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In This Issue
When curiosity killed the cat (aka Russ Overy, PT)
Did You Know?

     

ALTA NEWS 

   

       

MEDICARE BREAKING NEWS

 

From the NYTimes

 

"In a proposed settlement of a nationwide class-action lawsuit, the administration has agreed to scrap a decades-old practice that required many beneficiaries to show a likelihood of medical or functional improvement before Medicare would pay for skilled nursing and therapy services.

 

Under the agreement, which amounts to a significant change in Medicare coverage rules, Medicare will pay for such services if they are needed to "maintain the patient's current condition or prevent or slow further deterioration," regardless of whether the patient's condition is expected to improve."

 

At ALTA, we are waiting to find out when the changes will become effective and what steps are required to allow you to access this benefit. Stay tuned!

 

 

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RAVE REVIEWS!

 

The

"Discover Pilates" Series

is getting rave reviews.

 

We will be opening more classes. Don't miss out - call now for info.

 

   

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We all know too much Halloween candy is a bad idea. But did you know it can cause you to lose your mind!

 

Yep, diets high in carbohydrates and sugar create nearly four times the risk of mild cognitive decline over diets high in protein and fat.

 

So on Halloween night, pass out the candy, so you don't put too much in your own mouth.  

 

hwcandy

  

Wishing everyone a

safe and

Happy Halloween! 

 

  

 

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                                                   October 30, 2012

Greetings!

 

  

When curiosity killed the cat (aka Russ Overy, PT)....

 

"Over the weekend I thought I would play around with my running style. I am a heel strike runner but I was curious about what midfoot running felt like. Why not give it a try, right? Keep in mind I had no pain with my current form, but I have always enjoyed getting up on my toes when sprinting. So 15 minutes into my run, off I went, onto my midfoot."

 

Running is one of the most injury prone activities on the planet. If you are one of the lucky ones still running without pain, should you just leave well enough alone? Statistics say you'll end up injured sooner rather than later. Can you beat the odds? Maybe a different running style will make you faster, or at least less likely to be sidelined by an injury. How do you decide?

 

So back to Russ's sad tale: running injury 

  • "My first thought was "start slowly and only go a short distance."
  • Next thought: "Wow my ankle is stiff, but I feel my glutes kicking in - maybe that's a good thing." 
  • Next thought: "I should not go too far but this feels OK."
  • Next thought: "I think I just strained my calf."  
  • Final thought: 'Ouch! I should have stuck to my bike.'" 

The take-home messages:

 

What should Russ do now?

First of all, he should definitely get his calf treated at ALTA. Then, he should sign up for a free 15 minute run screen. The run screen is a perfect solution for Russ because he largely runs pain free but is thinking of trying a new running style and wants to make sure he doesn't (ahem) hurt himself.

 

Second, if something does not feel right, STOP. Russ's tight ankle probably interfered with his ability to absorb shock from the new midfoot strike running style. The force then went directly to his calf muscle, overloading it and resulting in tissue failure. The best plan of action would have been to stop when he noticed the ankle tightness, address it, get a run screen, and try again!

 

Call now to make an appointment for a free 15 minute run screen at ALTA. A run screen is the safest way to satisfy your curiosity - just ask Russ!

 

DID YOU KNOW? 

 

Did you know we have a physical therapist  nationally recognized in running assessments? Nicole Haas PT, DPT, OCS worked at RUNSAFE, a community-based healthy runner's clinic in San Francisco. The program, housed at University of California Medical Center, was highlighted in Runner's World Magazine. Nicole will also be a featured speaker, talking about gait analysis and injury recognition at the Combined Sections Meeting - a national Physical Therapy meeting in the spring.

 

Did you know we have another physical therapist equally skilled at running assessments? Scott Swann, MPT, OCS  has 16 years experience as a sports physical therapist with an interest in running mechanics. Scott has been a teaching assistant in nationally recognized continuing education courses specifically designed for physical therapists interested in running analysis.

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Imagine if Scott or Nicole could help you run injury free in 15 minutes. You don't have to imagine because they offer free run screens at ALTA.

 

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Sincerely,

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ALTA Physical Therapy & Pilates

2955 Baseline Road 

Boulder, CO  80303

303-444-8707

  

www.AltaTherapies.com