January 2020 PULSE

JANUARY 2020

A HAPPY NEW YEAR GIFT FOR ALL! 2020 is a Leap Year, which brings a unique set of circumstances for PTSMC; the additional day in February creates a calendar with 53 Wednesdays and, therefore, an additional payday in 2020! Interesting enough, this happens every eleven years.

employees. The financial impact would be over half a million dollars.

We then took that dollar amount and determined the impact on a clinic-by-clinic basis. We shared that number with the Partners and Directors individually, and then had the chance There were three options for us to consider when we realized to discuss it in a group setting with many of the Partners in this situation. attendance. It was an open forum where each had the opportunity to give their input, thoughts and feedback. In the 1. Take employees’ annual salary, and rather than dividing by end, ultimately, it was an easy – albeit expensive – 26, divide it by 27. This would reduce the bi-weekly pay and decision… ensure that at year end, the annual salary paid is accurate.

As you may recall, at our Organization Inservice meetings in 2. Pay everyone an extra paycheck in 2020; more than was May, I talked about making a commitment to turning our paid in 2019 and more than will be paid 2021 because 2020 mission statement inward. This “problem” revealed itself, will have the additional pay period. instead, to be a great opportunity. For sure, the philosophy of “creating unmatched experiences and lifelong relationships” 3. Change the payroll schedule to a semi-monthly (2 times guided our decision to pay all PTSMC employees 27 times in per month) pay schedule.

2020, with no adjustments to account for the extra paycheck.

In conducting our research, we asked similar organizations and colleagues outside of healthcare, were they dealing with the same issue? If so, what were they planning to do?

Responses varied. Some were unaware and thanked us for the heads up, while many had decided to go with the first option – reducing the bi-weekly pay. One group we talked to actually changed to a semi-monthly pay period cycle so this would never again be an issue.

What went into our decision making?

Our first step was to assess the financial impact on PTSMC if we were to pay out the extra paycheck. Labor laws say we must pay the non-exempt hourly employees whatever hours they work. Therefore, by excluding non-exempt hourly employees, we calculated the extra paycheck for salaried

We value our people and what you all do every day to improve the quality of people’s lives. This anomaly of the calendar provided us an opportunity to show just how much we value you!

I’ve always been proud to lead PTSMC, and I am proud of our leadership’s decision on this matter. It is my hope that each of you are grateful for that decision, and that you are looking forward to 2020 as much as I am!

Celebrating 20 years in 2020, Alan

PTSMC’s 20th Anniversary SPecial insert!

PTSMC is celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2020! Each month, we will have an insert in the PULSE about our 20th anniversary. This month, we list clinics that opened in January and share a blast from the past about what life was like in January 2020!

Each month, we will also share what our 20th Anniversary Spirit Day will be! On the 20th of each month, we will all follow the theme of the spirit day and encourage patients to as well. Be sure to check out what January’s theme is in the PULSE. If you have any ideas about ways to celebrate our 20th anniversary, please email Sandy at Sandy.Mason@ptsmc.com.

IN THIS ISSUE

Clinician’s Corner by Kevin Connellan Food for Thought on Trigger Points 2020 Courses Money Beat by Jim Hungerford New Year’s Financial Resolutions: Get Your Finances in Shape in 2020 HR Buzz 2020 PTSMC Holidays Physical Therapist Continuing Education Hours 2020 Three Payrolls Months and 27 Pay Periods 2019 W2’s Holiday Time Off Policy Reminder Open Enrollment Dates Update your Information 2020 Mileage Rate Wellness Program #GetMoving Holiday Edition Recap Lifebeat - Holiday Cheer FLAG - Get Your Health Back on Track

20 Years in Review

PTSMC has been busy the last two decades! Here are some impressive stats to show how many people we’ve helped over 20 years!

CLINICIAN’S CORNER FOOD FOR THOUGHT ON TRIGGER POINTS

By Kevin Connellan, PT Partner & Director of PTSMC Plainville As physical therapists we treat “trigger points” all the time. It is widely accepted that trigger points cause pain and dysfunction. What if I told you that they may not even exist?

DN when compared to sham treatment or control provided better functional outcomes. (Gattie et al., 2018) DN reduces pain and TrP status which significantly alters pain perception in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. (Gerber et al, 2015)

Trigger points, before they were trigger points, were identified in 1816 as thickenings or nodular tumors. In 1843, they were described as “muskelchwiele” or muscle callouses. “Trigger point” was coined in Various types of imaging have been used to identify what we think are the 1950’s by Travell and Rinzler. And finally, the Trigger point manual trigger points. These are Ultrasound, Ultrasound with myography, EMG, was published by Simons in 1983. and Color variance imaging/3D imaging. Unfortunately, none of these have been studied with palpation to assess accuracy.

Trigger points are defined as discrete, hyperirritable nodules in a taut band of skeletal muscle a hyperirritable spot in a skeletal muscle The bottom line is that, as a whole, physical therapists need to do more that is associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule within a taut and better studies. We need to define what we are treating and why it is band. They are palpable and tender during physical exam. They may happening. Techniques for identification need to be refined. be spontaneously painful or painful with palpation and are associated with muscle dysfunction, weakness and limited ROM. Until that time comes, I will continue to treat “trigger points.” The patient’s symptoms and my experience will dictate how I do that. The Studies are conflicted on whether or not physical therapists can purpose of this article is to create conversation and a hunger for more accurately detect trigger points. knowledge and ensure that we are not treating how we are treating simply because we have always done it that way.

Palpation is not reliable for detecting taut bands/ local twitch response. (Hsieh et al., 2000) Resources Interrater reliability between two expert examiners involving Barbero, M., Schneebeli, A., Koetsier, E., & Maino, P. (2019). Myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points: evaluation and treatment in patients with musculoskeletal pain. Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative upper quarter muscles exhibited substantial agreement. (Moral et Care, 13(3), 270–276. doi: 10.1097/SPC.0000000000000445.

Beavis, A. (1997). The Gunn Approach to the Treatment of Chronic Pain. Physiotherapy, 83(7), 391. doi: al., 2017) 10.1016/s0031-9406(05)65806-3 Interrater agreement in a systematic review is unreliable. (Rath Denneny, D., Frawley, H. C., Petersen, K., Mcloughlin, R., Brook, S., Hassan, S., & Williams, A. C. (2019). Trigger Point Manual Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Noncancer Pain in Adults: A Systematic Review and bone et al., 2017) Meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 100(3), 562–577. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.06.019 Further research is needed to test the reliability, sensitivity, and Gattie, E., Cleland, J. A., & Snodgrass, S. (2017). The Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for specificity of the diagnostic criteria for palpation. (Tough et al., Musculoskeletal Conditions by Physical Therapists: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(3), 133–149. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2017.7096 2007) Gerber, L. H., Shah, J., Rosenberger, W., Armstrong, K., Turo, D., Otto, P., … Sikdar, S. (2015). Dry Needling We all use various methods for treating what we feel are “trigger points.” The evidence for manual therapy can be contrarian.

Manual therapy for TrPs is significantly superior to inactive intervention in the treatment of migraines. (Maistrello et al., 2018)* Evidence for TPMT in the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain is weak. (Denneny et al., 2018) Myofascial Trigger Point phenomenon has good face validity according to a study published on Sept 13. ( Barbero et al., 2019) The same goes for trigger point dry needling.

DN into an active MTrP showed a significant reduction in the VAS and pressure-pain threshold. ( Pecos-Martin et al., 2015) Dry needling was not beneficial in addition to personalized, evidence-based physical therapy treatment for patients with shoulder pain. (Perez-Palomeres et al., 2017) *no group that had either DN or other PT treatment

Alters Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle and Reduces Pain in Subjects With Chronic Myofascial Pain. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 7(7), 711–718. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.01.020 Hsieh, C.-Y. J., Hong, C.-Z., Adams, A. H., Platt, K. J., Danielson, C. D., Hoehler, F. K., & Tobis, J. S. (2000).

Interexaminer reliability of the palpation of trigger points in the trunk and lower limb muscles. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 81(3), 258–264. doi: 10.1053/apmr.2000.0810258 Maistrello, L. F., Geri, T., Gianola, S., Zaninetti, M., & Testa, M. (2018). Effectiveness of Trigger Point Manual Treatment on the Frequency, Intensity, and Duration of Attacks in Primary Headaches: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in Neurology, 9. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00254 Moral, O. M. D., Lacomba, M. T., Russell, I. J., Méndez, Ó. S., & Sánchez, B. S. (2017). Validity and Reliability of Clinical Examination in the Diagnosis of Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Myofascial Trigger Points in Upper Quarter Muscles.

Pain Medicine, 19(10), 2039–2050. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnx315 Pecos-Martín, D., Montañez-Aguilera, F. J., Gallego-Izquierdo, T., Urraca-Gesto, A., Gómez-Conesa, A., Romero-Franco, N., & Plaza-Manzano, G. (2015). Effectiveness of Dry Needling on the Lower Trapezius in Patients With Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 96(5), 775–781. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2014.12.016 Pérez-Palomares, S., Oliván-Blázquez, B., Pérez-Palomares, A., Gaspar-Calvo, E., Pérez-Benito, M., López-Lapeña, E., … Magallón-Botaya, R. (2017). Contribution of Dry Needling to Individualized Physical Therapy Treatment of Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(1), 11–20. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2017.6698 Rathbone, A. T., Grosman-Rimon, L., & Kumbhare, D. A. (2017). Interrater Agreement of Manual Palpation for Identification of Myofascial Trigger Points. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 33(8), 715–729. doi: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000459 Shah, J. P., Thaker, N., Heimur, J., Aredo, J. V., Sikdar, S., & Gerber, L. (2015). Myofascial Trigger Points Then and Now: A Historical and Scientific Perspective. Pm&r, 7(7), 746–761. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.01.024 Simons, D. G. (1996). Clinical and Etiological Update of Myofascial Pain from Trigger Points. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, 4(1-2), 93–122. doi: 10.1300/j094v04n01_07 Tough, E. A., White, A. R., Richards, S., & Campbell, J. (2007). Variability of Criteria Used to Diagnose Myofascial Trigger Point Pain Syndrome???Evidence From a Review of the Literature. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 23(3), 278–286. doi: 10.1097/ajp.0b013e31802fda7c

2020 Courses

Email coned@ptsmc.com to attend Basic Biomechanics: The 4 Steps Graston M1 to Foot Typing May 2, 2020 January 22, 11am - 1pm Intstructor: Jackie Shakar Instructor: Roberta Nole Clinic TBD Nolaro 24 makers of the Quadrastep PTSMC Sponsored Course System Concussion: A Conceptual PTSMC Guilford Framework for Evaluation & Free Inservice Management October 3-4, 2020 Instructors: Anna Mucha & Victoria Kochick Mulligan Lower Quarter Location TBD March 7-8, 2020 PTSMC Sponsored Course Intstructor: Russ Woodman PTSMC Wallingford 2020 Internal Courses - Dates TBD PTSMC Sponsored Course Lower Extremity Return to Sport Cervical Spine Email coned@ptsmc.com to register

Clinical Excellence Program Refresher: Key Phrases and Definitions External Courses: Any course taken outside of PTSMC. PTSMC Sponsored Courses: External vendors are brought in-house with negotiated rates for PTSMC clinicians.

Internal Courses: Courses taught in-house by PTSMC clinicians. 8 Internal Courses are required to be attended to complete the DOCS Program. These courses are also open to all clinicians of any level.

DOCS Program (Development of Clinical Success): Physical Therapists new to PTSMC with 0-5 years of prior clinical experience are required to complete the DOCS Program within their first 2 years of employment with PTSMC. This includes a minimum of 6 one-on-one mentorship sessions and 8 Internal Courses, as well as attending monthly Case Discussion in the first year of employment.

Case Discussion: This is open to all clinicians. Participation is a requirement in the first year of the DOCS Program. Case Discussion occurs monthly on Tuesdays from 11:30am -12:30pm.

Journal Club: This is open to all clinicians, and highly encouraged for clinicians in the DOCS Program.

Journal Club occurs monthly on Wednesdays from 11:30am -12:30pm.

STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE

The PTSMC student program gets into full swing with the New Year! Thank you to our CIs at 9 clinics who will be hosting students from 5 different schools beginning this month – WOW! Clinic Avon Branford East Hampton Groton Guilford Orange Wallingford Watertown West Hartford

CI Eric Horne Emily Searle Todd Cacopardo Lauren Peladeau & Stephen Strong Mike Gans, John Galer & Jacquie Birdsall Stephanie Weyrauch Bailey McPherson Kristina Lipeika & Lindsey Scianna Tom Kassan

Student Yong Kim (AIC) Regina Cortez (QU) Caitlyn Ayotte (QU) Emma Hart (UCONN) Thomas Mango (UCONN) Alana Rossip (WashU) Rachel Bohn (Methodist U) Michael Costantini (QU) Katie Newton (UCONN)

StriveHub Fab 5

“My PT, Rachel (Beckmann), is extremely knowledgable and a very good communicator. She is truly concerned for my wellbeing, comfort and most importantly my process towards my goal...being pain free and better. I am feeling better and I trust my PT. Thank you Rachel for the peace of mind and for helping me feel better and to be in control of my chronic pain.”

- New London “Everybody I worked with at PTSMC was so friendly and knowledgeable. All of my questions were always answered, and I laughed at least once per session, which wasn't something I was expecting from physical therapy.” - Waterbury “Miguel (Santiago) was a total pro. He really listened and addressed my back issues. I left feeling much better.

Plus the clinic is like a breath of fresh air. It’s so clean, airy, and bright, with very friendly staff.” - West Hartford “Your practice offers absolutely outstanding care -- the most professional I have ever experienced. Travis (Lytle) evaluates with time and attention to provide such a comprehensive assessment that addresses all concerns and offers fabulous treatment that has truly helped me feel better and continue exercising. So beneficial!” - Avon “I have been to 3 other PT facilities over the years. PTSMC was without a doubt the best ever. My care was very individualized and flexible, not just textbook as in the past. The environment in this facility was always cheerful and full of laughter. The employees all pitched in and worked together in a somewhat space confined place when compared with other more cold and austere facilities. Everyone greets you and makes you feel welcome. After living with it for many years, my back pain is virtually gone. My gratitude to this organization and its fine staff.” - New Milford

DOCS Program Graduate!

The Clinical Excellence team would like to recognize and give sincere congratulations to the most recent graduate of the DOCS Program, Brian Greer, PT, DPT, Dip. MDT (Watertown)!

PTSMC values and builds upon the foundation of clinical excellence, and Brian lives up to this part of our mission statement every day. He delivers quality care to all of his patients and he is committed to life-long learning in order to continue to advance the profession. Brian has spent the last two years completing his mentorship hours, attending the required internal education courses and also completing his McKenzie Diploma! Your hard work and dedication are applauded! Congratulations, Brian!

New Year’s Financial Resolutions: Get Your Finances in Shape for 2020

By Jim Hungerford, CPA

Here are five resolutions that can help increase your financial fitness today and Resolution 4: Prepare for the Unexpected Risk is a part of life, particularly when it comes to money. Your finances can be in the new year. upended by all kinds of surprises—an illness, disability, death, etc. Make a resolution to get your insurance needs covered. Insurance helps protect Resolution 1: Create a Budget against unforeseen events that are expensive to manage when they do. Do the When it comes to finances, it can be viewed as cash flowing in—and out.

Saving and investing, if you stick with it, should lead to a rising net worth over following if you haven’t done so already: time, enabling you to achieve your goals. Creating your own budget and net • Purchase life insurance if you have dependents or other obligations. If you worth statement can help you stay on track. Here are steps that can help: have children or you have large liabilities that will continue after your death, you most likely need life insurance. Unless you have a special • Create a budget and pay yourself first. At a minimum, create a budget circumstance, consider a low-cost term life policy. with three things: how much you’re taking in after taxes, how much you’re • Protect your earnings with long-term disability insurance. The odds of spending, and how much you’re saving. If you’re not sure where your becoming disabled are greater than the odds of dying young. According to money is going, track your spending using Excel or an online budgeting the Social Security Administration, a person who turned 20 in 2019 has a tool for one or two months. Determine how much money you need to 19% chance of becoming disabled before normal retirement age, and a cover your fixed monthly expenses, such as your mortgage,rent and other 3% chance of dying before retirement age. living expenses, and how much you’d like to put away for other goals.

• Protect your physical assets with property-casualty insurance. Check your • Calculate your personal net worth annually. It doesn’t have to be homeowners and auto insurance policies to make sure your coverage and complicated. Make a list of your assets (what you own) and subtract your deductibles are still right for you. Quote this coverage out at least liabilities (what you owe). Subtract the liabilities from the assets to annually. determine your net worth. What’s important is your net worth should be • Obtain additional liability coverage, if needed. A personal liability positive. “umbrella” policy is a low-cost way to increase your liability coverage by • Prepare for emergencies. Create an emergency fund with three to six $1 million or more, in case you’re at fault in an accident or someone is months’ worth of essential living expenses, set aside in a savings account. injured on your property.

The emergency fund can help you cover unexpected-but-necessary expenses without having to sell assets or borrow on expensive credit Resolution 5: Protect your Estate cards.

An estate plan may seem like something only for the wealthy. However, there are simple steps everyone should take. Without proper beneficiary designaResolution 2: Manage Your Debt tions, a will and other basic steps, the fate of your assets or minor children For most people, some level of debt is a necessity, especially to purchase an may be decided by attorneys and tax agencies. Here’s how to protect your expensive long-term asset to pay back over time, such as a home. However, estate: problems arise when you take on too much debt.

• Keep your total debt manageable. Don’t confuse what you can borrow with what you should borrow. Keep the monthly costs of owning a home (principal, interest, taxes and insurance) below 28% of your pre-tax income and your total monthly debt payments (including credit cards, auto loans and mortgage payments) below 36% of your pre-tax income.

• Eliminate high-cost debt. Try to pay off credit card debts with the highest interest rate first and try to pay off your credit cards in full each month.

Resolution 3: Savings and Taxes • Saving for your future should include putting money away in your 401(k).

• If you have children, commit to saving monthly in a 529 Savings plan.

• At the start of 2020, ensure your withholding is correct by filing an updated Form W-4. If you owe taxes when you file your return, adjust your withholding to have a little more taken out of each paycheck. If you received a large refund, adjust your withholding to have less taken out of each paycheck. A large refund is like giving an interest free loan to Uncle Sam – you would rather have that money currently.

• Remember: there are 27 pay periods in 2020 when doing your tax planning.

• Review your beneficiaries, especially for retirement accounts and life insurance. The beneficiary designation makes your wishes for assets known, and ensure that they transfer to who you want, quickly. Keep information on beneficiaries up-to-date to ensure the proceeds of life insurance policies and retirement accounts are consistent with your wishes.

• Update or prepare your will. It can provide for your dependents’ support and care, and help your survivors avoid the costs and delays associated with dying without a will. It can also spell out plans to repay debts, such as a mortgage.

• Have in place durable powers of attorney for health care. In these documents, you appoint a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

• Take care of important estate documents. Make sure a trusted family member or close friend knows the location of your important estate documents.

Do You Need to Update Any of the Following Information for 2020?

HUMAN RESOURCES

SELF CHECKOUT - Just Like the Grocery Store!

2020 PTSMC Holidays

New Year’s Day Memorial Day Independence Day (July 4th) Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

Address and Cell Phone In Paychex, click on My Profile, then edit, update, and save.

Wednesday Monday Friday Monday Thursday Friday

January 1st May 25th July 3rd September 7th November 26th December 25th

The holiday schedule can be found in Human Resources under company documents.

Physical Therapist Continuing Education Hours

All CT licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants are required to maintain 20 hours of continuing education per year as a licensure requirement. All internal and external continuing education that employees complete is recorded in HR Online. Employees can view and print the courses they have completed while employed at PTSMC by clicking on the Training Taken tab under Training, Education and Skills.

Employees can view their continuing education expenses for each year by clicking on the Custom Fields tab under Personal Information.

2020 Three Payrolls Months and 27 Pay Periods

There will be three payrolls in the months of January, July and December 2020.

The third payrolls will not have medical, dental or Colonial deductions.

2019 W2s

All employees will receive a paper copy of their W2 mailed to their home address

by January 31, 2020. Be on the lookout for your 2019 W2 around January 15th in Paychex Flex under your Dashboard. You will see it listed under Tax Documents.

Reminder: Holiday Time off Policy is Calendar Year: January – December Full Time (FT) Part Time 30 (PT 30) Part Time 20 (PT 20)

56 hours (48 holiday and 8 personal) 42 hours (36 holiday and 6 personal) 28 hours (24 holiday and 4 personal)

Holiday hours will continue to only be used on the actual holiday. Personal hours must be used during the calendar year: January – December. For eligible employees, Holiday hour balance is located under “Holiday” in Time and Attendance.

is Around the Corner: March 1, 2020 All eligible employees be on the lookout for information regarding open enrollment for health insurance. We have scheduled the following meetings. It is mandatory to attend one. Get them on your schedules early. Sign up now: email Sandra.Boccialetti@ptsmc.com with the subject: Open Enrollment + The Date Attending.

Monday, February 3, 2020 Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Wednesday, February 5, 2020 Monday, February 10, 2020 Tuesday, February 11, 2020

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 9:30 am – 10:30 am 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

W4’s In Paychex, click on My Pay and then Taxes. You can choose Federal or State. Then edit, update, and save.

Emergency Contact Information In Human Resources under Personal Information click on Emergency Contact and update.

Beneficiary Employees can update beneficiary information on Employee Navigator and John Hancock at any time.

2020 Mileage Rate

Beginning on January 1, 2020, the IRS standard mileage rate has decreased to 57.5 cents per mile. Updated expense reimbursement forms will be emailed to employees and available under Human Resources by January 6, 2020.

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS Chloe Stanish Ken Kosior Bethany Grady Nic Sauerbrunn Christina Mogelnicki Holly Riccitelli Sue Ginsburg Greg Schlossinger Danielle Dunn Courtney Duff Jacky Severance Jenna Lagana Kirby Heffrin Andrew Mead Kelly Cozzolino Kasey Bascetta Chelsea Cordova Jane Rosadini Kristina Lipeika Ashley Tighe Kristen Forster Katherine Chaber

2 2 6 6 15 15 15 17 19 21 21 21 23 24 24 25 26 26 26 28 28 30

Southington Wallingford Groton Windsor Newington Essex Guilford Admin Wallingford/Admin New London Middletown Middletown New London Guilford Plainville Windsor Guilford Guilford Watertown Wallingford Admin Naugatuck

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES Alyson Whelan Ann Hall Caitlin Lehane Craig Katko Kara Larson Kelley Cahill Sharon Hallahan Justin Delgado Maria Grice Chloe Stanish Kathryn Pereira Alyssa Pilkington

Physical Therapist Physical Therapist PSC Director PSA PTA Physical Therapist PT Aide PSC PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide

Essex Essex Essex Essex Essex Essex Essex Guilford Southbury Southington Wallingford West Hartford

Vicki Palmieri Logan Edwards

PSC PT Aide

Wallingford Windsor

Michelle Gallerani Scott Olmstead

Assistant Director Partner & Director

New London New London

EMPLOYEE NEWS

NEW EMPLOYEES Welcome to PTSMC. We’re so happy to have you!

Dorene Crapio, PSC New Haven

Rachel Sauve, PT Naugatuck

From left to right: Carla Aileen Pingol, PT Aide Orange Leah Szot, PT Aide Wethersfield

Heather Erb-Dowling, PSC West Hartford

Sara Gareiss, Practice Liaison

Christine Rasile, Staff Accountant in Admin, got engaged to Jarrett Dolegala.

Bryan O’Neill, Partner & Director New Milford welcomed daughter Bryson on December 16th.

CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES Athletic Trainer Essex

Part Time Office Assistant Admin

Physical Therapy Aide Orange Westbrook

Check PTSMC.com for our most up to date postings and feel free to share! Call Jenn or email at jenn.detlefsen@ptsmc.com if you are interested in a PT Aide position. Call Karen or email at karen.havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in a position other than PT Aide.

PTSMC Happenings

- OUT IN THE COMMUNITY THIS MONTH -

Wednesday, January 1st at 11 am Guilford at Frosty 5k Thursday, January 16th at 11 am Lauren Peladeau presenting “Back Out of Whack” at Groton Senior Center

Wethersfield attended Wethersfield on Main. Pictured from left to right is Ally Condo, Kasey Adinolfi, Rachel Bellone, and Leah Szot.

Wednesday, January 22nd at 10 am Naugatuck presenting “Watch Your Step” at the Prospect Senior Center

Ally Condo, Community Development Coordinator, and Kevin Connellan, Partner & Director Plainville, attended a Dreaming & Working Together fundraiser at Thomas Hooker Brewery.

New London dressed as PT elves.

Tom Kassan, Partner & Director West Hartford, attended Wine, Women, and Wellness in West Hartford.

He’s pictured here with the raffle prize winner.

Newington received gifts from a patient!

SoCIAl Media Sensation Fred Havlicek, Partner & Director New Haven

Fred filmed a video in between stretching runners out at the Christopher Martin’s Christmas Run for Children.

New London hosted their first Tox Talks with UConn’s Dr. Cory Edgar. Pictured in the top picture from left to right: Steven de Castro, Dr. Cory Edgar, Scott Olmstead, Pete Cambi, and Kasey Adinolfi.

Patient Success

Gloria, a patient at PTSMC Orange experienced debilitating knee pain for 12 years. After a total knee replacement, Gloria saw Stephanie Weyrauch for post-op rehab. She’s grateful to be able to walk, go up and down stairs, and stand without pain.

Life Beat

New Choices, New Results

#GETMOVING

Holiday Edition Congratulations to everyone who completed the #GetMoving Holiday Edition!

We can’t wait to see you back in action in the spring!

Another new year is here! The time to make changes, start new, and work to achieve new goals. How many of us truly do this and follow though? Most of us start strong with major changes but don’t sustain them. This year, challenge yourself to something different. Switch your focus to making small, everyday changes that are sustainable over time. In turn, this will fuel the larger changes you desire. Why? Because to have the things you’ve never had you must do the things you’ve never done.

Here are some “do this, not that” suggestions for the New Year:

Instead of:

Try:

Watching Netflix Lounging around Stressing about your week

Read or listen to a book Do some cleaning Plan your outfits or meals ahead Walk or ride your bike Call the person of your dreams Enjoy a “staycation” and explore your area Take a step back and examine the situation Host a family game night with your neighbors Reuse something else in a unique way Spend time together Work for accuracy Try a new recipe or meal prep your week Gift an experience and spend time together Listen to a guided meditation DO IT!

Driving to the store Playing hard to get Taking a pricey vacation Immediately reacting Hiring a babysitter Buying something new Texting Working for speed Ordering take out Buying a material gift Giving up on sleep “Maybe next year...”

Tier 1: (90 - 150 points) Danielle Butsch - Admin & Middletown Kelley Cahill - Essex Mallory Mason - Admin Sandy Wickman Mason - Admin Janet Tarasuk - Admin Stephanie Weyrauch - Orange Tier 2: (151 - 210 points) Jillian Cristaldi - Newington Steven de Castro - Groton Shelby Howe - Avon Lauren Peladeau - Groton Alex Zablan - Orange Tier 3: (211+ points) Miranda Jasienwoski - Groton Lauren Mariotti - Watertown Allyson Melillo - Admin

Get Your Health Back on Track this New Year!

Kristen Ludwig, Registered Dietian and Certified Personal Trainer, PTSMC Avon, is offering FLAG: Food & Lifestyle Accountabilitiy Group. It’s a 6-week, online program to help you learn healthy, long-term habits with professional guidance, weekly challenges, and healthy recipes.

To sign up, visit www.ptsmc.com/FLAG or email Kristen at Kristen.Ludwig@ptsmc.com.

Payroll deductions are available!

Happy Holidays!

Food Drive

uglyisweater contest

Thank you to everyone for participating in our Annual Food Drive! This company wide initiative allows us to give back to our communities. Shoutout to Middletown, who collected a lot of donations by promising to shave their mustaches!

Holiday Happenings

Wallingford celebrated the holidays at Words on Woods.

Groton participated in the Polar Express Project to give gifts to children in need.

Guilford took a trip to see Rock of Ages on Broadway.

New Milford went to Housatonic River Brewery and did a staff Secret Santa.

WINNER! Watertown had two holiday celebrations. First, they enjoyed a nice meal together at La Bella Vista (top), and then went ax throwing at Blue Ox Axe Throwing (bottom).

Guilford won the Ugly Sweater Contest for the 3rd year in a row!

What Happened in January of 2000?

January 23, 2000 - At the 57th Golden Globes, The Sopranos won Best Television Series - Drama, while Sex in the City won Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy.

Clinics that Opened in January Waterbury opened January 2000 Watertown opened January 2005 Newington opened January 2016

January 27, 2000 - Bill Belichick became head coach of the New England Patriots New Milford opened January 2017

January 30, 2000 - St. Louis Rams beat the Tennessee Titans 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV Essex acquired January 2019

Cost of:

US Postage Stamp: 33 cents (now 50 cents) Average Gallon of Gas: $1.26 (now $2.58)

20th Anniversary Spirit Day

On the 20th of every month, we will be throwing a company-wide spirit day - each one with a different theme.

January 20th is black and red day! All employees should wear black and red and encourage patients to as well to celebrate our 20th anniversary!

Look for a promotional poster to arrive at the office soon!