Category Archives: Our Communities

Philanthropy, Good Deeds

Giving Back Across NY State

Written by: Sports PT Blog Team

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John Andrew Holmes once said, “There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” At Sports Physical Therapy, we take Mr. Holmes’ call-to-action seriously. You will find every location of ours actively engaged throughout the year in helping others.

 

For example, after Superstorm Sandy devastated so many last October, you found all 21 of our clinics collecting donations of cleaning supplies, clothing, food, and small appliances to give to those impacted. There were over 10 carloads of items collected and delivered to the New York City area.

 

During the holidays last December, 17 of our clinics participated in Salvation Army programs such as Toys for Tots and Adopt-A-Family, or supporting local agencies trying to help underserved populations enjoy their holidays.

 

Each month, our Administrative Office holds a $2 Tuesday lunch. All the money raised at these lunches goes to a non-profit organization in need. To date, we’ve raised over $300 to help agencies like the American Red Cross, Vera House of Central New York, and the Central New York Food Bank. And, if that’s not enough, the staff in this office sells tickets for staff to wear jeans to work. That effort has raised over $500 and has helped agencies like North Area Meals on Wheels (Liverpool, NY), University Methodist Church Food Pantry, and others.

 

We have numerous employees who are active with community walks and runs, helping to raise money for agencies like the Arthritis Foundation, American Heart Association, and Juvenile Diabetes. Their efforts have helped raised hundreds of dollars just in the last year!

 

We thank you for your support of our efforts. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of many!

 

Make Physical Therapy Your First Stop for Orthopedic Injuries

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A cheerleading injury scare! My daughter is a flyer for her high school varsity cheerleading team and with that responsibility comes many hours of practice each day, including separate sessions of tumbling. While performing a back handspring, she landed off balance and the pain began.

 

After applying general first aid to her ankle overnight, it became very apparent that the injury was more than a slight bruise. Her orthopedic doctor didn’t have an available appointment for nearly 3 days and we were worried the situation would get worse, especially if she continued to practice with her team.

 

Fortunately, I learned about Direct Access from Sports PT and knew we had other options. I immediately called the Liverpool, NY clinic and they saw her that day! After a thorough initial evaluation, it was evident that her ankle may have been broken in the landing, and the physical therapist recommended a visit to the orthopedic urgent care that evening for x-rays. Her ankle was broken, but due to the immediate attention provided by Sports PT, we had already begun the healing process.

 

So what is Direct Access?

 

It is legislation enacted by the NYS Education Department in November 2006 that allows a licensed physical therapist to provide a patient with treatment in the practice of physical therapy without a referral from a physician, dentist, podiatrist or nurse practitioner, for 10 visits or 30 days, whichever occurs first, provided the licensed physical therapist meets specific requirements. It was designed to be a first line of defense where patients could start treatment immediately to begin the healing process. It also allows for patients to be seen sooner by expert medical professionals rather than clogging up emergency rooms and urgent care centers with these types of issues.

 

Did you know that physical therapists are some of the best qualified individuals to evaluate an orthopedic injury, next to Orthopedic Surgeons? There is even a research study that presents data supporting the diagnostic accuracy of physical therapists.

 

At Sports PT, we have physical therapists who meet the requirements in nearly every clinic. If you have an acute or chronic injury or condition that impairs your movement, such as back and neck pain, sprains and strains, hip, knee or ankle pain, tendonitis or a sports injury, I encourage you to contact us to make an appointment! It will save you precious time and may result in lower out-of-pocket insurance expenses.1 We’ll check your insurance policy for you to make sure your insurance carrier allows for Direct Access. We look forward to helping you soon!

 

By:  Dot Hall, Mother of Patient

 

Sportsmetrics™ Program Helping Our Student Athletes

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Dr. Alison Synakowski, Facility Manager of Sports PT’s Saratoga clinic, will be running a Sportsmetrics™ program from February 4, 2013 through March 15, 2013 at the SPA Catholic High School. Dr. Synakowski is a certified Sportsmetrics™ trainer, and has successfully affected student athletes who have participated in this program in the past.

 

Sportsmetrics™ is proven to reduce the risk of knee ligament injuries, especially in female athletes. In addition, participants have also seen an increase in agility, strength, vertical jump height and power. Sportsmetrics™ is an evidence-based approach to reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. This program is ideal for individuals who would like to reduce their risk of knee injuries as well improve performance in their sport. It is also appropriate for individuals who are returning from ACL surgery and need to improve their confidence and mechanics in order to return safely to sport. Many basketball, soccer and lacrosse players have seen significant improvements.

 

The components include:

 

  • Dynamic warm-ups
  • Jump training series
  • Mechanics with jumping
  • Agility, Strength, and Flexibility work outs

 

There is testing completed on the first and last day of the program to measure outcomes.

 

Classes run from 7-9pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 8-10am on Saturdays. Participants must complete all 18 sessions. Class size is limited to 12 participants. The cost is $150. To register, contact Dr. Synakowski at asynakowski@sptny.com or 518-583-7537. Don’t miss this great opportunity to get stronger, higher, and flexible!

 

Annual Watchfire Honors our Armed Forces and our Flag

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Mike Greenlar / The Post Standard

Russell Oakes remembers playing little league baseball as a kid and the friendships he formed at a young age. He graduated from Albany High School in 1965 and when he got word that a few of his little league friends had been killed in Vietnam, he decided to join the Marine Corps. Russell pulled four tours of duty in Vietnam from 1966-1968 and was honorably discharged in 1969. In 2001, he retired from the Department of Defense where he spent more than 15 years as a plan engineer. Russell has nothing but praise and admiration for the men and women who serve our country today.

 

This past weekend, his time was spent setting up for the Annual WATCHFIRE ceremony at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes. This event commences every year at sundown on the Sunday before Memorial Day to pay tribute to U.S. soldiers and veterans. A bonfire was lit at Veteran’s Watchfire Park to properly dispose of thousands of retired and tattered US flags. Over 20,000 people were expected to attend this year’s event.

 

The watchfire holds an important place in military history. It is said that following a battle or long march, a large fire was started so those missing or lost could locate and rejoin their comrades.1 Today, the Watchfire also provides the community an opportunity to properly retire unserviceable American flags.

 

If you have a flag no longer suitable for flying, there are several organizations that will retire your flag in a proper and respectful ceremony including the VFW, American Legion, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America and the Marine Corps League.

 

In honor of National Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day, we send a heartfelt THANK YOU to Mr. Oaks and to all our U.S. servicemen, servicewomen and their families, for your valiant service and sacrifice.

 

Charitable Giving at Sports PT

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Sports PT President Lynn Steenberg presenting a check to Leola Rodgers of the Golisano Children's Hospital

 

So what happens at Sports Physical Therapy of NY when we’re NOT treating patients? Lots of important things of course, but a huge priority for our company and our employees is giving back to the community.

 

Since our inception in 2005, the employees at Sports PT have supported over 30 different charitable organizations across our 22 facility footprint. When the tsunami hit Southeast Asia in 2004 followed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, we established the American Red Cross as our official partner for charitable giving. To date, employees have contributed over $75,000 to local, regional, national and international relief efforts led by the Red Cross.

 

It’s just as common however for individual Sports PT facilities to rally around a cause in support of a patient or family member. Earlier this year, our Central New York employees raised money for the Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse following the loss of a former co-worker’s child. In March, the staff at Sports PT 92nd Street put a team together for “Climb to the Top” in NYC to benefit Multiple Sclerosis in support of one of their own patients suffering from the disease. And just a couple of weekends ago, a group of our NYC employees participated in New York Cares “Spring Greening” Day which involved planting, mulching, composting, and painting in parks around the city.

 

What’s the motivation? We’re all busy right? The short answer is that it’s one of our values as a company, our Care in Motion. But truly, that wonderful value is inspired and lived by our company President, Lynn Steenberg. “Giving back is part of my genetic make-up and upbringing. I truly believe that you get back so much more than you give. Everyone can make a difference in this world in some way!”

 

What cause is near and dear to your heart? We’d love to know!

 

Is NY Knicks Wonder, Jeremy Lin, Out for the Season?

Written by: Tim Abel, PT, DPT

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Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty

 

As a lot of you know, Jeremy Lin, point guard for the New York Knicks, underwent surgery on his knee to repair a torn meniscus. This is really unfortunate for the Knicks because Lin was playing well, and they are fighting for the last playoff spot in the Eastern conference. Lin’s timeframe to return to action was put at 6 weeks.

 

Although you might not hear about meniscus injuries in sports as much as you do an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or Achilles tendon rupture, we see a large population of individuals both athletes and non-athletes alike that suffer meniscal injuries each year. The meniscus is a “C” shaped structure in the knee composed of cartilage. It sits between your femur (the thigh bone) and tibia (the shin bone). You have two in each knee, a medial (inside) and lateral (outside) meniscus.

 

The meniscus has many functions, the most important being shock absorption as your leg supports your body weight, but the meniscus also aides in joint stability, joint nutrition and proprioception. The meniscus is typically torn when someone is twisting, turning, or changing directions with their foot planted on the ground. Symptoms can include swelling, pain along the joint, clicking, and even locking of the knee in some cases. The treatment options for a meniscus tear are typically one of three including rehabilitation (Physical Therapy, PT), menisectomy (removal of injured portion via arthroscopic surgery), or meniscal repair (surgical fixation via arthroscopy). There is also a less common technique called a meniscus transplant, where surgeons replace the injured meniscus with one from a cadaver.

 

Factors for determining which treatment option will lead to the best recovery are the location and size of the tear. The inner portion of each meniscus is avascular, meaning it does not have a blood supply. Tears in the avascular portion are often removed instead of repaired because of the limited potential to heal. Meniscal repairs are most successful when tears are in the vascular portion of the meniscus, which is located along the outside of the meniscus.

 

Let’s hope Lin’s injury was in an area with good blood supply, because with the amount of running, cutting, twisting, and jumping in basketball, he is going to need strong, healthy knees. I personally don’t think Jeremy Lin will see any more playing time this season, especially because if the Knicks make the playoffs, they will likely face the Chicago Bulls or Miami Heat, and won’t be around for too long. Do you think Lin will make a comeback this season?

 

Reference:  Dutton M. Orthopaedic examination, evaluation, and intervention. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill; 2008.

 

Saratoga PTs Host a Community Education Night

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The best teachers always know that learning should be fun. How many Physical Therapy clinics do you know open their door to the community to educate, treat aches and pains, raffle off prizes and supply refreshments? Well, we know one, and so do 37 other people from the Saratoga community. On March 7th, our Saratoga team rolled out the welcome mat to the community for a free evening of education and fun where common injuries and strategies to avoid these injuries were discussed.

 

Do you sit for hours and hours every day? Many of us do. Two staff physical therapists, Jeff Fear, PT, MPT, and Shane Connors, MSPT, DPT, spoke about “The Painful Truth about Sitting”. These PTs have treated hundreds of patients with pain resulting from sitting for too long. They highlighted that sitting for too long can wreak havoc on our posture contributing to neck and lower back pain. In fact, office workers, have a higher risk for developing neck pain compared to the general population.1 Exercise can help to minimize the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Some creative strategies were shared with the audience to combat these negative effects. The main recommendation was to practice active sitting. Some examples of active sitting are putting objects that you use most often farthest away from you, setting a timer every 30 minutes for a “get up and walk” reminder, or using a smaller water bottle so you have to keep getting up to refill it.

The second lecture of the evening was polar opposite from the first lecture. Apparently, once we get up form our chairs, many of us become runners. Twenty-five to 70% of runners report overuse injuries each year.2 Our Facility Manager, Alison Synakowski, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, and staff therapist, Jennifer Szymanski, PT, DPT, discussed “Common Injuries in Runners and the Importance of Cross Training”. Although running is great exercise, it is not enough to keep our bodies healthy. Cross training, or alternative exercise to running, can help to minimize the risk of injury, strengthen muscles that are not used during running, and can also improve your cardiovascular fitness. Both PTs suggested to get moving with multiple activities to decrease your chances of overuse injuries. Activities such as swimming, cycling, using the elliptical machine, and even walking are great alternatives to running.

With lots of Q&A throughout the evening, past patients reuniting with their PTs, and delicious refreshments, it’s safe to say that all involved learned something new and had fun!

 

Local Organization Gets People Moving

Written by: Drew Jenk, PT, DPT

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You have two choices: feel sorry for yourself, or take the bull by the horns and forge on. Life will move forward with or without you. These were some of the many thoughts going through the mind of Greg Callen after a tragic fall from a tall building in which he sustained a complete spinal cord injury at the level of T12, leaving him paraplegic and wheelchair dependent for the remainder of his life.

 

Greg is the Founder and President of Move Along, Inc. in Syracuse, NY. Move Along is an organization that Greg started after his injury when he realized that there were limited opportunities for people like him in the Syracuse area. Consequently, he developed Move Along, Inc. to bring adaptive sports and awareness to the Central New York region.

 

At Sports PT of New York, we take pride in our community awareness and service. What better organization to align with than a program designed to help people move who have inherent challenges. Physical therapists are movement and biomechanics experts. Most of our time is spent with able-bodied individuals, but have you ever thought about the difficulties with simply sitting in a chair when you are missing your entire left leg? Your leg accounts for about ¼ of your body weight and puts amputees at a huge asymmetrical disadvantage. Have you ever thought what it would be like to have no feeling from the navel down? Getting out of bed, sitting, transferring to the toilet and other activities of daily living would be significantly challenged.

 

Aside from these challenges with daily life, the individuals of Move Along, Inc. take on an even greater challenge – tackling competitive sports head on. Sports like wheelchair road races, wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, adaptive kayaking, aquatics, and wheelchair tennis are just a few of the sports our Move Along, Inc. members participate in. The individuals that I work and play with during Move Along, Inc. functions are truly remarkable people who overcome significant challenges on a daily basis. They are truly inspiring.

 

So check out Sports PT and all of the member charities and non-profit organizations, including Move Along Inc., that we support. The next time you stub your toe and find it difficult to walk, imagine how difficult it would be to run 100 meters in under 11 seconds without a leg.

 

Helping Overseas in Haiti

Written by: Dan Freed-Pastor, PT, DPT

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This past December, I joined forces with For Hope International, a non-profit organization, to travel south to the Caribbean for my fourth medical missions trip to serve and treat the people of Haiti. For Hope International works very closely with Haitian medical professionals and students, both educating them through practice and empowering them to better treat their own people in need. I have worked in various parts of the country – from more rural areas like Port Salut in December 2009 before the earthquake, to working at the GHESKIO clinic in the heart of Port-au-Prince with a rehab team of physical and occupational therapists in March 2010 following the devastating earthquake. The 7.0 magnitude quake killed several hundred thousand and left likely double or triple that figure with serious disability.

 

During my most recent trip, I provided rehabilitation consultations and services out of an established medical clinic in Carrefour, Haiti, with which For Hope International has partnered. We saw a variety of conditions and injuries requiring rehabilitation, some more and some much less similar to those we see here in the U.S.. I was able to provide crutches and canes to those in need that were donated by local Sports PT of NY clinics and their patients. I treated many patients with back pain resulting from manual labor and postural stress (often seamstresses) that benefited from education on body mechanics and correction of maladaptive behaviors. I also worked with a lot of patients that had suffered from strokes, some who weren’t even aware that they had experienced one, and others with amputations or fractures caused by trauma during the quake.

 

It is a great opportunity working so closely with American and Haitian medical students and physicians, each one of us realizing how much we stand to benefit from learning just a little more about what each other does. Each experience has been extremely different and rewarding in its own way, giving me a whole new perspective on the patients and people with whom I work every day. If there is one thing someone reading this could take away, it would be that there is always hope for rebuilding, even when the mainstream news gives an update on progress that is less than promising.

 

For more information or to get involved, visit For Hope International.

 

Mesi anpil (Thank you very much),

Dan Freed-Pastor

 

It’s Game Day at Sports PT Queens!

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Super Bowl XLVI is around the corner and many of us, in some way, participate in “Game Day”. This past month at Sports PT, “Game Day” has taken on new meaning. We’ve brought a new team into our franchise, Sports PT Queens, and they’re kicking off “Game Day” in a brand new stadium, with brand new turf on a freshly lined field. We want our supportive fans to know where to find us and to feel confident that we’ll be delivering the same winning record in our new stadium. Our play book is below and we hope you’ll come by to cheer us on!

 

Our Stadium

Our new Queens location is located on the 4th floor of the Newsday Building in Kew Gardens, NY, minutes from Forest Hills and conveniently located off the E & F trains at the Union Turnpike-Kew Gardens Station. We offer a large, open treatment area with plenty of windows to let in the natural light.

 

Our Roster

Nans Bernardo, physical therapist, will be making all the big plays in the quarterback seat, while Loretta Guerra, Patient Services Coordinator, has earned her spot as offensive coordinator.

 

Our Team Philosophy

Effective, evidence-based care in a friendly, fun and compassionate environment. On behalf of the Queens staff, we look forward to providing you the best Sports PT has to offer at our new location!

 

For hours and additional information, visit our Queens office online at Sports PT Queens.

 

Sports PT Queens

80-02 Kew Gardens Road, 4th Floor

Kew Gardens, NY 11415

P 718.263.7500

Email queens@sptny.com