We have reached the month of March, which means it is National Athletic Training Month! Some may wonder what the difference is between an athletic trainer and a physical therapist. Both professions are dedicated to helping people optimize movement to return to and/or maintain their best level of function. Let’s go through a few more similarities and differences of the two professions.

What does an athletic trainer do?

• Athletic trainers require a Bachelor’s degree, however, 70% of ATs get a Master’s degree.
• Often, they are first on site with athletes to report to acute injuries.
• They work with athletes of various ages and skill levels. This includes athletes in youth sports, professional sports and industrial athletes in work settings. Athletic trainers can also work in clinics and hospitals.
• Focus on injury prevention, assessment and management of acute and/or chronic conditions.
• May use injury preventative devices such as tape or braces to help as needed.
• Athletic trainers provide emergency care and then collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including physical therapists.
• They must react and think quickly under pressure when on sidelines with athletes.
• Just like physical therapists, athletic trainers must complete ongoing education requirements to maintain their certification.

What does a physical therapist do?

• Physical therapists require a Bachelor’s degree with specific prerequisites to enter a Doctoral program. Typically it takes about four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, then 2-3 years to complete the doctoral program.
• Like athletic training, physical therapists work in multiple settings, including the following: outpatient clinics, hospitals, home health care, skilled nursing and some are self-employed.
• Physical therapists can specialize in different patient populations. Examples include: orthopedics, pediatrics, vestibular and neurological rehabilitation.
• A physical therapist’s role is to evaluate, diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. This includes acute, chronic and post-operative.
• A physical therapist may treat using stretching, strengthening, joint mobilizations/manipulations, modalities (ice, heat, electric stimulation, etc.), balance training and proper prescription of assistive devices (crutches, braces, orthotics).

How do athletic trainers and physical therapists work together?

• Both athletic trainers and physical therapists have the goal of returning the athlete to prior level function.
• A physical therapist is able to provide one-on-one patient care that can focus on rehabilitation of injury. They can provide treatment to reduce symptoms and develop a program to maximize function.
• An athletic trainer can assess the individual during sport activities to determine how the individual is responding to treatment and ensure they are implementing rehabilitation program effectively.
• Healthcare provides best serve an individual when working together as a team. Communication between an athletic trainer and physical therapist can enhance an athlete's ability to return to prior level of function at a safe and efficient rate.

Sources:
Athletic Trainer Vs. Physical Therapist: Career, Salary, Education of PT Progress
National Athletic Training Month: 20 Facts About Athletic Training

What's New at PT Plus
Spring Fever YMCA Family Event
Join our therapist, Jordan Weyker for some family fun at the YMCA, swimming in the Family Adventure Pool, bounce houses, games and activities. Hosted at the Feith Family Ozaukee YMCA on 3/17 from 5-7PM and the  Kettle Moraine YMCA - West Bend on 3/18 from 10AM-12PM. RSVP with the Facebook Event links above to see complete event details. ​

Blood Flow Restriction Training Workshop
Join Mark Snyder at the Hartland Movement Center on Saturday, March 25th to learn about how BFRT works and what the benefits are. This training technique allows for quicker recovery and faster strength gains making it popular among athletes and health enthusiasts. RSVP on our Facebook Event. ​

Nearly 5 million people in the United States have fibromyalgia. This chronic condition causes widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues. It can be difficult to manage and can severely impact quality of life. The best treatment plans combine exercise, modalities and education. Physical therapists are experts in all three, so they're the perfect practitioner to help!

Exercise
Currently, recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia include patient education and non-pharmacological interventions. The right exercise routine can help with pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, depression, and more. A combination of strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercise is the most effective. You and your PT will work together to find the right type and intensity of exercise to best manage your symptoms.

​Modalities
Exercise isn't the only tool the PT has to help people with fibromyalgia though. Gentle manual therapy and massage have been shown to help reduce pain and muscle stiffness caused by fibromyalgia. Physical therapists also use modalities to reduce symptoms.
 
Examples include:

• electrical stimulation
• laser
• biofeedback
• dry needling in states where it is allowed

 
In addition to land-based exercise, some clinics also have the option of aquatic therapy. This combines the benefits of exercise with the warmth of a therapeutic pool.
 
Education
Education is another important component in treating fibromyalgia. A physical therapist spends more time with their patients than most other practitioners. They have the time to help you understand what's going on, and what you can do about it. Research shows that people with more knowledge about their condition have better outcomes, more confidence, and cope better.
 
While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, physical therapists can help with pain management, strength, mobility, fatigue and function to help patients find relief from their symptoms.

References:

1. Research (peer-reviewed)
   1. Therex effectiveness - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5632473/
   2. PT for fibromyalgia - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31140398/
   3. Exercises for fibro - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29185675/
   4. Manual therapy for fibro - ​​https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32604939/
   5. Aquatic PT for fibro - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23818412/
   6. Effectiveness of exercise with fatigue, etc for fibro - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32721388/
2. Articles and Content
   1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11028838/
   2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36051912/
   3. https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-fibromyalgia

This month is American Heart Month. It’s also a snowy month, at least here in Wisconsin. While some people have the luxury, desire, and ability to travel south for the winter months escaping the cold and falling white stuff (snow), most WI natives are having to deal with removal of said white stuff. This is done by snow plowing, blowing and shoveling, or a combination of two or all of them. The last two options however, can be very strenuous for the young and old alike depending on the moisture of the snow fall and the total amount accumulated. Even having the very best and top of the line of snow blowers can still require a lot of energy to push the machine down the driveway and sidewalk.

Now, you are probably wondering where I am going with stating all of this mostly common sense and knowledge.

Well, what is less known is the increase in occurrences of cardiac arrests from snow removal, especially shoveling. According to a retroactive study from the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 6.7% of snow removal emergency visits were cardiac related symptoms. The highest was musculoskeletal exertion at 53.9%, followed by slip/falls at 20% (Watson, 2011). Unfortunately, we as physical therapists tend to see people once an injury already has occurred, and does often include longer rehabilitation due to traumatic falls, significant muscle strains related to the lower back and extremities, and also ligamentous and joint strains (musculoskeletal injuries).

While snow removal is unavoidable here in WI if you own your own home or have a job that involves snow removal, it is important to take precautions to reduce the activity intensity. These can include shoveling lighter loads and taking your time, having family or friends help you with the task, or getting stronger before the winter season is upon us. This is one way physical therapy can help.

Here at PT Plus, we can help get you stronger to reduce your potential for musculoskeletal injury which will also lower the cardiac demand that snow removal entails, thus lowering your risk for cardiac arrests. We can also correct and assist with movement patterns to help make the removal of snow easier in addition to helping to train and improve your balance to lessen the risk for slips and falls. Whatever the reason or need, we can help. Afterall, we are a more enjoyable experience then an ER visit.

​So, during this heart awareness month and snow removal season, please remember to be safe and stay warm. Spring is just around the corner.
 
Thanks,
Your local PT Plus team

Source:
Watson, D. (2011) ‘Snow shovel-related injuries and medical emergencies treated in US Eds, 1990 to 2006’, The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 29(1), pp 11-17. Available at: https://ajemjournal-test.com.marlin-prod.literatumonline.com/article/S0735-6757(09)00371-4/fulltext

What's New at PT Plus
Shoulder Mobility Workshop
Join our therapist, Peter Eidsmoe for a Shoulder Mobility Workshop on Thursday, February 23rd at 6:30PM. He will be presenting to staff, members, and the public at The Gym WB, located in West Bend.  RSVP on our Facebook Event Invite!  ​

Welcome to the Team! 
We are excited that Sarah Heitman will be joining the PT Plus family! She will be working in the Elm Grove office beginning next week offering more availability and appointment times, so contact us today to schedule with Sarah! ​

Recent Google Review
​Skyler Van Sluys, ★★★★★

Warm ups are always important. They gradually raise your heart rate, and get you breathing a little faster. This sends more oxygen, energy, and nutrients to your heart, lungs, and muscles so they can perform at their best. Warm ups also get the aerobic energy system started, which takes several minutes. Getting it going before your activity also helps you perform better.

What's different in the cold?
Our bodies have a few tricks to stay warm in the cold. One of these is to narrow the blood vessels closest to the skin. That means that the more superficial muscles get less blood flow, making them more likely to be injured if you place too much demand on them before they're ready. The restriction in the blood vessels also makes your heart work harder. This doesn't mean you can't be active in the cold, it just means that you should take a little more time to get your body ready.

How to warm up
Start with something to raise your heart rate, maybe a brisk walk or light jog. Follow that with a dynamic warm up like walking or jogging while pulling your knees up high to your chest. Some high front kicks with straight knees will loosen your hamstrings. Walking lunges with an upper body twist will get your whole body moving. Your warm up should match the activity you have planned. If you're not sure how it should look, ask your physical therapist!

Consider your clothes
Dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing to your activity level. After you warm up, you might want to take off a layer to avoid getting too hot during your main activity. You can always add layers back when your activity level drops or the temperature changes.

​Even though it's cold, cool down
We know it's tempting to rush inside to a warm blanket and hot drink, but don't skip the cool down. Keep moving with a walk or another form of active recovery so your heart rate can come down gradually. A cool down also helps your muscles to transition back to a relaxed state and can reduce soreness following your workout. Since your muscles are still warm, your cool down is the right place for static stretching.
 
The shorter days and lower temperatures don't mean that you're stuck inside for all of your exercise. Follow these tips and you can safely keep moving outside. If you'd like a customized warm up or cool down, or have questions about your exercise routine, your physical therapist is a great person to ask!

What's New at PT Plus
Wellness Continuum Class Series
Join presenter Judy Ann Walz for a series of classes focusing on proactive and positive self-management for optimal health. These are free classes held in Hartford, WI. View this flier for more information. 

Join Our Team! 
At PT Plus, we look for people with passion, skill, and a desire to serve others. We support these qualities by providing an inclusive environment, continued education, and caring about employees as we would a family member. See what opportunities are available. ​

Haven't thought about having an annual PT exam? We're biased, but we think you should. You see your optometrist and dentist regularly because your eyes and teeth are important. You get an annual physical from your family physician. You might even be getting ready to see your accountant to get your yearly taxes done.
 
But what about the rest of your body? Have you lost range of motion, or strength? How's your balance and coordination? These all affect how you move. You might not notice small changes until you have problems like trouble lifting a heavy load, joint pain, or a sprained ankle from a stumble. An annual PT exam can catch problems early, then correct them before they lead to something bigger.

What to Expect
An annual PT exam is quick and easy. Your annual visit may include:

• A history of your injuries, as well as a health history
• Assessment of your strength, balance, flexibility, etc.
• A review of your movement goals (do you want to run a marathon? Get on and off the floor easily playing with your grandkids?)
• A review and update of your exercise program

​How Important Is Moving Well?
​There is strong evidence suggesting that movement is a valuable predictor of future health and resilience against disease. Moving well can keep you healthier and help you live longer. Here are some examples of the power of movement when it comes to predicting future health:

Gait Velocity
Gait velocity is how fast you walk. Studies have shown that if your typical walking speed is over 1 m/s or 3.3 ft/s, you're likely able to complete typical daily activities independently. You're also less likely to be hospitalized and less likely to have adverse events like falls.

Get On and Off the Floor
A series of studies suggest that if you can go from standing to sitting on the floor and back to standing without using your hands, you're a lot less likely to die than someone who can't. It's  called the sitting-rising test. You can find the instructions and examples with a quick internet search.
 
Notice that both gait velocity and the sitting-rising test aren't specific to any one thing. The risk of hospitalization in the gait velocity studies was hospitalization for any reason. Death in the sitting-rising studies was death from anything. So science says that moving well is incredibly important to your overall health. It's also important for your quality of life. We think moving well is just as important as your teeth, eyes, and taxes. If you agree, get that annual PT exam scheduled!
 
 
References
Why provide an annual physical therapy visit - https://www.apta.org/patient-care/interventions/annual-checkup

Physical Therapists' Role in Prevention, Wellness, Fitness, Health Promotion, and Management of Disease and Disability - https://www.apta.org/apta-and-you/leadership-and-governance/policies/pt-role-advocacy
 
Ability to sit and rise from the floor is closely correlated with all-cause mortality risk -- ScienceDaily
 
Gait velocity as a single predictor of adverse events in healthy seniors aged 75 years and older - PubMed (nih.gov)

Turkey Trots have become a popular way for family and friends to get together and participate in a healthy activity before one of the more caloric holidays on the calendar. These events usually raise money for worthy causes during a time noted for giving and being thankful for the things we have. You have no doubt seen these events advertised or have friends that make it part of their yearly rituals. Maybe you were even thinking about getting involved yourself. What better way to burn some calories before you sit down and enjoy all that food! Before you sign up for that race though, make sure you are ready to participate with these helpful hints.

Know your limitations: Most Turkey Trots are 5Ks which is 3.1 miles, though some may be longer so know what you are signing up for and choose a distance that you think you can handle. If you don’t have time to train but want to participate, find a race that has a walking portion and save the 5K for next year when you are ready.

Train/Prepare: If you have decided that you want to run, there are some ways to get yourself ready physically. There are apps available for your phone that will plot out a training program to get you running 5K distances starting from a relatively sedentary lifestyle. This is an excellent idea if you haven’t run the mile since high school! By starting training early and utilizing steady progression, you limit the risk of joint injury. Also, find a friend to run with you. These events are meant to be social so having a friend come along will keep it fun and make you more accountable.  As with any program, it is a good idea to have your physician clear you for participation in a running program.

Think about clothing: You definitely need a good pair of running shoes but you also need to be prepared for the weather. It could be mild or it could be wet and freezing.  Make sure you dress in layers so that you can add and subtract clothing as your body temperature rises during the race and drops after you finish.

Warm up and stretch before and after the race: Make sure to get that blood pumping about 15-20 minutes before the race by walking or light jogging and then participate in some dynamic stretches. Dynamic stretches are active movements that stretch the muscles to their full range of motion such as hip circles, high knees or squats. You can look up a program specific for 5K runners or check with your physical therapist for ideas.
​
Have FUN!!! Remember why you are doing it and enjoy the company and the atmosphere. Good luck and happy running!