July 2023 PULSE

MID-YEAR MANAGEMENT MEETING

On June 6th, PTSMC Partners and Directors gathered under a big tent in the Admin parking lot for the mid-year Management Meeting. It’s hard to believe that we are already at the halfway point of 2023!

This meeting was a little di erent than others in the past. We started with a guest speaker who had an hour to give us a “30,000-foot view of Raintree.” Raintree is a competitor to WebPT and provides services to several of the largest physical therapy companies in the country. Overall, WebPT has not lived up to PTSMC’s needs and expectations. While we are not changing anything currently, we have concluded that we need to be aware of our options. As an organization, we are attempting to validate our concerns with WebPT and be educated about the options we have. We plan to look at others as well.

Following the demo, we jumped into our meeting. We started with an open discussion about the evolving role of our Practice Liaison Team. We talked broadly about the positive impact they have had in building relationships with the physician community. We also discussed the role they play in bringing PTSMC to our communities.

From there we went to three breakout sessions that smaller groups rotated into. The three topics in this meeting were:

• PT Aide Role: led by Caty Mulligan, Human Resources Coordinator

• Preliminary Energage Result Review: led by Mallory Mason, Director of Culture and Engagement

• DEI Mission Statement: led by Marilex Santiago, DEI Lead

Caty (left) provided an overview of the new and evolving tools available to onboard and train new Physical Therapy Aides. The training program for new PT Aides, the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for Physical Therapy Aides) program, will be moved to the Learning Management System, leading to automated reminders and completion tracking. The SIPTA program will have week-by-week training guides, and the deadlines have been shortened. Based on feedback, a separate customer service training module is being created.

SIMSBURY OPEN HOUSE!

Wednesday, July 12th 4pm - 7pm PTSMC Simsbury 540 Hopmeadow Street

Join us for food, drinks, ra es, and fun to celebrate Simsbury’s recent renovations.

RSVP by Monday July 10th to Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com.

Mallory (center) is in the middle of a deep dive of the employee survey results. She provided overall themes that are emerging from the 326 PTSMC employees who took the time to complete the survey and write in comments. Every year, we learn so much from this feedback that helps us make PTSMC a better place for employees. Thank you to those who completed it.

Marilex led us in a discussion about a DEI Mission Statement. She challenged and encouraged us to think about the words and the meaning of what a PTSMC DEI Mission Statement could one day become. We want PTSMC to be a safe place for everyone who works and is treated here. Being more educated and aware is part of this important process.

The three speakers did an awesome job of educating and engaging us in their respective topics.

We then pivoted the discussion to incentives for the PT, PSC and PCC positions. The overall goal is to create incentive programs that motivate and reward strong performance. To be honest, it is a challenge. The incentive programs at PTSMC have been studied and changed more than any other programs in our history. Leadership is committed to listening to feedback and attempting to make incentives fair and motivating.

Following the meeting we shared dinner under the tent and spent time reconnecting with each other in person. It was great to see this team together. I know how deeply they care for our people and those we serve.

Thanks for all you do!

Alan

Patient Trends

IN THIS ISSUE

Clinician’s Corner by Jennifer Ashman, Simsbury Physical Therapist Open Kinetic Chain Exercises & ACL Reconstruction

Congrats to Recent DOCS Grads!

Employee Spotlight: Kelly Cozzolino Plainville Patient Services Administrator written by Caty Mulligan

Techy Tips: Q&A with David Lawrence on the Ticketing System

By Mallory Mason

DEI: Ages in the Workplace By

Marilex Santiago

Student Program Update: 2023 CI Instructor Recognition By Juliann

Chacko

StriveHub Fab 5

“Everyone is so diligent and knowledgeable. They keep you moving and striving to accomplish your goals to feel better and stronger. That means everything to me. Thank you for all your support and e ort.” - Watertown

“Kevin (Howard) is really great to work with. He’s patient, charismatic, and understanding of your needs and concerns. You can tell he has a passion for what he does and enjoys helping others. He doesn’t make PT feel like a chore you genuinely feel better when you leave and want to go back.” - Orange

“My therapist, Amanda (Kell), was very knowledgeable, she listened to my concerns, and gave me the best treatment my body needed. Amanda xed my back! She’s amazing!!” -

Middletown

“I was a patient of this facility for over a year and all the time I was seen by all the di erent physical therapists and each one was very professional and helpful in their own way. They all helped me recover and nd a con dence in myself that I had lost with my injury. I feel so much better today, and now my son is a patient with them as they help him with his injury.”

- Naugatuck

“Sam (McMullen) is very knowledgeable and thoughtful about what therapy/ exercises are needed to help patients be able to live their best lives. He listens to the patients and improvement is the results. I have noticed that all therapist there are thoughtful and helpful. All the sta are also friendly.” -

Southington

CLINICIAN’S CORNER

Open Kinetic Chain Exercises & ACL Reconstruction

By: Jennifer Ashman, PT, DPT Physical Therapist at PTSMC Simsbury

Was anyone else told in PT school to avoid open kinetic chain (OKC) quadriceps exercises with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR)? Most, if not all, of the protocols I have seen for ACLR have said “No open chain concentric quads.” However, isn’t walking an OKC quad exercise? We have patients ambulating way before they are doing OKC knee extension exercises. All of these questions stemmed from my own personal experience.

In February of 2023, I tore my right ACL and lateral meniscus while skiing. I am a new skier and couldn’t turn in time before hitting a tree, so of course, I decided to fall. On my way down, my skis did not come o , my knee hyperextended and I felt a “pop.” When I attempted to stand up, my tibia shifted away from my femur, and I sadly knew my fate. I had surgery 3/24/23, opting for the bone patellar tendon bone (BPTB) autograph with a lateral meniscus repair. Four weeks non weight-bearing and a long recovery ahead of me, I had plenty of time to dive into some ACL literature.

Knowing the research on retear rates for an ACL injury, 14%-33% (76% noncontact mechanism) (Plisky & Matsel, 2023), I was nervous for my own knee. Although I am no longer a collegiate eld hockey player, I still enjoy an active lifestyle. I volunteer as an assistant coach for a varsity high school eld hockey team, play golf, hike, walk my dog and enjoyed skiing while it lasted. Just like with our patients, I wanted to make sure I was doing everything I could throughout my pre-rehab and post operative rehab to set up my knee for success.

Restoring quadriceps strength is crucial to re-establishing the biomechanics of the knee. However, nearly 50% of PTs do not assess quad strength at all (Ebert et al. 2019). How can we properly progress someone through their protocol without knowing their quad strength? There are a few ways we can assess quad strength. Firstly, we can use isokinetic testing; however, a device like this can cost >$15,000. The next option is using isometric dynamometry with a strap (at 90 degrees). Other options include doing a 1 RM leg extension (could calculate with 5RM) from 90-45 degrees or 90-0 degrees (Plisky & Matsel, 2023). When pain, e usion or fear limit the ability to perform a 1 or 5 RM, you can always use the rate of perceived exertion and repetitions in reserve to estimate strength. Why is this important? The return to sport (RTS) criteria requires the patient to be at least 9 months post-op, to have ≥ 90% quad strength symmetry, and ≥90% on all hop testing (Brinlee et al. 2022).

One of the primary concerns of OKC quad strengthening is loosening of the ACL graft via strain of the tibiofemoral joint. These concerns came about three decades ago in studies looking at the strain and anterior tibial displacement during OKC knee extension in populations with partial or full ACL tears. It was concluded that OKC knee extension exercises should be avoided if the goal is to limit the strain placed on the ACL (Henning et al. 1985) (Yack et al. 1993).

Let’s dive into the strain that is placed on the ACL with activity. Strain of about 13% is placed on the ACL during midstance and late swing phases of gait (Englander et al. 2020). Roldan et al found that walking resulted in higher ACL strain (0.132 ± 0.00248 newton/body weight [N/BW] compared with running (0.097 ± 0.00249 N/BW), maximal e ort single-leg horizontal jumping (0.047 ± 0.01616 N/BW), and sidestep cutting (0.107 ± 0.04027 N/BW). It was found that maximal e ort vertical jumping with two legs resulted in the greatest peak ACL strain during the ight phase of the jump (0.175 ± 0.01284 N/BW) (Roldan et al. 2017). Beynnon et al found peak ACL strain of 4.4% during OKC knee isometric at 15° against 30 N·m extension torque, whereas dynamic OKC, 90° to 0° with 45 N (~10 lbs), resulted in peak ACL strain of 3.8%. Peak ACL strain of 3.7% was reported during a Lachman test (150 N of anterior shear load at 30°), a test performed intraoperatively after graft xation. OKC exercise places about one-third of the strain observed during walking. Therefore, OKC knee extension exercise should be considered safe when patients are walking after ACLR.

I utilized this information early on post-operatively to guide my own rehab. I started o a bit more conservatively with isometrics at 90-45 degrees after three weeks. By six weeks, I was progressing to long arc quads with light resistance. As with patients, any progressions I made were guided by pain level and knee e usion. I hope you found this bit of information insightful and will consider OKC knee extension exercises, whether it’s from 90-45 degrees or 90-0 deg, early on post-operatively. As always, make sure to talk with the orthopedic surgeon if the provided protocol prohibits OKC knee extension earlier on in rehab.

Bibliography

Brinlee AW, Dickenson SB, Hunter-Giordano A, Snyder-Mackler L. ACL Reconstruction

Rehabilitation: Clinical Data, Biologic Healing, and Criterion-Based Milestones to Inform a Return-to-Sport Guideline. Sports Health. 2022;14(5):770-779. doi:10.1177/19417381211056873

Beynnon BD, Fleming BC, Johnson RJ, Nichols CE, Renström PA, Pope MH. Anterior cruciate ligament strain behavior during rehabilitation exercises in vivo. Am J Sports Med.1995;23:24-34.

Ebert JR, Webster KE, Edwards PK, et al. Current perspectives of Australian therapists on rehabilitation and return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a survey. PhysTher Sport. 2019;35:139-145.

Englander ZA, Garrett WE, Spritzer CE, DeFrate LE. In vivo attachment site to attachment site length and strain of the ACL and its bundles during the full gait cycle measured by MRI and high-speed biplanar radiography. J Biomech. 2020;98:109443.

Henning, C. E., Lynch, M. A., & Glick JR, K. R. (1985). An in vivo strain gage study of elongation of the anterior cruciate ligament. The American journal of sports medicine, 13(1), 22-26.

Plisky, P., & Matsel, K. (2023, March 20). ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Beyond the Protocol (Recorded Webinar) [Webinar]. https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/courses/details/acl-reconstruction-rehabilitation-beyond-theprotocol-kyle-matsel-phil-plisky

Roldán E, Reeves ND, Cooper G, Andrews K. In vivo mechanical behavior of the anterior cruciate ligament: a study of six daily and high impact activities. Gait Posture. 2017;58:201-207.

Yack, H. J., Collins, C. E., & Whieldon, T. J. (1993). Comparison of closed and open kinetic chain exercise in the anterior cruciate ligament-de cient knee. The American journal of sports medicine, 21(1), 49-54.

UPCOMING JOURNAL CLUB AND CASE DICUSSION DATES

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

Upcoming CD dates: 07/11, 08/08, 9/12

Upcoming JC dates: 07/25, 08/22, 9/26

Click HERE for the full 2023 schedule.

Upcoming Courses CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

SPONSORED COURSES INTERNAL COURSES

Modern Management of the Older Adult

September 16-17, 2023

Instructed by ICE

Cervicothoracic (DOCS)

October 14, 2023

Intructed by Danielle Dunn

Congrats to DOCS Grads!

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

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

CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES LIST

Click HERE for full list of Internal, Sponsored and External con-ed opportunities. https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/RCnzB8GqVU/Clinical_Excellence_List_of_Courses.xlsx_

STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE

By Juliann Chacko, Student Program Coordinator & Orange Assistant Director

2023 Superstar Clinical Instructor Recognition

June is the month when the PTSMC Student Program recognizes our Clinical Instructors. In the pat year, over 50% of PTSMC's clinicians worked with students in some capacity. THANK YOU to all who supported these students and the program!

The CI Recognition Program, celebrates CI's who hosted their 1st student and every 5th student. This is the program's 3rd annual recognition, to honor the dedication to advancing clinical excellence and those who go above in beyond as a CI!

2023 Superstar CIs

First time CIs in 2023:

Alyson Whelan

Colin Ketchel

Craig Katko

Dan Pagliuca

Jared Schi er

Liz Miller

Liza Peressini

Nic Sauerbrunn

Quinn McAnaney

Roy Colter

Xantiana Sanchez

*data tracked since 2016

CIs who have hosted 5-9 students*

Emily Searle

Erik Schmitt

“Giftogram" gift cards, certi cates and PTSMC swag with special "Clinical Instructor" designation (new this year!) will be gifted to those receiving recognition.

Interested in becoming a CI? Please reach out to Juliann.Chacko@ptsmc.com to learn more!

Students starting this month:

Lianna Hagen (UCONN) will be working with Emily Pelz in Waterbury

Rutvi Shah (UCONN) will be working with Natalie Peterson in Plainville.

Oskar Toro (UCONN) will be working with Je Hoerst in Glastonbury.

Paige Brunner (UCONN) will be working with Vlad Smolgovskiy in West Hartford.

Bradley Owaka (Boston University) will be working with Keely Yarish in Avon.

Sara Swetland (Spring eld College) will be working with Chaylea Finn & Colin Ketchel in Branford.

Mitch Wright (Spring eld College) will be working with Rebecca Petrosino in Fair eld.

Kevin Howard, PT, DPT, Orange Natalie Swanson, PTA, Lock Street

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

Kevin: The most in uential aspect to the DOCS program would be the mentorship program. It was super bene cial to have clinicians from di erent backgrounds, areas of expertise, and clinics come in to collaborate with and learn new treatment techniques from. I am hoping to expand my skills as a PT with continuing education focused on sports-related injuries and/or pediatric therapy.

Natalie: The most in uential part of the DOCS program for me was the mentoring sessions. I really appreciated each mentor that came in and took the time to review skills and potentially challenging cases. This time really helped me solidify the reasoning I had already developed, and new skills learned during the classes.

I hope to continue to develop each course material further and then teach fellow clinicians the new skills for better the standard of care across the board to continue promote our PT for Life mission!

July 25th from 12-1:30pm PTSMC Wethers eld

Meet with Dr. Alex Dukas & Dr. Christian Merrill of Orthopaedic Sports Specialists. RSVP to Janet.Tarasuk@ptsmc.com by July 23rd.

Deadline to apply is July 30, 2023!

Acceptance decisions will be made in September 2023 for start date in December 2023.

***Applicants must have a valid PT license prior to the start of the residency program***

Learn more and apply online at: www.ptsmc.com/residency

Please email Danielle at Danielle.Dunn@ptsmc.com with any questions.

Samantha Compell New Haven PSC

Anjali Desai Middletown PT Aide

Kamilla Dompier Middletown PT Aide

Katherine Fan Shelton Physical Therapist

Cody Filingeri Avon Physical Therapist

Megan Gallagher Southbury PT Aide

Nathan Gockel Plainville Physical Therapist

Samantha Guay West Hartford PSC

Walker Lenz New London PT Aide

Julianna Lusk Essex Physical Therapist

Madeleine Morgado Essex PT Aide

Laura Musante Admin Veri cation Representative

Jack O'Donnell Watertown PT Aide

Catherine Patrick Guilford PT Aide

Payton Polsonetti East Hampton PT Aide

Daniel Scott Orange Physical Therapist Assistant

Je rey Sheridan Admin Employer Services Occupational Therapist

Michaela Soules Groton Physical Therapist

Madison Stabile Westbrook Physical Therapist

Daniel Vala Middletown Physical Therapist

Jack Varcoe Fair eld PT Aide

Lauren Vitola Orange PT Aide

Kathleen Dyrkacz Middletown PT Aide

Ashlie Hazlett Middletown PT Aide

Employee Spot light

By Caty Mulligan, Sports Medicine Coordinator & Human Resources Coordinator

Kelly Cozzolino, Plainville Patient Services Administrator

Our Plainville clinic certainly enjoys making work fun, and at the root of that is Patient Services Administrator, Kelly Cozzolino.

Kelly grew up in a family of healthcare professionals, and from an early age, wanted to help people. She began her career working at Bradley Hospital, and then after her daughter was born, she worked at a hair salon. By the time her daughter was in school, Kelly was ready to return to a healthcare setting. The timing was right, and she jumped at the opportunity to join PTSMC. In 2019, Kelly began as a Patient Services Coordinator in the Plainville clinic. When COVID hit, Kelly helped Partner & Director Kevin Connellan continue operations, and ever since, has been vital to Plainville’s continued growth.

Now, Kelly is Plainville’s Patient Services Administrator (PSA), and has also been dubbed the “mom” of the clinic. She loves to go to work every day and says she could never work remotely. She simply loves to be around people! Kelly prefers to work during the day, so she can communicate with the most people and meet as many patients as possible. She loves talking to patients and coworkers, helping to set up appointments, and explaining information that patients may not understand. She knows how important the little things are and makes a point to remember patient milestones like birthdays, weddings, and vacations. A mark of great customer service, she’s always speaking to patients with a smile!

You may have seen Plainville Partner & Director and die hard Giants fan, Kevin Connellan, on PTSMC’s social media donning an Eagles jersey, ful lling a recent loss of a bet during football season... Plainville is a competitive crew! Turns out, football is not the only sports rivalry in the clinic! Kelly and Kevin also clash when it comes to supporting their favorite baseball teams, the Red Sox and the Yankees. Kelly always adds some extra spirit like this to the clinic. Another example: what started out as a sprit day has turned into a full month of holiday out ts & accessories! Keep an eye on social media when the holiday season rolls around; Kelly deserves a spotlight for spreading holiday cheer.

Fun fact about Kelly, she’s a self-described bargain shopper, even for vacations. If you need to plan a trip, Kelly is your person! She loves to travel with her daughter and would go away every month if she could. As a beach lover, Kelly will go anywhere she can nd a great sunrise and sunset, although she typically chooses trips to Florida or a cruise.

Additionally, Kelly's family has been vacationing in the same place for 66 years. Yes, you read that correctly... sixty-six years! As the oldest of six, Kelly comes from a large, blended family and their family get-togethers like this are BIG. This particular retreat is to Sand Pond, New Hampshire where the whole clan is together for two weeks. She describes the spot as totally isolated, with no cell phones and only a gas station, which means ample time for family bonding, relaxation and fun! Kelly enjoys kayaking (she recently purchased her own) and rock jumping. There are several rocks out on Sand Pond to choose from, the tallest being seventeen feet high! Her family also has a tradition of playing a card game called Canasta. They only play while at Sand Pond, and it's turned into quite the competition with organized team shirts! We’ll be cheering for Team Kelly this summer!

JULY BIRTHDAYS

Steve Platt 1 Guilford

Kate Olson 1 Simsbury

Justin Cyr 1 Wallingford

Ashley Cato 2 Windsor

Kaylynn Harmann 4 Southbury

Karla Denis 4 Southington

Laura Nicklis 5 Avon

Sandra Boccialetti 6 Admin

Marion Dietz 7 Admin

Laura Sweeney 7 Windsor

Katy Sullivan 9 Orange

Maggie Olson 10 Admin

Dani Casey 11 Admin

Emily Skiba 11 Admin

Cody Filingeri 11 Avon

Marsela Mgushi 12 Fair eld

Marisa Keiser 13 New Haven

Beyounce Tracey 14 Fair eld

Conner Gavin 15 Orange

Alexander Bernabe 15 Wallingford

Samantha Sylvester 18 Southbury

Chrystina Dziala 20 West Hartford

Drew Coisson 23 New Haven

Derek Horowitz 23 Simsbury

Kristen Tolo 23 Windsor

Isabella Matarazzo 25 Wallingford

Brooke McNabola 25 Wallingford

Olivia Toto 27 Guilford

Scott Olmstead 27 New London

Katya Lazor 27 Simsbury

Allyson Melillo 28 Admin

Roslin DellaVecchia 30 Naugatuck

Anthony Ciaburri 30 Orange

Colby Pion 31 Danielson

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

Kimoy Osorio IT Technician Admin

Sarah Sommer PT Aide Windsor

Sean Ferguson Patient Services Watertown Coordinator

Mike Popolizio Physical Therapist Glastonbury

Francesca Pimenta Patient Services Guilford Coordinator

Raymond Seward PT Aide Guilford

Carley Murphy Patient Services New Milford Coordinator

Kayla Wong PT Aide Shelton

Emily Fillion Senior Marketing Admin Coordinator

Mike McGowan Assistant Director Windsor

Colleen Menard Physical Therapist New Milford

Erik Schmitt Assistant Director Westbrook

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

DEI

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

AGES IN THE WORKPLACE

By Marilex Santiago, DEI Lead & Administrative Coordinator

As society evolves, so do its generations. Each generation brings with it a unique set of characteristics, experiences, and perspectives. From the incoming workforce of Gen Z to the Baby Boomers, these distinct cohorts have shaped the world in their own ways. Let’s explore what makes each generation unique, what their preferred working style may be, and communication preferences.

Generation Z or Gen Z (1997-2012):

Having grown up in the digital age, Gen Z are technologically savvy, diverse, and socially conscious. Gen Z values work-life balance, exibility, and personal growth. They thrive in collaborative and inclusive work environments. Their preferred communication methods include instant messaging, video calls, and social media platforms.

Millennials (1981-1996):

Millennials have witnessed the rapid advancement of technology and have adapted to it. They are known for their ambition, adaptability, and desire for purposeful work. Millennials appreciate a exible work environment that promotes innovation and encourages a healthy work-life balance. They prefer a mix of communication channels, including emails, text messages, and video conferencing.

Generation X or Gen X (1965-1980):

Generation X grew up during a time of economic and societal change. They are characterized by their independence, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Gen X values autonomy and self-reliance in their work. They prefer a balance between personal and professional lives. Generation X typically prefers direct communication, such as face-to-face conversations or phone calls.

Baby Boomers (1946-1964):

Baby Boomers are known for their hard work, dedication, and traditional values. They have experienced signi cant societal shifts and technological advancements throughout their lives. Baby Boomers often prefer structured work environments with clear hierarchies. They value loyalty and commitment. Baby Boomers tend to favor in-person communication and phone calls over digital channels.

By embracing generational diversity, PTSMC can tap into a wealth of perspectives, ideas, and experiences. Together, we can create a harmonious and thriving workplace that maximizes the potential of every individual. Take action now – ask your team what strengths or perspectives does their generation brings to the table, and how can those strengths be leveraged to drive success together?

JULY

Monthly Awareness: Disability Awareness Month

Happy Fourth of July: Tuesday, July 4

Men’s Health Event: Wim Hof Method on July 13

AUGUST

Monthly Awareness: Immunization Month

PTSMC Social Hours: August 24 (Admin O ce) and 25 (Hammonasset)

SEPTEMBER

Monthly Awareness: Hispanic Heritage Month starting September 15

PTSMC Casino Night: September 30

Level UP #GETMOVING CHallenge

Shout out to the 40 participants of the Level Up #GetMoving Challenge that took place in May! A round of applause to the 15 who met the physical challenge of averaging 20 min of exercise per day combined with completing 4 mental health activities. The following earned a PTSMC #GetMoving long sleeve t-shirt and Mental Health Journal:

Aileen Pingol, Orange

Becky Sauve, Naugatuck

Brianna Annunziato, Branford

Carole Pimenta, Guilford

Danielle Butsch, Lock Street

Kailey

Katie

Linda

Mallory

Stevie

Life Beat: VACATION HEALTH TIPS

Summer brings activities like picnics, pool parties, beach days, road trips, and many other adventures! If you're planning on traveling, make sure to have fun and take time to relax and reset. Here's some tips to enjoy your vacation and stay healthy.

One of the best parts of traveling is trying new cuisines! While you're exploring, keep these tips in mind:

• Try to eat fresh and locally-sourced meals, instead of "fast-food" chains that typically serve processed meals

• Stay well-hydrated (8 cups of water daily – fruits help!)

• Aim to get 3 balanced meals in a day

• Pack high- ber, high-protein snacks like protein bars, sliced veggies, and nuts

Movement helps to manage stress and boost the immune system. Here are simple ways to incorporate a little physical activity when traveling:

• Try local activities: hiking, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling

• Utilize lodging amenities like swimming pools or gyms

• Perform quick exercises like push-ups, jumping jacks, or yoga in the morning

• Park further away from restaurants, lodging, and other facilities during your vacation

Sunlight is good for the body and mind; however, overexposure or lack of protective measures can lead to sunburn. Here are tips to reduce your risk and protect your skin while enjoying the outdoors:

• Between 10 am and 4 pm try to limit direct sun exposure

• Try wearing a hat, standing in the shade, or carrying an umbrella

• Wear sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming and sweating

• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays

Good, solid rest while traveling can be challenging. Here are a few tips to try:

•Wear loose- tting clothing, recline your seat, and try blocking noise and light to improve your rest during travel

• Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness meditation to calm the mind

• Try taking a nap, 30 minute or less, in the early afternoon

Danielle Dunn, Wallingford/Admin

Hanks, Lock Street

Scalora, Shelton

Mullen, Lock Street

Mason, Admin

Miranda Jasienowski, Groton

Natalie Swanson, Lock Street

Sandra Boccialetti, Admin

Sandy Wickman Mason, Admin

Fell, Admin

TECHY TIPS IT TICKETING

SYSTEM Q&A

By Mallory Mason, Director of Culture & Engagement

The PTSMC IT Ticket System o cially launched 8 months ago. It is now an integral part of our IT Department. It is THE WAY to contact the IT department when you are having an IT issue.

Your ticket is seen by Dave Lawrence, Director of Information Technology, and Kimoy Osorio, IT Technician.

Let’s catch up with Dave Lawrence with a Q&A and insights on best practices as it relates to the Ticket System:

Q: What should I send to the ticket system?

A: EVERYTHING!

Q: What if I am not sure and I’m hesitant to send a ticket?

A: No worries, just send it! We will decipher where it needs to go and send it to who is best to address the issue, if it’s not IT. Sending it even if you are not sure helps us to track behind the scenes what we spend our time on.

Q: When I submit a ticket, what should I expect?

A: If you send a request, you should get an automated response with a ticket number. Here’s an example:

Q: Should I copy anyone on the ticket?

A: You only need to include additional people if they are impacted. Ideally, if an employee is needing additional permissions on their device or need to purchase IT equipment, the supervisor should send the ticket. If the employee sends the ticket, the employee should copy the supervisor. If the request needs additional approval, IT will reach out to whoever needs to approve it.

Does it matter if I use the online form on the IT Ticket System website or email?

A: IT has no preference if the ticket comes from the online form or email! It’s whatever is easier for you.

Q: If I need to answer a question sent back to me or send a follow up to check in on the status of my ticket, what should I do?

A: Simply reply back on the automated response that has the ticket number. You do NOT need to send a new email. When following up, you should say “I submitted ticket number (X), what is the status?” If you want it to go to a speci c individual from IT (Dave or Kimoy), you can CC that person, so it’s recorded in the system and that person also gets a direct email.

Q: Are there any self-help articles?

Q: What speci cally needs to be on a ticket? Is there basic information I should always include?

A: The basic info we need to have is:

• Description of the issue.

• When did the issue FIRST start?

• The individual or group impacted.

• If there were any steps taken to try to resolve and what were they.

• What you were doing prior to the issue occurring

For example, “my screen just went black” is not enough; we need more.

Q: What is the expected turnaround time for me to get a response from someone in IT? At what point should I reply or send a new ticket?

A: Usually within one business day someone should reach out. If a full business day goes by, reply to that automated message with the ticket number and CC Dave Lawrence so he can follow up to see what’s going on and what the holdup is.

Q: What if I feel my issue is urgent?

A: Everyone feels their issue is number one but understand that there are other issues occurring at the same time that may take priority. If you can still function 60-80% it’s not a “lights out situation.” If it’s a case where someone’s computer crashes and it’s not working, that is “lights out” because the employee cannot work at all. At that point, skip the Ticket System and call Dave or Kimoy!

A: There are self-help articles on the IT Ticket System website: https://ptsmc.zendesk.com. On the main page there is a Q&A to help troubleshoot on your own.

The email for the Ticket System is saved as a contact in our email directory: “PTSMC IT Ticket System.”

When emailing the system, you can type the above, or the actual email address: support@ptsmc.zendesk.com

PTSMC Happenings!

On June 5th, clinicians attended an info session on partnership at PTSMC at the admin o ce. Presenters included Alan Balavender, Ryan Balavender, Mike Durand, and Jim Hungerford.

JULY

July 12 Simsbury

Open House!

July 16 Plainville

Petit Foundation Road Race

July 19 Fair eld Fair eld Sunset 5k

July 25 Wethers eld Lunch & Learn

AUGUST

Aug. 25 Plainville Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival

Are you participating in an event?

Reach out to Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com

Clinicians attended the DOCS course “Introduction to the Assessment & Treatment of the Concussed Patient” taught by Rick Purdy

Southbury hosted the third Women’s Self-Defense class. An additional $40 was raised for The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

Essex celebrated their patient, Olivia, graduating from PT and returning to play goalie for her soccer team. She’s pictured here with Director Craig Katko

Shelton is throwing a Spirit Day once a week until August. Their rst day was Hawaiian Shirt Day!

LMDP GRADUATES

Congrats to Leadership & Management Development Program graduates (pictured from left to right): Pat Kinsella (Guilford), Colleen Menard (New Milford), Shawn Nash (Avon), Kenny Kregling (Wallingford), Natalie Swanson (Lock Street), and Je Lo (Groton).

They’re pictured here after solving a very challenging teambuilding activity! This LMDP group started in October 2022 and nished in June 2023. The program included four in-person sessions and three virtual sessions.

Did you miss the June monthly video?

Alan Balavender, Mike Durand, and Sandy Wickman Mason announced the contract renewal with Yale Health Plan.

Lock Street conquered the Mud Girl Run on June 17th.

New Haven celebrated the rst day of summer with root beer oats and Hawaiian shirts.

PTSMC HIGHLIGHTS

Congratulations to the following clinicians who are now certi ed in dry needling through Myopain and are now CMTPTs (Certi ed Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists):

Emily Searle, Branford/Lock Street

Liza Peressini, Danbury

Andrew Kalach, Fair eld

Jennifer Powers, Fair eld

Je rey Hoerst, Glastonbury

Liz Rubbo, Guilford

Pat Kinsella, Guilford

Meghan Blanusa, Naugatuck

Becky Sauve, Naugatuck

Roy Colter, Newington

Natalie Peterson, Plainville

Sam McMullen, Southington

Kaitlyn Murray, Windsor

Kelly Hoisl, Windsor

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

Julia Rosa, Wethers eld

BLOG POSTS

Therapy

REEL

Avoiding Common Running Injuries

Renee

Lauren

Becky Sauve, Physical Therapist and Certifed Hand Therapist at PTSMC Naugatuck created a reel on how to avoid overuse hand injuries in honor of National Hand Therapy Week.

SoCIAl Media Sensation

Jen Powers, Fair eld Physical Therapist

Jen snapped photos with her patient after she completed a half and full marathon within a few months of each other. She also received this testimonial, "Your girl is a marathoner....Thanks for getting me to the nish line... I owe you so much. It’s been a brutal 4 weeks before step o today but felt like a million dollars this morning."

Follow PTSMC on social!

Christine Rasile, Senior Accountant, married Jarrett Dolegala.

MacDonald, Essex Patient Services Administrator, married Colin Zehnder.

Corsillo, Danbury Patient Services Administrator, married Matt Squazzo.

Why Physical

is a Great Career