38 Main Street Suites A & B Sugar Grove, IL 60554 630-466-5866 tel 630-466-5869 fax 1797 W. State Street Suites B & C Geneva, IL 60134 630-262-2633 tel 630-262-2643 fax West Wellness News 4/08 by Mary Carrell (April 1st 2008) West Wellness News CULTIVATE YOUR HEALTH WITH GARDENING “Having a green thumb can be very rewarding when you see the results of all your hard work. But before you plant that first seed, try some general stretching exercises to Prepare yourself for the lifts, bends, pulls, and lunges to come. -Upper body twist: Stand with your hands on your hips. Slowly turn your upper body as far as possible to the left for a count of 5. Turn to the right and hold for a count of 5. Repeat 10 times. -Upper body stretch: Stand with your back straight and arms to your sides. Stretch arms straight out in front of you and hold for a count of 5. Return arms to sides. Repeat 10 times. Now, stretch arms straight in back of you until shoulder blades touch. Hold for a count of 5. Return arms to sides. Repeat 10 times. Here are some down to earth gardening tips: -If you must kneel, stand up and stretch frequently to avoid stiffness. Use knee pads or a pillow to absorb the pressure on your knees. Also, lean on you hands so that your arms absorb some of the shock. -Make sure the object-like a sack of mulch-is not too heavy to lift. Test its weight by lifting one corner. Roll or push, rather than carry, heavy loads. -Pull an object by placing your feet apart, bending your knees, and leaning away from the object. Pull by straightening your legs. Always face the object and keep your back straight. Gardening equipment should suit your size, build, and physical capabilities. If you have arthritis in your hands, use garden tools with enlarged handles. Long handles on garden tools ease the strain on an arthritic back. (APTA)” April is the perfect time to make sure you are ready to hit the garden. Contact West Physical Therapy to schedule a free consultation today and make sure you are on your way to a happy and healthy Spring! A NEW LITTLE BUNDLE OF JOY We have a new family member here at West Physical Therapy. Zachary Jacob Johnson was born to Physical Therapist Susan Johnson on January 31st. Being an early baby, he weighed in at 5 lbs. 14 oz. and measured 18 inches long. This is Susan’s third baby boy, and she could not be happier. Zachary Jacob is a great addition to our staff family here at West Physical Therapy. WE WELCOME THREE NEW MEMBERS TO THE WEST PHYSICAL THERAPY FAMILY Kathy Wojtun, PT, CSCS Kathy graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1999. She went on to receive her certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She has advanced training in the treatment of spine, shoulder, knee, elbow and foot disorders, including the fabrication of custom foot orthotic devices. Kathy is a member of the orthopedic section of the American Physical Therapy Association as well as a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. In her free time, Kathy enjoys exercising, travel, and spending time with her family, friends, and 2 dogs. She is an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan and a true dog lover. Lynne Popela, PTA Lynne received her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Morton College in 1988 to be a Physical Therapy Assistant. She then ran an outpatient orthopedic department for over 15 years where she wrote extensive protocol for post surgical orthopedic neck, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle. Lynne lives in Aurora with her husband and nine year old son Anthony. She also enjoys anything having to do with the Bears (she has spent two birthdays and an anniversary going to see them) and loves athletics in general. Lyndsey Vanthournout Lindsey is the afternoon receptionist at the Sugar Grove office. She grew up in St. Charles and earned her Associate degree from Elgin Community College. Lindsey aspires to be a Pharmacy Technician, and enjoys spending time with her two year old son Gabriel and her long haired dachshund Wilson. We are excited to welcome all of our new staff members to the team at West Physical therapy and invite you to stop in and welcome them the next time you are in the area! Go Back

Lateral epicondylitis Neck Pain herniated discs, headaches, whiplash, cervical fusions, spondylolysis, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Deep Tissue Massage Vibration Soft Tissue: This soft tissue therapy technique will assist with relaxation of tense muscles and encourage energy flow throughout your body. A light soothing touch with gradual increasing intensity is combined with vibration to reduce stress, muscle tension, and improve circulation. This massage promotes a state of deep relaxation and helps reduce any pain or stiffness. Massage Q: How can I set up an appointment with a physical therapist? A: If you have a prescription from a physician for physical therapy, you should call us at (630) 466-5866 for the Sugar Grove office or (630) 262-2633 for the Geneva office and schedule an appointment. If you do not have a prescription but have a condition or pain that deserves attention, you should call one of our offices and schedule a consultation with a therapist. In the state of Illinois, physical therapists may evaluate a patient; however, a written diagnosis from a physician is needed in order to treat a condition. As we believe in early intervention, all attempts are made for you to be seen within 24 hours of your call. Physical Shoulder Injuries rotator cuff strain, Impingement Syndrome, separations, dislocations/fractures, total shoulder replacements, "frozen" shoulders, post surgical procedures, biceps tendonitis and ruptures. HNP Other Conditions post-op mastectomy, stroke, abdominal surgeries, lymphatic congestion, postural concerns Julie West PT Hip Problems total hip replacements, fractures, strains/sprains, Piriformis Syndrome, bursitis. Hip Pediatric Conditions torticollis, cerebral palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, development delays. Swedish Massage Q: Will I hurt after therapy? A: Most patients feel better after therapy; however, with some conditions some discomfort may be felt. This discomfort is usually short lasting and can be relieved with ice or rest. Any discomfort or concern can be discussed immediately with your therapist by phone and should be, at least, discussed at your next visit with your physical therapist. Duathlete, and Ironman Finisher Foot/Ankle Problems ankle sprains, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, fractures, neuromas, arthritis, bunions resistance training West Physical Therapy Physical Foot/Ankle Problems ankle sprains, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, fractures, neuromas, arthritis, bunions