 It's a scorcher out there, folks! And as summer continues to heat up and temps camp out in the triple digits, it is important to take precautions and protect yourself from heat illness while being outdoors. Extremely high temperatures especially put athletes at an increased risk for heat illness. Knowing the steps for prevention can help keep you safe.
The common denominator of heat illness prevention is: Water, Rest, Shade. Getting plenty of all three when outdoors is the best way to beat the heat and stay out of trouble. Heat Safety Tips
When overheating does occur, it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies four stages of heat-related illness: heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat Rash Heat Rash is an irritation to the skin caused by sweat buildup. While common, heat rash is usually treatable by getting individuals into a cool environment with good ventilation. Heat Cramps Sweating causes a loss of body salts and fluids, which can lead to heat cramps. An individual suffering from muscle spasms or pain due to the heat should move to a cool area, rest and hydrate. Heat Exhaustion If the body loses too much water and salt, heat exhaustion may result. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist skin, nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness and rapid pulse. Workers should immediately lie down in a cool area, drink lots of water and apply cold compresses or ice packs if available. If signs of heat exhaustion do not abate or worsen, the individual should go to the emergency room. Heat Stroke Heat Stroke is a medical emergency. Heat stroke signs and symptoms are:
Don't be afraid to get out and enjoy summertime with your friends and family. Just be sure to be prepared, use precaution and common sense, and know when it's time to take a rest.
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Are you experiencing pain? Pain can be both physical and emotional, and results from actual or perceived damage to tissues. That’s right—pain is all in your head. But regardless of whether the damage is real or not, pain most definitely feels real.
Why do we have pain? It is our body’s way of protecting itself from danger and can be a warning sign of damage rather than damage itself. Although injury pain is different from the pain we feel from a hard athletic effort, the concept is the same. Athletic pain is our body’s way of telling us that we are approaching our physical capacity, and if we continue at the same intensity, we will soon run out of energy or other essential needs. However, the athletic limit of individuals can be altered to push through performance barriers. How is it that a runner can feel like she is in so much pain that it is impossible to go any faster, but then suddenly find the energy to sprint for the finish? The body’s reserves are the same, but the brain perceives the end of misery to be near and allows free use of available resources. In a similar way, injury pain warns us to protect vulnerable areas of our body. Nociceptors, or special nerves throughout the body, send signals to the brain to create feelings of pain. Everyone experiences pain differently and life experience can increase or decrease the way we perceive situations related to pain. If we have had a previous back injury, for example, the next time we are in a situation that might cause back injury, it can trigger warning pain to prevent us from overworking and leading to re-injury. The American Physical Therapists Association Move Forward Guide to Pain tells us:
 "Stand up straight." That's timeless advice we've likely all heard at one time or another, and it's worth heeding. In fact, researchers have linked bad posture with some uncomfortable health conditions and high risk of injury, especially during exercise.
Posture is the positioning of the body when a person is sitting, standing, lying down, or performing different tasks. But what is good posture really? Good posture is also known as neutral spine. When we have good posture, the muscles surrounding the spine are balanced and supporting the body equally. Poor posture, on the other hand, can cause an array of health problems. Some of those include:
Now that we know the dangers that come with poor posture, here are 9 key benefits along with tips to achieving good posture: 1. Reduced lower back pain Sitting or standing in a slouched position for prolonged periods of time stresses your lower back. More specifically, it puts pressure on the posterior structures of the spine, including the intervertebral discs, facet points, ligaments, and muscles. Tip: Do bridges to strengthen your lower backBridges strengthen and engage your gluteal and abdominal muscles, so your body relies on them instead of stressing your lower back. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your core without changing your back position. Lift your hips and lower torso off of the ground by contracting your gluteus maximus muscles, then slowly lower your hips back down. 2. Fewer headaches Poor posture can contribute to tension headaches, due to increased muscle tension in the back of the neck. Often if we correct our posture, we can reduce muscle tension and improve our headaches. Tip: Stretch your neck muscles with a head retraction exerciseThis exercise strengthens the neck muscles that are often weak and stretched out. Lie on the floor on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Pull your chin back toward the floor like you’re trying to make a double chin. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds and repeat 10 times. 3. Increased energy levels When your bones and joints are in correct alignment, it allows the muscles to be used as they’re intended, so you’ll have less fatigue and more energy. In other words, the muscles don't have to work so hard to do what they’re supposed to do. Tip: Twist your torso to activate your side abs Strengthen your obliques so the right muscles are activated when you’re sitting or standing. Start by sitting on the floor with your knees bent. Lift your feet off of the floor about 6 inches. Tighten your core as you rotate your upper body and elbows from side to side. 4. Less tension in your shoulders and neck A forward head posture puts strain on the upper back, shoulder, and neck areas. With proper alignment, the joints and ligaments are less stressed and less subject to chronic overuse. Tip: Look in the mirror and perform this neck stretch Stretch out your neck to relieve pressure and correct tension. Stand with a straight spine and neck. Slightly tuck your chin backward. You should feel a slight tensioning of your clavicle muscles and a lengthening of the posterior part of your neck. Hold for 3 seconds and complete 15 repetitions. 5. Decreased risk of abnormal wearing of the joint surfaces Crooked sitting and standing, such as resting on one leg or side of your body, leads to hip strain. Your joints wear down naturally over time. If your posture is even, not many problems arise. But if you’re uneven, more pain and issues tend to occur. Tip: Strengthen your core and lower back with this hip flexor stretchThis exercise strengthens your core and lower back at the same time while stretching your hip flexors. Start in a lunge position with one knee on the floor and your leg extended backward. The other leg should be at a 90-degree angle in front of you with your foot planted on the floor. Engage your core by pulling in slightly. 6. Improved circulation and digestion If you’re compressing vital organs, your circulation is poor, and those organs aren’t going to work as well. Healthy blood flow requires proper alignment and avoiding positions which cramp circulation, like crossing your legs. Tip: Roll out your spine with a thoracic foam roll Lie on your back on the ground and place a firm foam roller in a horizontal position underneath you at the bottom of your rib cage. Support your neck with your arms. Slowly extend your spine over the roller. Hold for 5 seconds and take a deep breath. Slowly move up 1 to 2 inches at a time. Perform this exercise daily. 7. Reduced TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain When we have a forward head position, our mandibular joint and jaw muscles experience stress and tension. This can contribute to pain with eating, talking, yawning, as well as clicking with opening, and headaches. Tip: Loosen your jaw With your head and neck in a neutral position and your eyes looking forward, turn your head slowly from one side to the other to stretch your neck muscles. 8. Better form during your workouts Our posture doesn’t just affect us when we’re sitting and standing, but when we’re exercising, too. For example, having an engaged core and neutral spine during a squat will help prevent injury. Tip: Try the tree pose Stand upright with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Bring your hands to meet in the middle of your chest with palms and fingers touching. Pull your shoulder blades back with your ears resting above your shoulders. Lift one leg up to your thigh or shin (not your knee), and press the sole of your foot into your leg for stability. Both legs should be engaged, and your core should be tucked slightly as you maintain a neutral spine. 9. Appear taller While it’s icing on the cake, good posture can make us more attractive. “People look taller and slimmer when they have good posture,” admits Griffith. Sometimes it can even make our abdominals appear more defined. Tip: Flex with the forearm plank Lie on the floor with your frontside down. Keep your forearms parallel and your feet hip-width apart. Tighten your core and lift your torso off of the ground. Make sure you’re looking down between your elbows, your shoulder blades are pulled back, and your core muscles are tight. Hold your plank for up to 30 seconds, but stop sooner if your form starts to decline. Complete 3 sets. Up for a challenge? Aim to get all the benefits of good posture by trying the above tips consistently for 30 days! Being mindful of body positioning, stretching regularly, and employing the tips listed above can tremendously improve posture and your overall health. For even more help, call to make an appointment at The Smith clinic today!  If you’ve ever tried to define sprains and strains but can’t quite identify the difference between the two, you’re not alone. These two terms are often used interchangeably to describe overstretching or tearing of soft tissues in and around your ankles. There is a key difference, however, and knowing what that is can help you differentiate between ankle sprains and strains.
An ankle sprain involves a stretching or tearing of the ligaments connecting the bones in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Ankle sprains are a very common injury among athletes and active individuals. These sprains can sometimes be prevented by performing targeted exercises to help strengthen the muscles surrounding your ankles, providing protection for those ligaments. Alternatively, an ankle strain occurs due to overstretching of the muscles surrounding the ankle joint. Symptoms of an ankle strain include pain and swelling. To help prevent ankle strains from occurring, conducting stretching exercises before participating in sports or other activities is always a good idea. Another preventative measure is to avoid overdoing it, as many muscle strains occur when you are fatigued and worn down. Anyone at any point can experience a sprain or strain, but certain risk factors increase your odds for overstretching a joint. Factors contributing to sprains or strains include:
Treatments for Ankle Sprains and Ankle Strains Ankle sprains are most often treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (also known as R.I.C.E.). Sometimes, a severe sprain in the ankle may require that the patient wear a walking boot for ankle support. An ankle strain can generally be treated at home. Resting for several days will help to limit pain and prevent further damage. You can also alternate between icing and heating the ankle to loosen up the muscle. Other treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, which will reduce pain as well as swelling. Severe strains and sprains may need more time to heal. You may also need physical therapy to help you regain strength and range of motion. If you are experiencing lingering ankle pain, let us help you get back on track. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling 901.756.1650.  "Sit up straight!" "Don't slouch!" We've likely all heard those admonishing words more than once growing up. And most of us begrudgingly complied, having no concept of the anatomical rationale behind the prodding. So, what is posture anyway? And why is it so important?
In short, posture refers to the body's alignment and positioning with respect to the ever-present force of gravity. Whether we are standing, sitting or lying down, gravity exerts a force on our joints, ligaments and muscles. Good posture entails distributing the force of gravity through our body so no one structure is overstressed. Like a building with a poor foundation, a body with poor posture is less resistant to the strains and stresses we experience over the months, years and decades of life. The sitting position is where most of us get into trouble with poor postural habits. This is especially true when driving or using a computer for extended periods of time. As we focus on the activity in front of us, we tend to protrude the head and neck forward. When this occurs, the weight of the head and upper body is no longer balanced over the spinal column, but instead must be supported by increased muscular energy and placing spinal ligaments on stretch. Over time this leads to fatigue and eventually even pain in the neck and upper back. Sitting and standing with proper postural alignment not only allows alleviates strain on your body's ligaments and muscles, but also offers many other additional benefits. Here are just a few:
To achieve correct posture while standing, the ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles should align in one straight line. To give you a mental image of what good posture looks like, imagine a plumb line running from your earlobe. If you have correct posture, the line would hang straight to the middle of your anklebone. A big issue people have with achieving a neutral spine is getting the shoulders to line up where they should be. Most individuals with bad posture have shoulders that round forward, giving them that Quasimodo look. If you can’t tell if you’re rounding your shoulders forward, here’s a quick test: Hang your hands down by your side. If the backs of your hands face forward, then you’ve got rounded shoulders. If your thumbs face forward, then your shoulders should be aligned for good posture. Being aware of good posture is the first step to breaking old poor postural habits and reducing stress and strain on your spine. Standing straight and sitting upright just takes some intentionality and consistent work. To repeat an old adage you may have heard from your mother: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Thanks Mom!  On Sunday, we celebrate Father’s Day, which naturally makes many of us mindful of our earthly fathers. But, did you know that you also have a Heavenly Father? Think of the purest love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of our Heavenly Father's love for us. In fact, He loves us so much, that He sent His only son, Jesus, to take on our sin, so that we might live holy and blameless with Him in eternity!
You see, before Jesus was born of Mary, He lived in perfect glory, intimacy, and unity with His Father and the Holy Spirit. After the fall of Adam and Eve, God desired you and I to share in that same love, intimacy, and glory. Jesus’ death and resurrection reveal to us the very desire of our Heavenly Father's heart, which is to be with us for all eternity. We are important to God because we are His children. No matter our flaws or mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us. He knows and loves you, is mindful of you, hears your prayers and knows the desires of your heart. So, this Father’s Day, may you have joy knowing that your Heavenly Father has shown His love for you, not just in words, but also through the the most amazing gifts of love, forgiveness and eternal life in Christ Jesus.  If you’re watching your weight or have a hard time keeping your hunger in check in the morning, you likely have heard how important protein is. While it’s easy for most of us to get enough of the nutrient at lunch and dinner, breakfast can often be a struggle. Bagels, cereal, and smoothies don’t always pack a big protein punch. Not to mention, if you skip your morning meal, you’re not getting any protein at all.
Studies show that a high-protein breakfast habit has been linked to weight management or weight loss. This means you may eat less throughout the day, including in the evening. Protein also boosts alertness so you are productive and helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels so you have steady energy to face the day, she adds. Registered dietitians say starting with at least 20 grams is a good goal for weight loss and hunger management. Ready to start your day off right? Try one of these high protein breakfasts next time you’re tempted to reach for the cereal box. BLUEBERRY-ALMOND BAKED OATMEAL Oatmeal on its own is a delicious breakfast full of fiber and whole grains, but you can round it out and amp up the nutrition by adding flax meal, chia seeds, soy or almond milk, or protein powder. That's right, you can stir flavored or unflavored protein powder right into your oatmeal. Top with blueberries and almonds for extra fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins. Another option to increase the protein in your oatmeal is to add a couple of dollops of Greek yogurt. Sprinkle with cinnamon for extra flavor. This packs 11 grams of protein per serving and is easy to take on the road with you. MINI EGG FRITTATAS If eggs for breakfast sounds boring, try individual frittatas. Mix whole eggs and extra egg whites together with sautéed vegetables. For even more protein, add some turkey sausage or cheese. Simply pour the mixture into muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees until you can insert a knife in them and it comes out clean (in a standard-size muffin tin, that will be about 20 to 25 minutes). These are a perfect option if you're not a morning person, as they can be made ahead and then reheated quickly on your way out the door. COTTAGE CHEESE BOWL When it comes to increasing your protein intake, low-fat cottage cheese is an option many people overlook. The nutrition, taste, cost, and ease of preparation make it a great addition to your breakfast rotation. (Note: Low-fat cottage cheese has more protein per serving than full-fat, although both are great options.) We recommend filling a bowl with cottage cheese, mixing in some beans, and topping with tomatoes, paprika, salt, pepper. CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PORRIDGE Sometimes you just have to have something sweet for breakfast and with this simple dish you can have your protein and the taste you crave. Mix together cooked oats, natural peanut butter, dark cacao, and sweet banana. Top with yogurt or your choice of milk. YUM! YOGURT PARFAIT Start your morning off right with a simple parfait made of yogurt, berries and muesli. Muesli is a whole grain cereal often eaten uncooked. There are lots of variations, so pick one high in fiber and low in sugar. We suggest one containing barley, since it's got both fiber and protein. VEGAN SMOOTHIE Protein smoothies are a tried-and-true healthy breakfast, but vegans may feel left out of the smoothie love as they don't do whey or egg proteins. No problem! There are plenty of vegan-friendly protein powders. For example, try to blend brown rice and pea protein powder with coconut oil, flaxseed, pea protein milk, spinach, blueberries, and a small amount of stevia and cinnamon. This provides a healthy serving of protein along with vital fats, vitamins, fiber, and micronutrients. The taste factor doesn't disappoint, either! CRUSTLESS MINI QUICHES You can't go wrong with eggs and veggies in the morning, and you can get both in these grab-and-go crustless quiches. Simply mix eggs with any type of vegetables you like—chopped sweet potato, asparagus, kale, and red onion are some of our favorites—add seasonings like garlic, sea salt, parsley, and cilantro. Bake in the oven until you can insert a knife in them and it comes out clean. These are loaded with fiber, protein and an incredibly wide range of nutrients including vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B6, and B12, as well as folate and chromium. COLLAGEN SHAKE In the world of protein powders, collagen deserves more love. Collagen powder is pure protein that's cheap, flavorless, and dissolves well in shakes. We suggest blending it with plant milk, berries, chia seeds, and nut butter. The best part? Collagen is no ordinary protein—it may help give you plump glowing skin, reduce joint pain, strengthen nails, hair and teeth, and can improve intestinal conditions and digestion. AMPED-UP AVOCADO TOAST Avocado toast is the trendiest breakfast food right now, and with good reason. It provides a healthy dose of fats and fiber. But it can be improved. Give yours a nutritional boost by adding an egg or two and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. This adds filling protein and B vitamins. PROTEIN PANCAKES Now you can still have your favorite breakfast dish and get your protein too with this recipe. Simply blend until smooth 1/2 cup each of egg whites, oatmeal, and 1% cottage cheese along with 1 teaspoon baking soda. Cook the batter like a pancake. These pancakes may help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and contain lots of protein for the amount of calories. Plus, the finished product doesn't taste like eggs or cottage cheese! BREAD PUDDING IN A MUG Bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food in the morning, but it doesn't have to be a calorie bomb. Indulge with this healthy version from Harris-Pincus. Mix one egg, 2 tablespoons vanilla whey protein powder, a packet of stevia, and 2 tablespoons milk. Fold in a chopped apple and two slices of cubed whole-grain bread. Pour in a mug, and microwave for one minute. Top with syrup and cinnamon. Delish! Whether you like sweet or savory, exotic or comforting, vegan or paleo, on-the-go or sitting down, there is something everyone will love on this list. Give it a try and let us know what you think!  Summer means more time outdoors, BBQs, pool parties and the occasional getaway. And as easy as it might be, we really shouldn't ignore our health this time of year, though, as warm weather means extra exposure to the sun’s UV rays and hotter temps that can make us feel bloated and dehydrated. The good news? There are plenty of ways to balance fun with feeling our best from now all the way through Labor Day. Here are 6 easy tips to keep your health in check, allowing for a successful summer:
1. Apply Sunscreen Daily The important of applying sunscreen cannot be stressed enough. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer, as well as the risk of severe sun burns, and ,if not careful, this can lead to extreme dehydration and a trip to the hospital. Sunscreen also been proven to help slow down your skin's aging process. As a general rule, use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF. One ounce is considered enough to cover the body. 2. Embrace "Healthier" Families and friends love a good BBQ during the summer. But instead of the traditional staples, try to broaden the palette a little. For example, rather than regular burgers and brats drenched in BBQ sauce, embrace fresher flavors like grilled chicken or fish and grilled fruits and veggies as a fresh side dish. These portions of tasty protein are much healthier than hamburgers or hot dogs, and they leave you feeling full longer. For tasty yet healthy recipes, check out www.eatingwell.com...you'll be surprised at all the possibilities! 3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Water should always the beverage of choice throughout the entire year, but it is especially important during the summer when dehydration is at greater risk. Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily and more if exercising or outdoors for more than a few hours. A good guide to follow is: for every hour in the sun, drink at least 1 to 2 glasses of water. This prevents dehydration and replenishes energy levels while soaking in the rays. 4. Travel Light Making sure the essentials are packed is common before a flight, but so is overpacking. While most people do not link luggage to injury, it is also quite common. Packing light can prevent injuries such as strains, pulls, and tears. If packing more for an extended trip, use proper techniques for heavy lifting. Bend at the knees, and use your leg muscles, and avoid twisting or rotating your spine. 5. Eat Breakfast Breakfast may take the backseat with all the fun awaiting outside, but without proper nutrition first thing in the morning, the body can wilt in the summer sun and potentially lead to heat overexposure, dehydration, or fainting. Eating a healthy breakfast can deter these risks, balance blood sugars, and heighten energy levels to kickstart the day. A morning meal should be balanced with protein, healthy fat, and fiber. Here are some great protein packed breakfast ideas to start off your morning right! 6. Get Moving Added heat (even if it’s dry heat!) can often make exercise uncomfortable in the summer months. Try getting some exercise in the morning hours before the sun is at its peak, or break up your day and go for shorter walks throughout your day. Many doctors suggest at least 30 minutes a day, but most importantly, just do something that gets your heart rate up. Plus, fresh vitamin D is good for you...just don’t forget to wear good shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen! Staying healthy is key to enjoying all that summer has to offer. Keep it simple and stay prepared, and you'll be well on your way to a successful, stress-free summer!  One of the key factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is staying physically active. “Staying active” can mean much more than just another trip to the gym, though! With that in mind, we thought it would be fun to feature a few fun ways to stay active in the Mid-South.
Typically known for it's BBQ and blues, the Mid-South also holds many beautiful parks, trails, and opportunities to aid in maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle, while also having fun. Whether you’re a local or just visiting for a weekend, here are four (out of many!) great ways to get active in Memphis and the Mid-South: Ride the Greenline Shelby Farms Greenline is a 10.65 mile paved, urban trail that connects pedestrians and cyclists in Midtown Memphis through Shelby Farms Park to Cordova. A rails-to-trails project that transformed an unused railroad line into one of Tennessee's favorite trails, the Greenline is one of our favorite activities in Memphis! To learn more about the Greenline and everything else that Shelby Farms has to offer, visit the Shelby Farms website here. Play a Round of Disc Golf Meeman-Shelby Forest Park is home to one of the largest and most beautiful disc golf courses in the Southeast. The 36-hole, wooded course is divided into two 18-hole courses that offer beginners and advanced players a challenging game. In addition to Disc Golf, Shelby Forest Park also offers paddling, biking, boating, fishing and much more, making it more than worth the trip! For more info on disc golf and all the park has to offer, check out their website here. Hit the Treetops If you’ve been to Shelby Farms Park recently, you may have noticed people scaling Go Ape’s intricate set-up of platforms, ropes, and nets with multiple zip lines hovering across Pine Lake. It’s one thing to observe or read about this adventure course. It’s an entirely different thing to experience it, though! If you're looking for a unique and adventurous way to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors, we highly recommend you try Go Ape! For more info, check out their website here. Visit the Memphis Zoo Regular cardio, at any speed, can help promote a healthy lifestyle. Situated on 70 acres and boasting more than 3,500 animals, the Memphis Zoo is the perfect destination for a day trip with the family, while also getting your steps in! Known nationally as one of the nation's top zoos, the Memphis Zoo is definitely worth checking out. Click here to plan your trip! The Bluff City is so fortunate to have many options for the outdoor lover. If you're looking for even more ideas, this article has some great additional options to explore. We'd love for you to let us know your favorites in the comments below!  Please let us introduce you to one of our newest additions to The Smith Clinic Staff: Phillip Franklin. Originally coming to us as an intern from The University of Memphis, Phillip is now a full time member of The Smith Clinic staff, and we couldn't be more delighted!
In an effort to help you get to know Phillip a little better, we did a little Q & A with him. Check out Phillip's story below: Q: Where are you from? A: I am originally from Memphis,TN. Born and raised. Q: Education? I graduated from White station High School in 2014 and decided to further my education by staying home to attend the University of Memphis. I spent the next 4 years graduating with a B.S. Degree in Exercise Sports Movement Science in the School of Public Health Studies. Q: Do you have any hobbies? A: I have to find the time for hobbies as I have 2 jobs that pretty much occupy most of of my time. When I can get away, I like to go to the gym, cook tasty meals, and vacation with my girlfriend, Stephanie. Q: Favorite thing about Memphis? A: Memphis is like a melting pot. It has everything and everyone you can think of. Each part of Memphis is unique. If I had to pick a certain thing that I love about Memphis has got to be the food. Locals that have their own businesses have all their own unique foods that each of us crave. You can get about anything you want anywhere from them and they all have their own special flavors that cater to our stomachs! You can catch me at Central BBQ, India Palace, or The Wing Guru. Q: Favorite thing about The Smith Clinic? A: Never thought a working place could feel so much like home. The Smith Clinic is very team oriented and has an AMAZING family atmosphere. I almost forget that I am working when I am helping each patient with their care. From the moment you walk through those doors, you are immediately welcomed with a genuine smile and a huge hello! It’s just amazing the stories that come through the doors each and everyday.Every patient I have met, young or old, inspires me to do a little more. We always have a couple laughs here and there during sessions. Each patient we handle, we try to provide the best possible care and have them leave feeling satisfied and with a smile until the next time they come back. Not a day goes by that we don’t cherish and love one another that we meet everyday. Q: Why did you chose PT as a career path? A: I chose PT because when I was in high school I was running cross country and track, and in between seasons getting ready for track in the winter, both of my legs were experiencing IT Band Syndrome. To start my runs, I would have to hobble and skip. I would clinch my teeth, as I would be cutting around corners and going up hills, and all I could feel was a sharp knife pain digging into my knee. Finally, I decided to seek some help by going to physical therapy. I still laugh about this day, as I went to track practice after my very 1st PT session feeling great! That was me being stubborn and not thinking that I just needed to take some time off to heal. I really took things in perspective, when I realized there were a lot of exercises that I use to be strong in, were now very weak. I needed PT to re-strengthen the muscles I tore down. Even if my PT sessions were only a hour long, the care that I received was tremendous, as they were always paying attention to me and hands on throughout. Soon enough after healing, I ran my fastest mile time by the end of my senior season. That is what has fed my drive to be a profession in the field. Q: Any additional thoughts? A: It is honestly a very heart warming feeling that I planted my own little seed in helping a patients recovery. The patients put in all the work, but with just a little help from us at the Smith Clinic, we make them feel brand new again! We are so excited to have Phillip as a part of The Smith Clinic Family! |
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