Is the Key to Finding Mental and Physical Balance
December Newsletter
Maintaining a balance between our mental and physical health has become increasingly challenging in today’s fast-paced world. The sedentary lifestyle that dominates much of modern society contributes to a host of physical ailments, ranging from back and neck pain to chronic conditions that affect our health and mental well-being.
The relationship between the mind and body underscores the importance of staying active as an effective strategy for finding mental and physical balance. Physical therapy, often associated solely with injury recovery, plays a crucial role in helping people get and stay active.
The Link Between Physical Activity and Mental Health
Regular physical activity can have a profound impact on mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, known as the body’s natural mood elevators, which can help symptoms of depression and anxiety. Moreover, the discipline and routine associated with regular exercise can provide a sense of purpose and achievement, further enhancing mental well-being.
However, initiating and sustaining an active lifestyle can feel overwhelming, especially for those dealing with chronic pain or mobility issues. This is where physical therapy comes into play, bridging the gap between the desire for activity and the capability to pursue it.
Physical Therapy: More Than Just Rehabilitation
While physical therapy is traditionally viewed through the lens of rehabilitation, its scope extends far beyond recovery from injury. Our physical therapists at the Fitness Lab are experts in movement and will design personalized exercise programs that cater to your unique needs and limitations. Our programs not only aim to improve physical health but also serve as a boost for mental health benefits.
Personalized Exercise Programs
A key component of physical therapy is the development of personalized exercise programs. These are tailored to the individual’s specific conditions and goals, whether improving mobility, reducing pain, or enhancing overall physical function and mental well-being.
Pain Management
Chronic pain is a common issue that significantly impacts an individual’s mental health, leading to feelings of frustration, depression, and anxiety. Physical therapy offers various techniques for pain management, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and education on body mechanics. By addressing the root cause of pain, physical therapy not only improves physical function but also contributes to mental relief and a more positive outlook on life.
Stress Relief and Relaxation
Physical therapy sessions often incorporate stress relief and relaxation elements, such as deep breathing exercises and targeted stretching. These techniques help the recovery process and have a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity.
Boosting Self-Efficacy and Autonomy
One of the most significant mental benefits of physical therapy at the Fitness Lab is the focus on teaching our patients self-care. Learning how to manage one’s health effectively can empower you and give you control over your physical and mental well-being. This approach is crucial for your mental health, as it fosters resilience, self-reliance, and a proactive approach to tackling life’s challenges.
A Holistic Approach to Well-being
Our physical therapists believe in a holistic approach to health, recognizing the intricate connection between the physical and mental aspects of well-being. By promoting physical activity and addressing individual health challenges, our approach can significantly improve mental health, contributing to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
The Path Forward at the Fitness Lab
Starting your journey toward mental and physical balance through physical therapy begins with recognizing the value of staying active. For those struggling with physical limitations, chronic pain, or simply the inertia of a sedentary lifestyle, physical therapy offers a guided, supportive path to reclaiming an active and balanced life. The benefits extend beyond physical health, touching every aspect of well-being and paving the way for a happier, more balanced existence.
Staying active, with the support of physical therapy, offers a powerful means to achieving harmony between the mind and body. It’s a journey worth taking, one step at a time. Call today to schedule a consultation and get started on your road to mental and physical balance!
Zucchini Noodle “Pasta” Salad
This healthy zucchini noodle salad has all the flavors you love in a classic pasta salad but we’ve swapped in zoodles for wheat pasta, which makes the salad lighter, lower in carbs and gluten-free.
Whisk oil, vinegar, oregano, mustard, crushed red pepper, shallot and garlic in a large bowl. Add zucchini noodles, tomatoes, olives and half the Parmesan; toss gently to coat. Divide evenly among 4 bowls; sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red-wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 small shallot, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 16 ounces spiralized zucchini noodles
- 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- ⅓ cup pitted Kalamata olives
- ¾ cup shaved Parmesan cheese, divided
How Physical Therapy Can Help You Keep Your Balance
Here are five steps to help you become physically and mentally healthy while bringing more balance into your life.
Exercise
Physical activity has been shown to help clear the mind, improve self-worth, and reduce depressive and anxious feelings. The key is to find the right type of exercise for you – which is precisely what our therapists can help you find!
Sleep
Sleep quality is an essential predictor of mental health and well-being. Following a healthy bedtime routine could make you feel happier and calmer and be better focused throughout the day.
Nutrition
Cut down on sugary foods and replace them with nutrient-rich foods like fish, veggies, and foods that have healthy fats. Proper nutrition has been shown to improve physical and mental well-being.
Community and Relationships
Whether the support comes from family, a partner, friends, coworkers, or even pets, feeling connected to those around you can increase a sense of purpose and love in your life.
Relaxation and Recreation
In our busy lives, it can be easy to forget about the hobbies you used to love. We don’t make the time to sit down and enjoy a book or make a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the moment. Some unique hobbies and interests appeal to each of us, and spending time with those hobbies can help you live a more balanced life.
Exercise of the Month
Bridge With Pelvic Floor Contraction and Resistance Band
Start by lying on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and arms at your sides with palms down. Wrap a band around your legs just above your knees. Perform a pelvic floor contraction (kegel). Engaging the abdominals and squeezing the buttocks, slowly lift your hips up toward the ceiling. Slowly lower them back down. Repeat exercise 10 times.
STAFF HIGHLIGHT
Dr. Alex Brateman
PT, DPT
Alex was first exposed to physical therapy as a sophomore high school baseball pitcher when he began to experience intense shoulder pain. The compassion and excitement shown from his own physical therapist was all the convincing he needed to pursue a career in the field. He was reassured he chose the best career path when he obtained an internship with the CU Sports Medicine program while in undergrad and had the opportunity to work with the Buffaloes’ football and volleyball teams. He developed a newfound understanding of the importance of both physical and mental health for these outstanding athletes.
While at the University of Colorado Boulder, Alex was able to continue his studies in the field of Integrative Physiology while also obtaining a certificate in Neurosciences and Behavior to further understand the brain and it’s intricacies. Following undergrad, Alex was accepted to the University of Kansas where he obtained his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017.
Alex’s various work experience in outpatient orthopedics has helped form his overall treatment style into a head-to-toe analysis to identify the source of his patient’s issues vs. providing temporary relief and simply masking the symptoms. He combines his expertise in hands-on approaches with functional movements and evidence-based practice to promote and enhance his patient outcomes. Spoken from the words of Jeff Cavaliere, a renowned physical therapist in the sports world, Alex truly believes that in order to look and feel like an athlete, you need to train like one, no matter the age.
Over the years, Alex has continued his education in areas of basic and advanced functional movement techniques, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, work-place ergonomics, manual therapy, and dry needling for orthopedics and sports medicine.
Alex takes pleasure in treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders with an emphasis on orthopedics, athletic populations, pre/post-surgical, chronic overuse injuries, and sports performance.
Meet Our Team
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Dr. Bill Gregoire
Clinic Manager, PT, DPT -
Dr. Spencer Barnes
PT, DPT, OCS -
Dr. Alex Brateman
PT, DPT -
Dr. Alice M Davis
PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT -
Dr. Allison Shane
PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT -
Dianna Cole McNitt
PT, COMT -
Dr. Caroline Marnin
PT, DPT -
Dr. Colton Litle
PT, DPT -
Dr. Laike Damman
PT, DPT -
Dr. Connor Devin
PT, DPT
