Health Check Physical Therapy Newsletter June July, 2017 It s Time To Meet The Team Tom Suspenski (PT, ATC) Marie Vilbert (PT) Tom Suspenski Tom Suspenski, of Health Check Physical Therapy, is a highly skilled and knowledgeable Physical Therapist who has had lasting success in treating a wide variety of ailments, including SI joint dysfunction, low back pain, and pre/post-surgical rehabilitation. Tom attributes his success and remarkable skill for therapy to his various mentors, including the Head Athletic Trainer of the Philadelphia Eagles, the orthopedic surgeon for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Philadelphia Ballet, and the chiropractor for the Philadelphia Phillies and for Villanova University. His vast experience from professional athletes to seniors gives Tom the edge patients require when seeking rehabilitation treatment with lasting results. Tom possesses a rare ability to look beyond the surface, to discover underlying conditions that might otherwise go undetected, and seek effective treatment. Marie Vilbert New to the Health Check team is Marie Vilbert, a physical therapy graduate from the University of Delaware, with experience working in both pediatrics and outpatient orthopedics. She is particularly skilled in the area of assessment and treatment of existing muscle imbalances, which is vital to maintaining proper posture and movement function to reduce and eliminate chronic neck and back pain, shoulder impingement, and ITB syndrome. In treatment, Marie values a hands-on approach and consistency to patient care and believe both are vital to progress, outcome, and overall satisfaction of the patient. Marie s outlook and approach to therapy makes her a vital member of the Health Check Team, one dedicated to providing quality, individualized care to ensure patients stay healthy and pain free. In addition, Tom s professional and personal development greatly influences how he selects qualified, empathetic professionals in order to help ensure that every client of Health Check PT gets quality and effective care. Let s take a look inside the Health Check Team.
Becky Coots-Kimbley (PTA, LMT, CPT, CF-L1) Jenn Goossen (PTA) Becky Coots-Kimbley Becky has extensive knowledge in fitness and various holistic treatments, which make her an invaluable member of the Health Check Team. In addition to 20+ years of experience as a PTA, Becky is also a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and a Level 1 CrossFit trainer (CF-L1). Her wide range of qualifications is overwhelming, and attests to the quality of care and knowledge she provides. She shows a unique ability to use a full body approach to healing people and restoring function by addressing pain and movement restrictions brought on by injury, postural deficits, stress and poor movement patterns. In addition, she is knowledgeable and experienced in areas like soft tissue release, myofascial release and orthopedic manual therapy for the neck and lower back. All are critical for pre and post-operative rehabilitation in all areas. In addition, her knowledge as coach for a variety of athletes (CrossFit, power lifters, Olympic weightlifting, and runners) enables her to connect with each patient and maximize their success in treatment. Jennifer Goosen Jennifer Goossen joined Health Check in 2012 and has a unique and useful background in social work. Often, clients disabled by injury and subsequent surgery need support for themselves and their family as well. Her social work experience enables Jenn to instruct clients and family members alike in regards to home modifications and the importance of home-based exercises. Home-based exercises complement outpatient rehabilitation, and encourage patients to return to activities they enjoyed before injury. With over 15 years experience as a PTA and with an extensive background in inpatient acute and subacute care and outpatient care, Jenn has proven herself a valuable asset to Health Check. Outside of Health Check, Jenn provides home physical therapy care to seniors and enjoys spending time with her husband Mark and their two boys, Eric and Henry. Overall, the Health Check Team has more than 60+ years of experience and focuses on a lifelong approach to wellness and life. Our knowledgeable and diverse professionals go above and beyond to ensure each patient receives quality, individualized care. We look forward to helping patients have a healthy, pain free life. Thomas Suspenski PT, ATC Sabrina Mangeri PTA Health Mentors of the Month We would like to thank all our past and present patients who have referred their family and friends to Health Check Physical Therapy! During the month of May we would like to particularly recognize and thank the following patients: Joe Murphy, Elise Strapple, Maria Daniels, Jan Herd, Rob and Erin McCall, Bob Crawford, Chris Mckinney, Paul Tabor and Anne Marie Verrenna.
Patient s Corner Is Physical Therapy After Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery Really Necessary? Recently, several patients called me regarding whether they needed physical therapy after hip or knee replacement surgery. As I understand it, their physicians told them to simply watch an instructional video at home and then perform the recommended exercises. In my opinion, no instructional video can serve as a substitute for the knowledge, (hands-on) skill and care of a licensed physical therapist. I believe this to be especially true following highly invasive surgical procedures like hip and knee replacements. More importantly, I believe that any patient who follows such advice will not heal properly nor regain full function in a timely manner. Let us consider knee replacement surgery as an example. Knee replacement surgery causes swelling around that joint and restricts movement in an area that includes the kneecap and the thighbone. This area needs targeted, skilled manual massage. Mobilization of the kneecap and the knee joint as well as neighboring tendons and ligaments is also imperative. Merely watching an instructional video and performing the recommended exercises will not reduce painful swelling nor alleviate joint stiffness. Only a skilled licensed physical therapist can perform the special massage techniques necessary to reduce painful swelling and eliminate joint stiffness caused by tight muscles, tendons and ligaments. In addition to painful swelling and joint stiffness, patients generally have mobility problems with their knees and hips after joint replacement surgery. Specifically both coordination and balance problems often exist. Only a licensed physical therapist can address these problems. Addressing them requires a combination of balance and lateral movement drills along with a variety of exercises designed to help improve overall agility. In closing, watching an instructional video at home and performing recommended exercises is no substitute for the benefits patients receive from working with a licensed physical therapist. Simply put, this approach to rehabilitation will not get anyone back to the activities they love and enjoy in a safe, reliable and timely manner. Testimonials I had been suffering with hip pain for several months. It hurt to sit, to walk and to climb stairs. My doctor told me the pain was coming from my back, and someone recommended that I do my PT at Health Check. I'm glad I did. After 6 weeks of pushing, pulling, stretching and exercise machines, I've increased the strength of my back and hips. Tom and his staff are great! Elise S. I came Health Check with a herniated disc and had problems with my L5 and L4. I was not able to bend and I had a lot of weakness in my leg and foot. Tom, Jen and Yaseen were so awesome and really have gotten me back to normal. Everyone here at the office is so nice, and Anni is a great addition to the front! Thank you for everything and I would definitely prefer people to come here and work with all of you! Theresa D.
797 E Lancaster Ave., Suite 2 Downingtown, PA 19335 Tom Suspenski, PT, ATC. Phone: (610) 269-5070 Fax: (610) 269-5074 http://healthcheckpt.com Like us on FACEBOOK! Health Check Physical Therapy At Health Check we specialize in and provide comprehensive one-on-one treatment for the following: 1. Lower Back Pain 2. SI Joint / Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction 3. Neck and Mid to Upper Back Pain 4. Total Joint Replacements 5. Sports Injuries 6. Pre- and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation 7. Work Injuries 8. Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries Health Check Physical Therapy
Health Check Summer Special! Free Exam and Consultation Week of June 19 th June 23rd during regular office hours Call 610-269-5070 today to schedule your appointment! The exam and consultation consists of a 30-minute, one-on-one appointment with a PT. It is ideal for people suffering with: Shoulder Pain Knee Pain Hip Pain Problems Walking Lower back pain Arthritis Sciatica Neck Pain *- The appointment is FREE, but for a limited time only! Before summer arrives, we want to do something special for you! Since we want you to be healthy and pain free this summer, we are offering free exams and consultations to all qualified individuals! Qualified individuals include: All past patients who have not seen a physical therapist in more than 3 months All present patients who have a problem currently not treated A loved one, family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker of a past or present patient Instructions: If you are a past or present patient, please call 610-269-5070 TODAY to schedule an appointment for your Free Exam and Consultation. If you are referring a loved one, family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker, please give them this letter and ask them to please call 610-269-5070 TODAY to schedule their Free Exam and Consultation. CALL TODAY SPOTS ARE FILLING FAST. Thanks again for choosing Health Check Physical Therapy!
About Your Free Exam and Consultation What Should I Expect From the Free Exam and Consultation: Each Free Exam and Consultation consists of a 30-minute, one-on-one appointment with a physical therapist (PT). During your exam and consultation, you will discuss your problems and undergo simple diagnostic testing. Following your exam, you will receive a written explanation detailing the cause of your problem as well as a recommended treatment plan. Remember: While the appointments are free, they are limited since each PT has only 10 spots. The Free Exam and Consultation is ideal for people suffering with: Lower Back Pain Arthritis Sciatica Neck Pain Headaches Shoulder Pain Knee Pain Problems Walking If you are having pain or problems with day to day activities such as walking, standing, sitting for long periods, going up or down steps, getting in and out of the car, sleeping or driving, then this is an excellent opportunity to see one of our world-class therapists and find out the cause of your problem! Please call 610-269-5070 TODAY to schedule your Free Exam and Consultation during the week of June 19th June 23rd Outside of Health Check Physical Therapy s regular office hours, please go to http://healthcheckpt.com/event-registration/ Sincerely, Thomas Suspenski PT, ATC Thomas Suspenski, Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer