to let you know something is not working properly. Don’t put off the pain until it’s too late. Come in today for a “Tune-Up.”
Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo.
Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo. Turning a meatball and pasta dinner into an easy slow cooker meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken, pork, or turkey
- 3 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 head garlic, top trimmed off to reveal the cloves
- 1 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or canned full fat coconut milk
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- Add the chicken, Italian seasoning, dijon, and 1/2 cup parmesan to a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix to combine. Coat your hands with oil, and roll the meat into tablespoon-size balls (will make 15-16 meatballs). Add olive oil and place the meatballs in the bowl of your crockpot.
- Pour over the wine and 1/2 cup water. Add the onion and garlic. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. Preheat the broiler to high. Remove the meatballs and garlic from the slow cooker and place on a baking sheet.
- Crank the heat on the slow cooker to high. Stir in the orzo, and 1 cup water. Cover and cook 20-30 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. If the orzo needs more liquid, add additional water. Stir in the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and 1/2 cup parmesan.
- Arrange the butter and the rosemary around the meatballs and garlic, then broil 1-3 minutes, until crisp. Peel away the garlic skin, then chop and mix with the butter and rosemary on the sheet pan. Toss the meatballs in the butter.
- Serve the meatballs over the orzo.
Don’t Leave Your Benefits Behind
As the year comes to a close, now is the perfect time to review your health insurance benefits. If you have already met your deductible, you may have an opportunity to receive physical therapy care at a lower out-of-pocket cost before your plan resets.
At Kleinpeter Physical Therapy, our team can help you understand your coverage and make sure you maximize the benefits you’ve already earned.
Your Deductible Is More Than a Number
Meeting your deductible means your insurance company may cover more of your remaining visits this year. This is the ideal time to address lingering pain, continue your recovery, improve mobility, or start treatment for new concerns before your benefits renew.
01
Check Your Benefits
Find out whether your deductible has been met and understand what coverage remains available before the end of the year.
02
Schedule Your Care
Use your remaining benefits to continue treatment, recover from injuries, or address pain that has been holding you back.
03
Start The New Year Strong
Take action now so you can enter the new year feeling healthier, stronger, and ready for your goals.
Ready To Use Your Benefits?
Our team can verify your insurance benefits and help you schedule your next appointment before the year ends.
Exercise of the Month
MODIFIED PIRIFORMIS STRETCH
Start by lying on the ground with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Cross one ankle over the opposite knee and gently apply pressure to the top knee to deepen the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds. Slowly lower your leg back to floor and repeat on the other side.
3 Sets, 2 Reps.
Patient Success Story
Every recovery journey is unique, but hearing from our patients reminds us why we love what we do. Nothing speaks louder than real experiences from people who are back to living the life they love.
Your Success Is Our Greatest Achievement
“I had an excellent experience with the team at Kleinpeter PT in Zachary. I can’t imagine anyone providing better treatment and highly recommend!”
ian E. · Verified Patient
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Our purpose at Kleinpeter Physical Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.
