Wishing you good times, good cheer
and a memorable new year.
All of us at The Smith Clinic want to thank you for your business, loyalty, and support this past year. We have encountered so many unforeseen circumstances that complicate our daily lives, but our hope this year is the same, Jesus. As we enter into this new year, are reminded of the weary world our Savior was born into. The Jewish people had long been awaiting the coming of a Savior to rescue them. When Jesus was born, they had been waiting for hundreds of years to be set free from those who held them captive. Our world today has many similarities to the time of Jesus which allows us to experience the hope of Christ even more deeply this year. May we never forget the sweet joy that the baby Jesus offers and allow that hope to propel us into a new year with new beginnings. We serve a God who never fails to restore and who uses all things as a part of His redemption story. We hope to see you again in the new year!
See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19
Let's Talk Insurance
With insurance renewing in the new year, it can be tempting to put off treatment in order to save on insurance payments. The stress of high deductibles and copays leads our patients towards choosing to push back their treatment until after surgery or MRI. While on the surface this might seem like a quick fix, it can actually lead to a regression in the progress made up until that point. Our bodies love consistency and when we stop exercising weak muscles, they lose the strength we worked so hard to build up. This is why it is important to prioritize your therapy and realize pushing off treatment could actually lead your body to require more time in therapy. Do not put off making sure your body is strong and healthy. When you invest in making yourself better, you are able to show up more intentionally for those around you as well as resolve pain.
Insurance can be intimidating and deductibles can be scary, but we want you to know we are here to help you. Our front desk is able to answer any questions you may have and help you look over your coverage. Allow us to walk you through reaching your deductible with as little stress as possible. The truth is your deductible will eventually be met. We would love to be the place you invest your resources and receive the best treatment possible.

Although shin splints are relatively common, doctors have not been able to determine their direct cause. Most people who suffer from shin splints experience pain between their knee and ankle. The pain is thought to be originating from the muscles which attach to the shin. Athletes seem to have a higher likelihood of suffering from this condition, leading us to believe that high impact activities put stress on these muscles. Physical therapists have not identified treatments, but have been able to help patients relieve and prevent pain through stretches and exercises that strengthen the muscles. 

Shin Splint Exercises
1. Calf Raises- By strengthening the calf, you will be able to take some of the pressure off of the shin alleviating some shin pain.
2. Kneeling Shin Stretch- This stretch aims to work the front of the anterior tibialis muscle to relieve shin pain.
3. Gastrocnemius Calf Stretch- Strengthens the back of the lower leg in order to remove the pressure. 
4. Achilles Tendon Standing Stretch- This stretch helps the Achilles Tendon work more effectively therefore the shin is not overcompensating. 

Shin Splint Prevention
Doctors think shin splints are an overuse injury that affects people who work too often, too fast, or too hard. Because of this, it is important to give your body an ample amount of rest and make sure your muscles are able to recover. There are a couple of recommendations experts believe help those who suffer.
1. Properly fitting footwear- Wearing shoes that support your feet and provide cushion can help soften the impact of high-intensity training. 
2. Exercises- Physical Therapists often suggest the strengthening exercises above to help take the pressure off the overused muscles attached to the shin. 

Recovery Time
Typically, recovery will take anywhere from 1-3 months. This is dependent on age, health, and condition of the person impaired. A patient should allow ample time to recover without causing more damage by continuing to exercise. 

VISIT US
The physical therapists at The Smith Clinic are uniquely qualified to treat you and any injuries you may have. We want you to be able to function and perform at the best of your ability without pain. If you are suffering from skin splints or any other condition, schedule an initial evaluation with any of our therapists and start down the road to recovery.
Patient Story
“The clinic has made a big impact on my physical rehab on my knee. I feel the progress. I know that I will be better because of my treatment here. The staff is patient and kind; the exercises are great.”

We love hearing the stories of each of our patients. They are the reason we show up every day and strive to provide the best care possible. Every person adds something different to our family, making the clinic vibrant and alive with energy. We could not be more thankful for each of you!
Covid-19 Vaccine
This year has been so unpredictable and scary for many people in our community. Covid-19 has changed the way our world operates, which affected our clinic procedures. We have followed each and every guideline the CDC has advised and tried our best to make sure our patients feel confident in their safety while receiving treatment. Thanks to hundreds of medical doctors and researchers, we have been given the opportunity to receive the Covid-19 vaccination in the first phase of distribution. All of our clinical staff have chosen to take this vaccine in order to protect themselves and you during this time. We hope this is the first of many steps in returning to normal and putting this virus behind us.
PT Health Tip
Strength training is not only for the young! Too often adults in their 60’s and 70’s do not see themselves lifting weights as a way to help them in their fitness journey. It is a misconception that only the young can build muscle and get stronger. Strength training is great for anyone no matter their age and can be helpful for posture, endurance, and stability.
Good Reads pertaining to Physical Therapy