Function With Purpose [Podcast]

– Most times, when we are doing the right steps to help our bodies feel better, be better, move better & function better we tend to slowly slip away from those “already instilled” habits that keep us there . When we feel optimal, we begin to slightly lose the consistency game . And that’s when previous injury, niggles, stiffness or pain creeps back up . Our habits help re-shape our future self...

– The term “health insurance” doesn’t truly ensure your health & wellness status . [Backwards…I know] . In fact, health insurance should be termed “sickness insurance” . Sickness insurance is in place to take on RISK when an emergency happens that leads someone into the medical system (AKA hospital) - - Seeking physiotherapy (PT) services does not equate to using your sickness insurance (that’...

– The physiotherapy (PT) profession doesn’t help paint a solid picture for the public to understand what it really can do for them . Unfortunately, we only expose them to the first layer [& nothing more] . PT doesn’t just exist to help get people out of pain . Rather… . PT can do much more by revealing the deeper layers to making an impact on one’s health, wellness, fitness & recovery path...

– I believe there is a significant difference in seeking self-exploration versus professional guidance when it comes to responding to your own body’s warning signals (i.e. Pain signals) . Here’s my concepts — I categorize individuals into two “types of responders”: 1. The “seasoned” individual 2. The “rookie” individual As a “rookie individual”, it may be best to seek professional help earlier rat...

- Clearly this topic today will be focused on the physical therapy profession . I have come across many professionals out there who “claim” the be the “best” . No one is ever the “best” (me included) . But I think it’s important for us [PTs] to start stepping up to the plate rather than downgrading our profession . Newsflash — It will get us NOWHERE to continue to work for the medical system! . So...

- This for sure is a loaded question I’ve been getting from athletes & patients . There are so many “things” to track when we finally decide to take control of our health & wellness . Not to mention build better approaches in doing so . These are my 5 pillars to monitor throughout the health-span & lifespan . Because why would we just STOP at “good enough”? . My 5 pillars (in this spec...

- There comes a point where self-directed treatment must occur within the patient's timeline of care . If there is no patient input [within their own care], then we are not truly putting our patients first . True success won’t happen . With physiotherapy, it’s more than just “getting out of pain” or “returning back to exercise” . It’s about LEVELING UP to enhancing longevity & lifespan! -...

- Medication (AKA meds) have a time & place during the physiotherapy journey . When something is “acute” or “severe” in which it interferes with our daily functioning within society, . Then use of pain meds [in this story I’m about to share with you] is totally appropriate in order to manage symptoms & regain some function back . Meds can serve us well when it’s prescribed at specific time...

- Did you know that about 20-30% of individuals will experience some type of vertigo after recovering from COVID? . Yeah — neither did I — this is a highly wild number! . In early August 2023, my mother experienced this post-COVID vertigo called BPPV . And today I want to share her experience with you & what PT can do to help! . [BPPV = Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo] . BPPV can easily b...

- There is a difference & experience between “good” vs “bad” inflammation . Inflammation is a “good” thing — it means that our body is capable of building a “defense mechanism” to injury, disease, sickness, etc. . But when inflammation lasts longer than expected, that’s when things may take a wrong turn . As a physiotherapist, we need to really hone in on our patients timeline of events &...

- There’s a MAJOR difference between these two types of surgery . Elective surgery = a surgical procedure that is less invasive in nature which may require local anesthesia or undergo “same-day” surgery; it is typically “scheduled in advance” Some examples may include: Total knee replacement Superficial skin cell resections Rotator cuff repair Nerve ablations . Emergency surgery = an immediate sur...

- It’s never too soon to seek out help from a physiotherapist when one sustains an acute (musculoskeletal) injury . [Just as long as the injury is not a life-threatening concern] . Most times, we can heal on our own without outsider help . But… . It can take longer than usual without effective & proper guidance / intervention from a licensed professional . A physiotherapist can bridge the gap...

- This has been such a hot subject to discuss with my athletes & patients recently . Yet alone to put yourself through so you can feel the benefits for muscle recovery . I have had to pleasure to perform weekly cold plunges after long training sessions on Saturday mornings . And what an eye opener it was! . For muscle recovery, current research found that: 11 minutes a week (i.e. 3-4 sets of 2...

- We do not want to promote a “disabling” environment, but rather a SUPPORTING environment that will still maintain independence for the older adult . Home safety can be easily overlooked in the older adult population . Especially when one is discharged back home after a bout of sickness that may have caused them to be hospitalized . Or… . If one is recovering from a stroke waiting to get physioth...

- As the aging timeline progresses, a significant increase in fall risk rises . Falling (along with poor balance) increases one’s chances of suffering a lower extremity injury or even a traumatic brain injury . Research has shown that a lack of exercise & strengthening contributes to increased fall risk in the aging population - - So… . If there’s one thing to focus on as we age, it’s continui...

- A question that I’ve been recently receiving a lot from my patients . And, I personally continue to use on a weekly basis for myself . But first, let’s define what intermittent fasting (IF) is: IF is a time-restricted window of not eating Typically a 12-18 hour “fasting” period Which means an “eating window” of 6-8 hours - - From research & personal experience insights, I believe that IF can...

- Ever see someone in the gym lift heavy weights with knee wraps / sleeves on? . Ever see an athlete wear a strap on their elbow or knee? . Listen in on my opinion & definition on when to wear these accessories during rehabilitation or gym training / exercise . . #FunctionWithPurpose #FPTEducation - - - - - The Function with Purpose Podcast . All things health - wellness - fitness - & educ...

- Medications are a part of the healing process especially when one undergoes a surgical [orthopaedic] procedure . Meds help the patient heal & to be able to tolerate the physical therapy rehabilitation treatments . When a surgeon or physician prescribes them for post-surgical recovery, they are a SAFE & ACCEPTABLE level of dosage . Know that there are 5 “classes / schedules” of meds (see...

- Entering the medical system too early happens very often in our culture . So often, that patients become a “hot potato” being tossed from physician to physician without full answers to their immediate concerns . This, unfortunately, leads to a significant rise in prescription medication usage . And… . A downward spiral to health, wellness, fitness & recovery processes - - Today, I want to sh...

- When patients reach out to me for help, they are typically experiencing pain or are unable to perform certain movements during their workouts or fitness endeavors . Commonly, 9 out of 10 times patients are experiencing a “musculoskeletal” injury or setback that is preventing them from performing their best . However… . It is VERY RARE that I have to instruct patients to “SHUT IT DOWN” . But… . I...

- My surgeon told me to rest…therefore I shall rest… . I don’t know about you, but when one undergoes an orthopaedic / musculoskeletal surgery I believe this concept is WACK! . Here’s why… . The gym should be a place for “continued physiotherapy” from the exercise perspective . Just because you had surgery doesn’t mean the gym is off-limits . In order to recover better & faster, you must conti...

- As my father would say…I’m not here to “keep up with the Jones” . I’m here to create VALUE-BASED CARE in order for patients to confidently know they are making VALUED-BASED CHOICES when they walk through the FPT door . As my knowledge & education increases — so does the VALUE for my patients’ expectations . I want my patients to FEEL: CONFIDENT POWERFUL STRONG EDUCATED RESILIENT TRUSTED . ....

- Today I want to share a recent interaction I had with a patient / athlete of mine who sustained an ACL injury earlier this year . Our main focus for her rehabilitation & recovery journey was to control as many controllables as possible . All while continuing to maintain her fitness & strong mentality to keep making 1% daily gains - - BONUS CONTENT:   #fptcoffeetalk 12 - How I will n...

- Within normal limits (WNL) is a “hypothetical blueprint” set by [health] insurance companies . This places a MINIMUM THRESHOLD on your improvement status so that discharge is achieved from physical therapy care . But…by no means are you MORE FUNCTIONAL than when you came into physical therapy to begin with . WNL sets limitations to expectations in the physical therapy atmosphere — which, in turn...

- We are constantly surrounded by a lack of protein sources, especially when it comes to travel plans . It is so imperative to make PROTEIN an essential when travels occur expectedly & unexpectedly . PROTEIN is the macronutrient that maintains muscle mass & helps keep our bodies feeling strong . So upon your next planned trip [or unplanned travel], consider packing these simple protein res...