April 2023 PULSE

PLEASE SEND A CHECK FOR $412,744.86!

As employers consider bene t packages for employees, one of the big questions that comes up is the 401(k) retirement plan. Employers face a myriad of decisions about plan design, structure, eligibility and participation. A very basic overview of the employer choices for this bene t looks like this:

1. Do nothing.

An employer is not obliged to o er a retirement plan for employees. This path eliminates any expense to the company and provides no bene t to workers.

2. Establish and o er a plan that matches employee contributions dollar for dollar up to a certain percentage of the employee’s salary.

A company may elect to match “dollar for dollar up to up to a certain % of eligible employee’s compensation.” For example, if you earn $10,000 a year and contribute money to the plan, your employer will match every dollar you put in up to $400 (4% of $10,000).

There are variations on this including an employer match of $0.25 on the dollar or $0.50 on the dollar up to a certain percentage of an individual’s compensation. The list goes on. What is consistent, is that every option requires the employee to contribute to receive any contribution from the employer.

In my opinion, this plan works well for the employee who has the extra money and discipline to save for retirement. I don’t remember much about my early years of employment; however, I can imagine being in my twenties thinking about an apartment, student loans, and meeting my friends for happy hour! I don’t remember making 401(k) contributions or considering getting old enough to retire! This plan wouldn’t have helped me much. (Matching a zero contribution doesn’t add up fast!)

Avon Renovations

PTSMC’S CHOICE:

3. O er what is known as the Safe Harbor Non-elective 401(k) plan. In this plan, the employer commits to contribute 3% of every eligible employee’s compensation to that employee’s retirement plan. This money begins to accumulate regardless of the employee's ability, willingness, or interest in saving for retirement. Regardless of your personal circumstances, if you are plan eligible, you are now saving for retirement!

In 2009, PTSMC made the election to provide our people with a Safe Harbor Non-elective 401(k) plan. At that point in our history, we had 59 eligible plan participants, and when it was time to pay the 3%, we sent a check for $93,652.06. In March 2023, PTSMC’s $412,744.86 check helped 263 of our team who were eligible for the plan in 2022.

Connecticut Wealth Management serves as the investment advisor for our plan. Every year they provide educational opportunities for our people and are available for individual advisement as part of the administrative fees of the plan. Everyone in our plan has a John Hancock account. The online resources available from John Hancock are exceptional. I encourage everyone to learn more about your options through both companies.

If you have questions about the plan, you can reach out to any of the following three people: Mallory Mason, Sandra Boccialetti, and Sandy Wickman Mason.

Has electing to provide a Safe Harbor Non-elective 401(k) plan been expensive for PTSMC? Absolutely! Do I regret the decision I made years ago? Absolutely NOT!

I am proud that PTSMC is in a position to support the people who make us who we are and allow us to do what we do.

Thanks,

Alan

Avon recently completed renovations that transformed the space into an open, modern, and bright clinic.

IN THIS ISSUE

Clinician’s Corner by Russell Woodman, New Haven Physical Therapist, & Sam Zhu, New London Physical Therapist

The Cyriax Approach to the Examination of Non-Surgical Soft Tissue Injuries at the Elbow

Welcome New Auditors

Congratulations to DOCS Graduates

HR Buzz

HR is Here for You

ADP Users Discounts- LifeMart

Changes to Federal or State Deductions

Memorial Day Holiday

Employee Spotlight

Amanda Leiss, Wallingford PSC

Techy Tips: IT Support Ticketing System

By Dave Lawrence

Level Up #GetMoving Challenge

Introducing Motion Connected App!

DEI: Autism Acceptance Month

By Marilex Santiago

StriveHub Fab 5

“They are conscientious and thorough in their performance. Great improvement on my leg since I started there. Very happy with the results.” - Wethers eld

Patient Trends

My therapist, Rob (Bass), is very skilled but also very attentive. I have been to therapists before that give you exercises and then walk away, and you do not see them for the remainder of the session. I appreciate the fact that he is maximizing the time I have with him and progressing me at the rate that my body can handle.“ -

Middletown

“My PT Caitlyn (Ayotte) is excellent. She is easy to talk to, and she asks questions that help to move things along. The facility itself has a friendly atmosphere including the front desk , the PT assistants and all the PTs. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.” - New London

“Emily (Searle) has been outstanding in pinpointing my nerve impingement issues and using many excellent techniques to relieve my pain. She created a plan to address complicated residual issues by using exercises, deep tissue massage, and needling to give me relief and gave long term ways for me to continue to heal and thrive.” -

Branford

“Brandon (Theroux) takes the time and listens to concerns. With his help I have greatly improved and have faith I can eventually feel better.” -

Danbury

CLINICIAN’S CORNER

The Cyriax Approach to the Examination of Non-Surgical Soft Tissue Injuries at the Elbow

By: Russell Woodman, PT, MS, DPT, OCS, FSOM, MCTA Physical Therapist at PTSMC New Haven

Sam Zhu, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist at PTSMC Groton

Non-surgical pathologies at the elbow include sprained ligaments, tendinopathies, bursitis, nerve compression or stretching, and capsulitis. This table presents the epidemiology of elbow injuries in sports.

Based on these results, clinicians should feel con dent prescribing early aerobic exercise when treating adolescents with sports-related concussions. Early aerobic exercise when non-symptomatic can be the key to returning athletes to the eld and preventing persistent post-concussive symptoms longer than 28 days. This study does not suggest that aerobic exercise should be the only treatment in concussion rehabilitation.

These results of this study suggest that early aerobic exercise combined with traditional use of vestibular, balance and postural training may be bene cial in preventing post-concussive symptoms as well as returning athletes to sports. Clinicians should educate their patients on the e cacy of physical therapy intervention in the treatment of acute sports related concussions. It is important as clinicians that we feel con dent and can educate our patients on the ways to prevent a concussion as well as the proper way to recover from one.

overuse. Strong and painful muscle testing is consistent with tendinopathy. A severe tendinopathy will elicit a weak and painful response.

4. Muscle belly strains frequently have a sudden onset. A grade I strain will exhibit a strong and painful muscle test. A grade II or III strain will elicit a weak and painful response.

5. Muscle testing that reveals a weak and painless response is secondary to a nerve lesion or a total tear of the muscle.

II: INSPECTION

History documentation is followed by inspection. Severe muscle strains will cause localized subdermal bleeding. An olecranon bursitis is very visible on the posterior aspect of the elbow appearing as a “bubble”.

III: SELECTIVE TISSUE TENSION TESTING

A variety of tests are documented in the literature. Most soft tissue lesions at the elbow can be diagnosed by performing ten selective tissue tension tests. When performing passive motion tests the examiner is examining range of motion, end feel and potential reproduction of pain. At the elbow the normal end feels are tissue approximation for exion, boney for extension, and capsular for supination and pronation.

Interpretations of mid-range isometric muscle testing:

a. Strong and Painless (SPL) =Muscle is normal

b. Strong and Painful (SPF)=Minor tendinopathy or minor muscle strain

c. Weak and Painless (WPL)=Peripheral nerve lesion or a total tear of the muscle

d. Weak and Painful (WPF)=Severe tendinopathy or severe muscle strain, or fracture

The purpose of this article is to introduce the systematic approach of the elbow examination developed by Dr. James Cyriax.

CYRIAX EXAMINATION of the Elbow

First, the clinician must be aware that lesions at the cervical spine and/or shoulder can refer pain to the elbow. Therefore, at the clinician’s discretion it may be necessary to perform an examination of the cervical spine and shoulder before examining the elbow.

I: HISTORY

When taking a history for soft tissue lesions at the elbow, the following are examples of what may occur:

1. The capsular pattern at the elbow is LOSS OF FLEXION > LOSS OF EXTENSION. Indicating the presence of arthritis.

2. A loose body in the elbow will usually result in either a loss of exion or extension, sometimes a loss of pronation or supination. This loss of range of motion is in the non-capsular pattern.

3.Tendinopathies usually have a gradual onset of pain associated with muscle

RESULTS OF THE EXAMINATION

The following serves as an introduction on how to employ the Cyriax algorithm to reach a diagnosis.

The clinician must make a judgement as to which selective tissue tension test(s) are painful. If the passive tests are more painful than the resistive tests, the lesion lies in the non-contractile tissue. The clinician then decides if the loss of range of motion is in the capsular pattern. If yes, some form of arthritis might be present; The most common cause of non-capsular pattern loss of range of motion in the elbow is a loose body. A loose body at the elbow usually responses well to manipulation to move the fragment to a pain free location within the joint.

If the resisted motion is more painful, then the lesion “probably” lies in the contractile tissue. The lesion may be within the muscle belly (strain) or at its boney attachment (tendinopathy). Lesions can occur in any of the muscles that span the elbow joint. Since the wrist exors and extensors originate at the humerus, muscle testing of wrist exion and extension is also part of the elbow exam. Depending on the location of the contractile lesion, Graston (IASTM), Deep friction massage and/or a steroid injection are bene cial.

When the tissue lesion “probably” lies in the contractile, the clinician must be aware of TWO other possibilities.The rst is a fracture. When the muscle test is weak and painful, lesion could be a severe muscle strain, a severe tendinopathy, or a fracture. In this case, an MRI is a sensitive test for a soft tissue lesion and a radiography is a sensitive test for a fracture.

UPCOMING JOURNAL CLUB AND CASE DICUSSION DATES

All meetings are 12:00- 1:00 pm on TEAMS.

Case Discussion dates: 04/04 Spine focus 05/09 Spine Focus 06/06 Spine focus

Journal Club dates: 04/18 Spine focus

05/23 Spine focus

06/20 Spine focus

Click HERE for the full 2023 CD & JC schedule.

Email Danielle.Dunn@ptsmc.com to be added to the meeting group.

The second possibility is a compression of the posterior interosseous nerve. This condition is known as radial tunnel syndrome. This nerve can be compressed in four locations. The two most common locations are within the supinator muscle and the belly of the extensor radial brevis muscle. The lesion is secondary to overuse, particularly in occupations or sports involving repeated pronation and supination. Consider this diagnosis when resisted forearm supination or passive pronation is more painful than resisted wrist extension. Isometric muscle testing of middle nger extension may also be painful. There will likely to be tenderness to palpation over the supinator, and the patient may complain of tingling in hand. Recently it has been found that dry needling can be an e ective treatment for this pathology. Compression of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel is also a good example of weak and painless muscle testing results. The patient may present with hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia as well as weakness of ulnar innervated muscles. Both dry needling and neurodynamic mobilization have been found to be e ective treatments.

Reference:

Ombregt, L. A System of Orthopaedic Medicine. 3rd edition Churchill Livingstone 2013 Lutz,F. Radial Tunnel Syndrome. JOSPT 11(1): 14-17, 1991

Anundkumar, S. E ect of Dry Needling On Radial Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 35 (4): 373-382, 2019

Anundkumar, S. E ect of Dry Needling On Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 35(4):363-372, 2019

Oskay, D. et al. Neurodynamic Mobilization In Conservative Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Long Term Follow Up Of Seven Cases. 33(2): 156-163, 2010

Welcome to New Auditors!

Cait Ayotte, PT, DPT PTSMC New London

Meghan Blanusa, PT, DPT, OCS

PTSMC Naugatuck

Cait was rst introduced to PTSMC as a student with Alyssa Gri o in East Hampton. After graduating from UCONN’s DPT program, Cait joined PTSMC full-time in the New London o ce during the height of the pandemic, August of 2020. Since then, she has shown a commitment to her patients and a desire to grow in both the clinical and non-clinical spheres. Cait is a DOCS program graduate and is participating in the current LMDP program. She shows a great attention to detail and has a very good understanding of documentation and billing standards that will help her excel in her new role!

Meghan’s PTSMC career started in 2016, when she joined as a PT aide eager to learn, in the Guilford o ce. Her hard work and dedication quickly became evident, and upon graduating from QU’s DPT Program she accepted a position in our Naugatuck o ce. Meghan has continually demonstrated a commitment to growth and excellence. In 2021, she completed PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency Program, and in 2022, she passed her OCS certi cation. Meghan truly embodies our "PT for life" philosophy, consistently seeking out opportunities to diversify her clinical excellence.

Cait and Meghan have joined our internal audit team, where they will tackle another area of clinical excellence by ensuring that our clinicians’ charting practices are up to standards.

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

Upcoming Courses

SPONSORED COURSES INTERNAL COURSES

Myopain Dry Needling DN-3: Advanced

May 19-21, 2023

*(RSVP by May 5)

Location: QU North Haven Campus

Evaluation & Management of Headaches: Lab Intensive

June 24- 25, 2023

*(RSVP by May 23)

Instructed by Partner 4 Rehab: Jason Myerson & Jason Grimes

Open to PTSMC clinicians

PTSMC Clinic TBD

Modern Management of the Older Adult

September 16-17, 2023

*(RSVP by August 25)

Instructed by ICE

Open to all PTSMC clinicians and ATCs

PTSMC Guilford

Examination & Treatment of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

April 22, 2023, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

*(RSVP by April 13)

Instructed by PTSMC experts: Michelle Kijewski & Rebecca Petrosino

Open to PTSMC clinicians

PTSMC Wallingford

NOTE: This is NOT a DOCS course

CONGRATS DOCS GRADS!

The Clinical Excellence Team would like to recognize and congratulate the most recent graduates of the Development of Clinical Success (DOCS) Program:

Click HERE for full descriptions of the upcoming courses: https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/KxtTDaeeIf

Email Mallory Mason at ConEd@ptsmc.com for all sign ups or questions. All course attendance must be approved by Partner/Director.

CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES LIST

Click HERE for full descriptions of the courses above opportunities: https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/RCnzB8GqVU/Clinical_Excellence_List_of_Courses.xlsx_

STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE

This month PTSMC welcomes Zaya O’Shana, for his nal a liation from Quinnipiac. He will be working with Clinical Instructors Sam McMullen and Xanti Sanchez

PTSMC’s Student Program is swinging into full gear with the robust return of the “Day on the Road” program! Our company has so much to o er to employees and students alike and this program is designed to capture all that and more. Final level a liation students who have an interest in pursuing outpatient PT and plan on staying in CT upon graduation are welcome to participate. The program allows for the student to spend a day travelling to di erent PTSMC locations to meet other employees, observe new treatment techniques and experience the PTSMC culture across multiple clinics. Thank you to the PTSMC sta who have already participated and thanks in advance for those who will in the future!

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact Juliann Chacko (Juliann.Chacko@ptsmc.com).

Kenny

Samantha Ostrowsky, PT, DPT Guilford

The graduates were asked to re ect on their DOCS Program experience and to share the most in uential parts of the program, as well as what they look forward to pursuing next for continuing education:

Brianne: I think it is wonderful that PTSMC o ers the DOCS Program to clinicians with under 5 years of clinical experience. At my rst job, I never received the formal mentoring this programming provides. The fact that PTSMC invests so much time into their employees and o ering that uniformity for all new clinicians is really nice for not only the employees, but the patients that seek treatment through the company. As for my next continuing education steps, I hope to take some in-person courses through the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries and the Dance Medicine Education Initiative.

Kailey: I really appreciated the one-on-one mentoring sessions which were very valuable in learning new manual techniques, going over case studies in real time and having a mentor to problem solve cases with. I appreciated the courses as a time to meet other clinicians in our company and to expand knowledge and skills. I have been taking courses through the Institute of Physical Art and will continue to work towards a certi cation in functional manual therapy.

Kenny: The most in uential part of the DOCS Program was the continuing education courses. I found these to be a great way to revisit some skills that I had learned in the past, as well as learn new techniques to add into my treatments. I also enjoyed meeting and working with clinicians from other PTSMC locations during the courses. For my next plan for continuing education, I am hoping to continue to take coursework on managing and rehabbing athletes. I’m currently set to take an in-person course in the Spring on treating and managing rotational athletes, which I am excited for!

Samantha: The most in uential part of the DOCS program was having a support system through my rst couple years working with the company. There were always people to turn to who truly cared about my professional growth. Next, I hope to continue learning and practicing women's health and pelvic oor PT. I am grateful for all the mentors who have helped me along the way.

Brianne Dwyer, PT, DPT Southington

Kailey Hanks, PT, DPT, Lock Street

Kregling, PT, DPT, Wallingford

HUMAN RESOURCES

HR IS HERE FOR YOU!

HR virtual visits are back for the months of April and May. Check your email or ADP home page for details and links to sign up. We will be available 7:00 am – 5:00 pm each day.

Meet with Karen Havlicek, Wednesday, April 26th https://calendly.com/karen-havlicek/hr-is-here-for-you

Meet with Sandra Boccialetti, Thursday, May 11th https://calendly.com/sandra-boccialetti/hr-is-here-for-you

Meet with Caty Mulligan, Tuesday, May 23rd https://calendly.com/caty-halpin-ptsmc/hr-is-here-for-you

CHECK OUT THE GREAT DISCOUNTS OFFERED TO ADP USERS THROUGH LIFEMART!

• Click on Myself tab

• Click on Bene ts

• Click on Employee Discounts - LifeMart

DO YOU NEED TO MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR FEDERAL AND STATE DEDUCTIONS IN ADP?

If you realized after ling your 2022 tax return that you need to make changes to your Federal and State W4, use these instructions for how to update in ADP. Changes to your deductions can be done at any time and as many times as you would like during the year. Once you make a change, it will be e ective for the next pay period.

• Click on Myself tab

• Under Pay

• Click on Tax Withholdings

• Click Start on Federal and follow steps

• Note you will need to complete or verify Federal deductions before you can change State deductions

MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY - MONDAY, MAY 29TH

Reminder: Employees working other than a traditional 8 hour day schedule during the Memorial Holiday week, May 29th – June 2nd, are expected to adjust their schedule and use holiday time.

Examples for adjusting work schedule:

• An employee works a 4 ten hour day schedule. In this situation, the employee should adjust their schedule to work 4 eight hour days and use 8 hours of holiday time on the holiday.

• An employee works a 3 long day and 2 short day schedule. Adjustments may include: work 4 eight hour days that week or shift days and use 8 hours of holiday time based upon director discretion.

• A part time eligible employee, who is scheduled to work 20 hours per week, should adjust their schedule to work 16 hours and use 4 hours of holiday time.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to the following PT Aide who completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program:

Emily Clegg, East Hampton

TJ Bresnahan, New London Physical Therapist

Marion Dietz, Virtual PSC

Tyler Garcia, Middletown PSC

Makayla Kiss, Wallingford PT Aide

Navia Payano, New Milford PT Aide

Tracy Laramore, Remote Services Coordinator

Olivia Smith, Watertown PT Aide

Brandon Theroux, Danbury Physical Therapist

Olivia Toto, Guilford PT Aide

Shanice Tucker, West Hartford PSC

Tori Warner, New Haven PT Aide

Employee Spot light

Amanda Leiss, Wallingford PSC

Amanda at PTSMC

Anyone who’s visited PTSMC Wallingford knows they’ll be greeted with a big smile and bubbly welcome from PSC, Amanda Leiss.

Amanda is a native of the Wallingford area and has been a part of the customer service realm her entire career. Remember Carvel ice cream shops? Well, Amanda’s rst job was there! She later moved on to become a retail manager and worked in the restaurant business as a leader for new trainees. When she decided she wanted a job with better hours, Amanda looked in the medical eld and found a job as an administrator at an eye doctor’s o ce. She later found PTSMC Wallingford and became the Patient Services Coordinator in November of 2021. Amanda explained that her previous employer was a small practice without opportunity to grow, so it was important to her to nd an employer with growth potential. She liked how much PTSMC has grown in recent years while maintaining its small business feel, because that growth also means opportunity.

Every day is di erent for Amanda, which is what she likes most about the PSC role. She likes that she can be a support system for the clinic, no matter the task at hand, and that she is able to work as a middleman for the clinic and the Authorization Team. Wallingford Director Michelle Kijewski shared that Amanda has been a great addition to the Wallingford sta : “She comes to work every day with a smile and positive attitude. She is eager to connect with patients and sta alike and goes out of her way to make people feel welcome in our o ce. I can always count on her to go above and beyond to keep our o ce running smoothly.”

Out of all her daily roles, Amanda’s favorite is getting to know the patients in Wallingford. She has a great outlook on patients that aren’t in the best mood when they visit: “I always remember they’re here because they’re hurting.” So, she puts a smile on and kills them with kindness. She mentions they always come out with a di erent attitude at the end of their appointment- a testament to all her coworkers!

She loves working with her team in Wallingford and how well they work together as well as enjoy each other’s company outside of the clinic. Though Amanda is disappointed that she missed the golf simulator trip, she really enjoyed their escape room outing and loved to see everyone’s competitive side come out.

Amanda wants to continue to grow within PTSMC, and she is especially interested in learning more about training and operations.

Amanda

& Her Mini Pigs

When she was little, Amanda wanted to be a veterinarian. She was a part of the vocational agricultural program through high school but realized she didn’t like needles. Her love for animals remains, and she would love to have enough land to have a mini-pig rescue someday.

Amanda has three mini pigs- Lucy, Lily and Lulu. Her pigs are Insta-famous! No, really!! They have over 31,000 followers on Instagram, have been featured on Instagram’s main account, and even featured in the United Kingdom’s, Daily Mail (linked here)! You can follow them at @lucy_thepig. After this article, they may have a MUCH bigger following ��

Lucy, Lily and Lulu were pig-bearers in her wedding in May of 2021. Amanda and her husband, Charles, got married in Maine after knowing each other for 15 years. Although they planned their wedding during the pandemic, they got lucky the mask mandate was lifted just before the wedding, so it felt normal. They couldn’t take a honeymoon immediately after, so they vacationed in Burlington, VT and took a belated honeymoon to the Caribbean last December.

Amanda and Charles enjoy exploring New England and travel to Maine regularly. They also enjoy taking trips to Fenway to root for the Sox. As an avid runner, Amanda signed up for her rst marathon in 2019 thinking it would be a ‘one and done’ but has since signed up for her second, the Vermont City Marathon. Wish Amanda luck for her race in May!

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

Christina Capito 1 Fair eld

Joslyn DePina 1 Shelton

Mary Pacini 2 Danbury

Liz Veilleux 4 West Hartford

Stefanie Cagno 5 Admin

Lauren Zimmerman 6 Fair eld

Debra Philcox 7 Naugatuck

Rebecca Rudnick 7 Wethers eld

Dominic Paul 8 Branford

Francesca Pimenta 8 Guilford

Meghan Burke 9 Orange

Sydney Osborne 10 New Haven

Erik Lanese 11 Waterbury

Dylan Carneiro 12 Admin

Keely Yarish 13 Avon

Jackie Gargano 13 Branford

Mylena Cruz 15 Essex

Kristin Gilbey 16 Avon

Erin Walsh 16 Waterbury

Alli Gallucci 17 Fair eld

Rick Purdy 17 New Haven

Shawn Nash 18 Avon

Cody Morrissey 18 East Hampton

Makayla Kiss 18 Wallingford

Brianna Annunziato 19 Branford

Kimberly Schor 20 Simsbury

Daniel Silva 20 Waterbury

Raymond Ezirike 20 Windsor

Samantha Knight 21 Lock St

David Colella 21 Watertown

Wesley Johnson 22 Southington

Carol Corbo 22 Waterbury

Brittany Anderson 26 Glastonbury

Ashlee Peloquin 27 Putnam

Emma Graham 27 Westbrook

Jim Hungerford 28 Admin

Morgan Cannin 28 Orange

Michelle Colar 30 Groton

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

Grace Burke Customer Service Admin Representative

Cameron Walton Physical Therapist Danielson Assistant

Marsela Mgushi PT Aide Fair eld

Lauren Granato PT Aide Glastonbury

Theresa Nolan Customer Service Lock Street Representative

Mariah Martin PT Aide New Haven

Morgan Brown PT Aide New Haven

Sydney Osborne PT Aide New Haven

Mei Syriac PT Aide Putnam

Michaela Horne Patient Services Putnam Administrator

Skyler Ibitz PT Aide West Hartford

Angelica Lozano Gomez PT Aide Wethers eld

Rebecca Rudnick Patient Services Wethers eld Coordinator

Brian Greer Partner & Director Glastonbury

IT SUPPORT TICKETING SYSTEM

By Dave Lawrence, Director of Information Technology

Earlier this year, PTSMC rolled out an IT support ticketing system. Overall, this new process has been going really well.

Here are quick tips for submitting tickets to our ticketing system.

• Simply send an email to support@ptsmc.zendesk.com and outline the problem you are having.

• In your email, provide as many details regarding the problem to allow the IT team to best assist you promptly.

• Be sure to describe any actions you may have already taken to try and resolve the issues.

Again, thanks for all you do in helping PTSMC stay secure and safe for everyone!

UPCOMING END OF MONTH

DEADLINES

1. Who were the ve sta members featured in the latest (March) Monthly Video who shared what PT For Life means to them?

2. What clinics do each of these ve work in? Click/Scan to submit

Do you have a coworker that goes above and beyond? Who is 110% engaged in PT for Life?

Then it’s time to recognize that person in a “BRAG”!

A BRAG is an opportunity to “boast” about a coworker that goes ABOVE & BEYOND their job for patients and fellow sta members. Let everyone know how this person shows up in the PT For Life mindset, or a speci c moment where the PT For Life way shined through.

As the “bragger” you can choose to have your name stated or remain anonymous.

Recognitions will be displayed in a special addition of the May PULSE!

Click HERE to submit

Reminder that supervisors cannot be a bragger for the employees they supervise.

Email mallory.mason@ptsmc.com with any questions.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

DEI

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH: AUTISM IN THE WORKPLACE

By Marilex Santiago, DEI Leader & Administrative Coordinator

In the month of April, we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, also known as World Autism Month. It aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for the condition which occurs in 1 of every 54 children in the US as of 2020. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is de ned by Autism Speaks as “a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.”

Let’s learn why adults with autism struggle to nd employment and how employers can support employees who have autism.

Why do Adults with Autism Struggle to Find Employment?

Studies show that as many as 90% of adults with autism are either underemployed or unemployed. One of the main reasons why adults with autism have trouble nding employment is due to a lack of “soft skills” which include people, social, communication, and time management skills. The absence of these soft skills often causes adults with autism to be overlooked during the interview process. Many employers don’t fully understand ASD and also aren’t aware of the positives employees with autism can bring to their company.

Where People with Autism Shine

Adults with autism bring a lot to the table and with a few accommodations and support are an asset in the workplace. These shining characteristics of autism include:

• Structure and routine

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Creativity, perspective and passion

• Positivity and personality

Tips for Supporting Coworkers with Autism:

• Consider a one-day job trial in addition to an interview.

• Communicate clearly and when possible, put assignments in writing and make deadlines clear.

• Provide Accommodations such as dim lighting or sunglasses, headphones or ear plugs, and dget tools.

• Have a quiet space available away from sensory distractions.

• Educate yourself and your team to break down barriers and reduce bias.

• Provide regular feedback and check-ins for employees to grow. Be consistent, constructive, and kind!

An inclusive workplace starts with education and creating an environment for all people to thrive. If you are diagnosed with autism or would like to better support a colleague with autism, please feel free to reach out to our HR department or myself, Marilex Santiago, for guidance on accommodations.

April

Autism Awareness Month April 1-30

Stress Awareness Month April 1-30

Women’s Self Defense Class April 5 - Wethers eld

Women’s Self Defense Class April 6 - Branford

Earth Day April 22

Administrative Professionals’ Day April 26

May

Asian American & Paci c Islander May 1-31 Heritage Month

Mental Health Awareness Month May 1-31

#GetMoving Level Up Challenge May 1-31

Energage Employee Survey May 10-22

Level Up #GETMOVING CHallenge

Level Up #GetMoving Challenge: May 1 – May 31

The annual #GetMoving challenge is leveling up this spring to help you level up your wholistic wellness. This will be a combination of challenges for physical activity and mental health. Those who meet the physical activity and mental health goals will be rewarded with a PTSMC #GetMoving Shirt and Mental Health Daily Check-In’s Journal.

Is

This Challenge for Me?

If any of the following resonate with you, it’s time to join the challenge:

• I am feeling run down, burnt out, or lacking motivation in my life or work.

• I am feeling stressed, anxious, or unsettled these days.

• I am feeling slow and lack energy.

• I am feeling up for improving myself just don’t know where to start.

• I am feeling like I need a challenge in my life.

• I am feeling I need a goal or something to commit to, to get me on track.

• I love the #getmoving challenge and am excited for another one!

INTRODUCING MOTION CONNECTED

NEW to this initiative, we will be using an App called Motion Connected. This platform is an easy to use, organized, one stop shop for engagement and initiatives, that brings resources to level up YOUR experience. For example, year-round awareness activities, physical challenges, automated tracking, device and tracker integration, a personal score card, challenge leaderboards, and messages feed.

What’s even better, this app will be live throughout the year for your use to engage in more than just #GetMoving. We are so excited to kick o utilizing Motion Connected with this May with the Level Up #GetMoving Challenge!

Join

PTSMC Happenings!

Happy

Waterbury completed their annual book drive for Waterbury Reads. Pictured: Carol Corbo (left), PSA, and Emily

APRIL

April 1st - Human Resources

NE Student Conclave in Boston

April 25th - Doc Talk: Dr. Chris Judson

Distal Radial Fractures & Tendinopaties of the Wrist (location TBD)

April 29th - Windsor Race to the Weekend

5k Run & Walk

MAY

May 6 - Putnam

Jog with Judy 5k

May 12 - PTSMC

Orthopaedic Society Annual Meeting

May 21 - Newington

Newington Library 5k

Are you participating in an event?

Reach out to Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com

Saturday April 29, 2023

Race

Did you miss the March monthly video?

Mallory Mason, Director of Culture & Engagement dicussed PT for Life culture and the upcoming PT for Life week for patients and sta . The video also featured a few other PTSMC

Naugatuck, Southbury, Waterbury, and Watertown attended the Shamrock Shu e to stretch runners out.

Westbrook celebrated both the clinic's and Partner & Director Scott Cameron's 20th anniversaries with a party!They also celebrated Pi Day with some pies (right photo).

PTSMC has attended many career fairs lately.

Left photo: Elena Masiello, Wallingford PT, attended the Cromwell High School Career Fair.

Right photo: Karen Havlicek (left), Senior Human Resources Coordinator, and Caty Mulligan, Human Resources Coordinator & Sports Medicine Coordinator, attended Sacred Heart University’s “Hire with Heart” event.

Pelz, Physical Therapist.

Wheels

sta members! Click above to watch it.

Windsor & Weekend Wheels are teaming up to celebrate their 10 year anniversaries by hosting the inaugural Race to the Weekend Wheels 5k Run & Walk. Proceeds will be donated to children in need within the Windsor community.

starts at 9am

Click here for more info & to register

St. Patrick’s Day! The following clinics celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by dressing up.

Plainville

Middletown

Guilford (with their March Madness bracket in the background)

PTSMC HIGHLIGHTS

Patient Care Coordinator Promotions

Congratulations to the following employees who were promoted from PT Aides to PCCs in Q1 of 2023: Chrystina Dziala, West Hartford Katya Lazor, Simsbury

HAPPY Anniversary

10 YEARS!

Windsor - March 3

20 YEARS!

Westbrook - March 10

Sean Doenias, Newington PT, passed his exam to become a Certi ed Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Kristen Forster, completed and achieved her APTA Administrator’s Certi cate. This program is designed for administrators of PT private practices. It includes six live instruction modules presented at the Private Practice Section conference and concludes with successfully passing an exam. Topics in the program include business operations, nancial management, human resources, legal compliance and marketing.

Women’s History Month

Cameron!

Roy Colter, Newington PT, breaks down Blood Flow Restriction Training.

Jillian Cristaldi, Wethers eld PT, breaks down Women’s Health & Pelvic Floor Therapy.

Jake Siedel, Middletown

Stephanie Weyrauch, Orange PT, went to APTA headquarters in Washington, DC as part of the APTA Nominating Committee.

Lauren Randall, Wallingford PT, married Justin Siewierski on February 4, 2023.

Kailey Hanks, Lock Street PT, married Daniel Ells in October of 2022.

Emily Searle, Branford and Lock Street PT, got engaged to Adam Turner.