March 2026 PULSE

The PULSE The PULSE MARCH 2026

MARCH WELLNESS

Address It’s only 20 miles away...how different could it be?

Hopefully, everyone is aware that PTSMC has ventured over state lines, for the first time in our 26 year history, into Massachusetts! A few people asked me, “what took so long”? The answer is straightforward. As a Melanie Paquette P c& SC i r E partner model organization, PTSMC has always looked to our aspiring leaders to help guide where our growth Jim Hungerford, Associate VP of Finance, added ,“We would occur. needed to engage a Massachusetts based law firm to It wasn’t until last year that the right situation aligned rewrite our partner documents. We also had to deal with Eric Horne, now Easthampton, MA, Partner. He with a complex business registration process and had declared, “Easthampton is my hometown. I grew revamp some of our policies to reflect a change in the up there and want to be part of revitalizing the town. I state tax laws. The entire process was different than Connecticut.” want to help make it a great place.”

Eric started his journey as a PT Aide in the Avon clinic.

He became a clinician there, took a short stint at another PT practice in MA, then came back to us in the Simsbury clinic. All along dreaming of bringing the PT For Life culture to his home state. Once the decision was made that Eric was heading to MA, many PTSMC people mobilized to make his dream come true. I touched base with a few of the people in the mix and can confidently say that twenty miles and a state boarder turned out to be a heavier lift than anticipated.

Sandra Boccialetti, Director of Human Resources, agrees with Jim on the state policy side. Karen Havlicek, Senior Human Resources Coordinator, was instrumental in reviewing and revising PTSMC’s Employee Handbook and all PTSMC HR policies to be sure we aligned with Massachusetts Labor laws and requirements.

Ryan Balavender, Director of Facilities, chimed in, “These projects are not normally a straight line and can take you on unexpected journeys. We had one signed letter of intent that the landlord voided, the Zoning Melissa Boutagy, Clinical Compliance Officer, Committee canceled multiple meetings at the last completed a “Compliance Officer Acknowledgement minute, and getting a plumber to show up was a Application” from MA. To begin the process, she nightmare!” applied for a Massachusetts PT license. She also It’s only twenty miles, however at times it felt like supplied copies of her driving record, all her PT related walking up hill in a blizzard! school transcripts, her official NPTE score, attested to her married name, and had it all notarized. That was Eric’s final thoughts when we talked was, “I wanted this, and I am HAPPY that we learned though all of it. The just the warmup! goal is to keep progressing and that is exactly what we Jenn Detlefsen, Director of Billing, shared, did”.

“Researching the various new insurance networks and the contracting that came with it was a yearlong In the end, which is actually a new beginning, this move process and it’s not over yet! Learning how to navigate challenged a lot of people at PTSMC to step up and this new world was a big focus of the billing, grow in unexpected ways. I am excited and proud that verification, and authorization departments. We we have a new frontier to build lifelong relationships and improve the quality of people’s lives! wanted to get it right for Eric”.

CLICK HERE FOR QUICK A CLINIC TOUR WITH ERIC ON INSTAGRAM

Announcements

2026 Lunch & Learns The HR team is coordinating a series of 30‑40 minute Lunch & Learns for all employees. Sessions will include presentations led by the HR Team or expert guest speakers. 2026 topics include: Financial Resilience & Longevity Making the most of your benefits LinkedIn: connect with us and expand your network Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint tips Understanding Social Security All employees are welcome, and participation is on paid time.

Supervisors are aware, so simply confirm with them that you’d like to attend.

Keep an eye out for emails and PULSE notifications with sign‑up links. Be sure to block your schedules early.

Questions? Reach out to Nicole Dorosh.

IN THIS ISSUE Employee Spotlight pg 6 Emily Fillion, Senior Marketing Coordinator

Main Feature pg 7-8 Mad About Wellness

Financial Resilience & Longevity: 4 Sessions

Highlights & Happenings pg 9-14

Gain valuable financial insights and tips based on generations, from our advisors at Connecticut Wealth Management, to empower your personal and professional financial decisions. Each of the 4 sessions will be designed with content specific to a generation. Attendance welcome to any and all sessions. Dates to be announced.

UHC Rewards pg 15 Earn dollars through UHC insruance

CLICK HERE to share what you are MOST interested in learning more about.

401(k) Updates

Extra Mile pg 16 The Awkward Stuff

On March 12, 2026, PTSMC will make Safe Harbor Contributions to eligible employee 401(k) accounts.

The contribution reflects 3% of eligible earnings between July 1, 2025- December 31, 2025.

BI-ANNUAL SAFE HARBOR EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS

Clinicians Corner pg 17-18 Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

Eligible employees who were active in the 401(k) plan between July and December will receive this contribution.

If you have any questions reach out via email or phone to Mallory Izmirlian.

The annual Inter-Clinic March Madness Bracket Competition starts March 17. Get your clinic's bracket ready for the women's and men's b-ball tournaments.

Click for the details!

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West Hartford 4 PTSMC clinics are sponsoring the Johnny’s Jog charity run. Join the team of walkers and runners to support this non-profit children’s organization. CLICK HERE to participate.

Contact Janet Tarasuk with any questions.

National Employee Appreciation Day is Friday March 6!

March DEI Forum Thursday, March 26 2:30-3:00 PM Topic: OPEN FORUM RSVP by email to: Marilex.Harwood@ptsmc.com

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Welcome

ptsmc employees

Abigail Bernier Westbrook PTA

Stephanie Davino Danbury PT Aide

Jenna Karaty Middletown PT Aide

Jenna Kilpatrick Fairfield PT Aide

Niki Laxton Windsor PSC

Not Pictured New Employees Jaimi Anderson, Branford PT Aide Nicole Loftus, Bristol PT Aide Zanneika Satchell, Waterbury PT Aide Nicole Solano, Danbury PT Aide

Stacy Rivers Bristol PTA

Sage Wilson Easthampton, MA PT Aide

Promotion!

Promotion!

Stars are referred by current employees!

March Anniversaries Years

Year

Congratulations to Grace Koukopoulos on her promotion to Danbury Patient Care Coordinator!

Camille Mogelnicki Jen Ashman Liz Rubbo

PSC Asst.Director PT

Glastonbury Simsbury Guilford

Tracy Collopy Marquise Barham Alannah Hernandez Morgan Gelfand Shannon Thompson

PTA PT Aide PT Aide PT PT Aide

Branford Windsor Waterbury Wallingford New Haven

Promotion!

Promotion!

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Congratulations to Marilex Harwood on her promotion to a new role at PTSMC: DEI Lead & Senior Internal Communications Coordinator. This role combines Marilex’s amazing skills to PTSMC’s benefit. She will continue to lead the organization’s initiatives to foster a compassionate, inclusive and safe environment for both patients and employees. As our DEI Leader, Marilex works closely with PTSMC leadership to guide employee relations and provide education, training and communication across the organization for DEI related topics.

Marilex’s new responsibilities include being innovative, creative and intentional in our internal communication media; representing our PTSMC mission, culture and values. These additional responsibilities have been building over the past nine months. They include:

Co-editing The Pulse Managing our Second Door platform for Leads and NPS engagement with our patients, reporting and access for our employees Creating consistent internal branded materials including our Employee Handbook, Residency Handbook, Corporate Compliance Plan Presenting innovative publishing of PTSMC and PTSMC program LinkedIn accounts Supporting the attraction of top talent through engaging and relevant content for prospective hires

Sandy Wickman Mason, VP of Operations, commented “Marilex’s talents are amazing. The diversity of her role clearly demonstrates this. She consistently demonstrates PTSMC ‘s mission, commitment to DEI and PT for Life culture and seamlessly presents that in creative, innovative and often fun ways to our patients and employees.”

Promotion!

Promotion!

Congratulations to Michelle Linicus on her promotion to Patient Services Coordinator in New London! After being introduced to PTSMC as a patient, she joined PTSMC as a PT Aide in 2019.

Michelle has become a familiar face and trusted presence for both patients and staff. She says her transition to the front desk feels like a natural next step given her knowledge of the New London clinic operations and her passion for providing patient-centered service. She has always enjoyed the connection to patients over the years and her role at the front desk allows her to support their journey and be a part of their care in a new way. She’s equally energized about the opportunity to learn a different side of the clinic and develop her skills while working with the team she knows so well.

Scott Olmstead, New London Partner, has seen her grow tremendously since she started, “‘Shelly’ is one of the most reliable employees we have ever had. She is loved and respected by staff and patients. There will be a big hole to fill in the day-to-day care of patients with her move to the front desk.”

When asked what she values most about PTSMC and the New London team, Michelle’s answer came easily: the people. “My coworkers make it such a supportive, fun, and positive place to work. Scott has built my confidence tremendously since the day I started—and even when I was a prior patient before working here!”

The New London team is excited to see Michelle continue to grow and for all she will bring to her new role!

Promotion!

Promotion!

Congratulations to Chris Colley who has been promoted to: Business Development Coordinator. Chris joined PTSMC in 2024 as Practice Liaison.

He has served as a vital connection between clinics and providers, ensuring relationships are cultivated and referrals are formed. He feels fortunate to work alongside, Heather Feiner and Janet Tarasuk, who have always shared their knowledge and experience with him.

In his new position for Chris, is most excited about contributing to PTSMC on a larger scale. With a background in soccer as both a player and a coach, Chris has always been drawn to teamwork, problem‑solving, and supporting others to reach shared goals. These experiences have shaped his leadership style and laid the foundation for his successes.

He is in the current cohort of the Administrative Leadership & Management Development Program (ALMDP), where he is gaining knowledge and skills to further assist him with moving PTSMC forward in meaningful and new ways.

In this new role, Chris will maintain his full territory, and take on the following: Leadership of the Practice Liaison team Manage the data and reporting of Practice Liaison referrals and performance Be the dedicated person for supporting research and implementation of potential new lines of business opportunities. For example, he is currently researching diagnostic ultrasound in PT, and supporting the creation of a summer training camp hosted by Steve Dale, ATC. Mike Durand, VP of Business Development, shared, “Chris has been an invaluable asset to our team, and we are thrilled to see him step into this new role. His dedication and expertise have consistently driven positive results, and I am confident that these skills will be instrumental in tackling future business development opportunities for PTSMC.”

Congratulations to Nancy Chilson, Avon Patient Services Administrator, on her upcoming retirement! Nancy joined the Avon team in 2014 when PTSMC acquired The Perfect Workout. Although that business line has since disbanded, Nancy has been a cornerstone of the Avon clinic ever since. Nancy recalls, “When I arrived at PTSMC in January of 2014, I told Travis (previous Avon Partner) I would help out for 8 weeks. It has been 12 fun years since then, with a lot of changes. I have really enjoyed working with everyone and will miss seeing Tom and the rest of the Avon team.”

Happy Retirment!

Happy

Retirment!

Tom Kirsch, Avon Partner, who has known and worked with Nancy since he was a PT Aide shared, “I have known Nancy through the many evolutions of the Avon clinic, and where we are today could not have happened without her. I can’t thank you enough, Nancy. You have helped

the Avon office, multiple partners across the company, and me learn and grow more than you could ever understand. We will all miss you so much and expect frequent visits!”

When asked what she’s looking forward to next, Nancy answered, “Before I started working at PTSMC, I visited my 5 sisters living all over the US and I am looking forward to being able to do that again.”

Emp

ily m E SPOT LIGHT n o i l l i F

loyee

Em

6

ily

ll Fi

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Senior Marketing Coordinator, and previously Interim Director of Marketing, Emily Fillon, joined PTSMC in 2018. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Fordham University and completed her master’s in interactive media at Quinnipiac University in 2019.

Emily originally chose marketing and communications because of her love for writing, but today, her role spans far beyond the page. From keeping the website current and optimized for SEO to writing blogs, managing pillar pages, planning social content, coordinating video production, overseeing the merchandise portal, and supporting advertising, she touches nearly every aspect of PTSMC’s marketing efforts. She’s also an active member of the PULSE committee and began the ALMDP program in January.

Outside of work, Emily’s passion for health and fitness continues to grow. She became a certified personal trainer in 2020 and is constantly expanding her expertise. This month, she completed a certification in pre- and postpartum exercise, is beginning her Pilates certification, and has her sights set on earning her CSCS. Her long-term goal is to train young female athletes- a mission rooted in her own experience finding confidence and empowerment through sports.

Today, her classes and one-on-one sessions focus on helping people, especially women, feel strong, and capable.

Emily feels especially fortunate that her professional and personal passions overlap. As a strong believer in physical therapy, she sees firsthand how movement transforms lives. Her experience as a trainer strengthens how she markets PTSMC, and her marketing role deepens her appreciation for the impact of personal training. It’s a true full-circle connection.

When she’s not working or training others, Emily stays active herself. She loves weightlifting, plays in multiple soccer and volleyball leagues, and is currently learning speed training to improve her own 5K time. She’s counting down the days to warmer weather so she can take her activities outside. She likes to share her fitness journey and tips on social media, aiming to bring positivity to a space that is often overwhelming. Her message: the best thing you can do is move.

When she’s not moving, Emily is usually reading. She’s part of four book clubs and read 75 books in 2025. This year, she’s aiming for 30,000 pages, focusing on consistency over book count. Fantasy is her favorite genre.

Emily runs the Manchester Road Race every year with her friends. This will be their 7th year! They go all out on costumes!

She also enjoys video games and sports, often alongside her boyfriend, Darren. Her go-to Nintendo Switch games include Pokémon, Animal Crossing, and FIFA. She’s become a Liverpool fan, but her true loves are watching the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and the Yankees. She was thrilled to see the women’s team play last year and makes it a point to attend at least one Yankees game each season.

At home, Emily has two rescue cats, Fergie and Olive, who are “happily co-dependent” with their owner. When she’s not home with them or juggling her many activities, she loves visiting her sister in TX and traveling with friends. She’s especially excited for a trip to San Jose later this year.

March Wellness: Bracket the Madness What is the champion of wellness? Trick question – it’s all about balance! But let’s be honest — the world of wellness can feel like madness. Physical, mental, social, and financial wellness all contribute to your overall well-being. But trying to improve all four at once? That’s overwhelming. So instead of doing everything, focus on one thing at a time.

That’s where the March Wellness Bracket comes in.

MARCH WELLNESS

Rather than another article telling you, “You should really work on this,” we’re turning this into a tool, because you don’t need more reminders that wellness matters. You need a clear starting point, and something that helps you decide what deserves your attention right now.

This challenge gives you permission to focus. One priority. One month. One commitment

The Game Plan Fill out your March Wellness bracket by choosing the habit in each matchup that would make the biggest impact on your life right now- Not what sounds best.

Not what you think you should choose. Not what someone else suggests. What do you actually need in this season?

As you fill out your bracket, you will be left with a “winner” - a specific action you will commit to this month.

Take this on for yourself. Invite your family. Compare brackets with friends. Make it fun- it’s YOUR challenge and YOUR commitment that matters most.

Wellness isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about choosing intentionally and giving it a TRY. So… what’s advancing in your bracket this month?

Like this strategy? Run it back in April.

Choose a new champion next month. It doesn’t have to be what anyone else says is most important — it just has to be what’s right for you right now.

Sleep: Protect a consistent bedtime 5 nights per week to allow for 7–8 hours of sleep.

Gathering: Host, initiate, or attend one meaningful gathering this month.

Nutrition: Add one vegetable at lunch, protein at breakfast, and fruit as a snack daily for 30 days.

Preventative Care: Schedule one health screening and follwed by one proactive health step this month.

SOCIAL

Support System: Connect intentionally with one person per week through real conversation.

PHYSICAL

Movement: Schedule 20 intentional minutes of movement, 4 days per week for one month.

Community Involvement: Participate in one act of service that builds connection and purpose.

Presence: Practice one fully device-free conversation each day for 30 days.

YOUR MARCH WELLNESS GOAL

Spending Awareness: Track every dollar you spend for 30 days without judgment.

Digital Discipline: Create one daily no-phone zone and protect it for 30 days.

Emergency Savings: Save or add $500 to your emergency fund this month.

Stress Management: Take a 5-minute daily breathing reset for 30 days.

MENTAL

Professional Support: Schedule one intentional development conversation with a mentor, peer, or professional.

FINANCIAL

Growth & Learning: Practice one NEW skill (personal or professional) 3 times per week for 30 days.

Debt Reduction: Make one extra payment toward your highest-interest debt.

Long-Term Savings: Increase one retirement or savings contribution by 1% this month.

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Fab 5

DANBURY... is officially open in their new space!

Josh McAdams and team open the doors to patients in their new and updated space on Feb 9.

The new address is: 100 Mill Plain Road Danbury, CT 06811 Phone number remains the same: 203-616-2312

I had an excellent experience working with Matt (Baronowski) and Ryan (Nguyen). They supported me both before and after my hip replacement surgery, which made a huge difference in my recovery. Their knowledge, professionalism, and ability to challenge me appropriately during therapy gave me confidence and helped me heal stronger each step of the way. The entire staff is friendly, welcoming, and always helpful. I truly appreciate the care and encouragement I received and highly recommend the Bristol practice.

-Bristol This is the second time that I have used this team and this facility - the first time for a hip issue and this time for a shoulder issue. In both cases, I never thought that the PT approach would work, but in both cases, Craig (Katko) put together a treatment plan that has returned me to full function. It is a clean facility with great equipment, and the PTs and PT assistants are all very helpful and knowledgeable.

I would highly recommend.

-Essex Connor (Sharp) was great and helped so much with my shoulder pain. He is very nice and considerate!

-Manchester The staff is amazing and the environment is really welcoming. I have recuperated various injuries here over the years, and the transition from Church Hill Physical Therapy to PTSMC felt seamless.

-Newtown Channing (Harwood) was helpful, he listened to me and educated me on process, what and why I require the treatments I do,. I found him to be not only helpful but also, he wanted to work and accommodate the best plan for me. If he had not, I would not be going back as I have had therapists be direct and uneasy to work with. He was fabulous.

-Wallingford

Clinic Anniversaries!

Openings: Westbrook 2003 Windsor 2013 Simsbury 2020 Partners & Directors met for their annual February meeting at TPC in Cromwell. While no golfing was done, the team spent a solid 9 hours learning, discussing, sharing, deciding, and socializing.

Avon 2006

Year

10

National Athletic Training Month (NATM) is held every March in order to spread awareness about the important work of athletic trainers. Thank you to all PTSMC AT's serving communities across CT! Steve Dale, Guilford High School (Guilford) Shannon Davi, Industrial &Tactical AT (Employer Services) Mikayla Franklin, Valley Regional High School (Essex) Harry Georges, Industrial & Tactical AT (Employer Services) Ashley James, East Lyme High School (New London) Michelle LaForte, Waterford High School (New London) Erik Lanese, Holy Cross High School (Waterbury) Sara Sullivan, Old Saybrook High School (Westbrook) Shelby Pocius, Director of Employer Services Madison Whalen, Sheehan High School (Wallingford)

Madison Whalen

Steve Dale

Sara Sullivan

ALMDP session on February 18 with Melissa Boutagy speaking on Compliance through out PTSMC as seen through the filter of a leader and Ryan Balavender, Director of Facilities discussing the "day in the life" of facilities management and a fun activity about choosing a new PTSMC location. From top row, left to right: Stevie Fell, Christine Spirtt, Janet Tarasuk, Melissa, Donna Baribault, Sandy Wickman Mason, Ryan, Lori Lawson, Christine Raffone, and Tracy Laramore.

An additional shout out to all the PTSMC clinicians, PT Aides, and Admin staff who are licensed Athletic Trainers, that provide AT coverage throughout the year!

ALMDP participants met on February 11 for training on KPI’s & Benchmarks, with Mike Durand. From top row, left to right: Emily Fillion, Sandy Wickman Mason, Evelyn Villarreal Laclede, Mike, Marilex Harwood, Chris Colley and Shelby Pocius.

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

Clinicians attended the Level 1 SmartCuffs Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training Course, hosted by PTSMC at the Hamden clinic.

PTSMC partners, directors and clinicians represented at the APTA Combine Sections Meeting (CSM), in Anaheim CA. Pictured above, Ryan Solorzano, Danielle Dunn, Rebecca Petrosino, Erin Walsh, and Emily Steele.

SIPTA

GADUATES

Congrats to the following PT Aides who completed the Skills Introduction for PT Aides Program:

Daniel Borean, Branford Jenna Karaty, Middletown Olivia Lamas, Wallingford Kelly Trivella, Essex

Maia Ventresca, New Haven Nylah Wells, Windsor Brynn Wisniewski, Bristol Therese Zalenski, Monroe

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Chris, Healther & Janet met with Katie Biggs, Athletic Trainer and On the Physician Extender for Yale New Road with Haven Health Orthopedic the PLs Surgeon/Sports Medicine Doctor, Dr. Christina Allen.

Katie Redman (West Hartford Director) & Janet hosted an in person Lunch & Learn with Dr. Matthew Partan, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from UCONN Health Orthopedics. The event was attended by clinicians from Avon, East Hampton, Manchester, Simsbury, West Hartford & Windsor.

On the Road with the PLs

DOC TALK

The virtual LMDP session on February 19, featured guest speakers Melissa Boutagy, Caty Mulligan & Sandra Boccialetti, on compliance, PT Aide hiring, training & SIPTA program, HR policies, feedback and employee discipline process. Pictured top left to bottom right: Sandy Wickman Mason, Melissa, Leah Cummings, Ray Weitekamp, Jackie Fernandez, Ryan Nguyen, Jeff Panepento, Mike Popolizio, Liz Rubbo, Brianne Dwyer, Sandra and Caty.

Student Program Update Enriching The Experience PTSMC has so much to offer our students. Below are a few pointers that CIs can use with students about future opportunities. These small efforts also help showcase what makes PTSMC so special: Share the DOCS Program The DOCS program sets PTSMC apart. If you’re a DOCS graduate or finishing up the program, share your experience with mentorship and internal courses. Invite your student to join a monthly Case Discussion to get the first-hand experience.

Highlight our Partnership Model The PTSMC Partner Model is unique and often fascinating to PT students.

Connect them with your clinic’s Partner to provide these insights to the potential leadership opportunities at PTSMC.

“My affiliation with PTSMC was amazing, extremely awarding, and I genuinely left feeling like I have learned a lot about treating patients in the outpatient environment. I would absolutely do it again.”

-Student on final affiliation

Highlight the PTSMC Orthopedic Residency Program Another program that sets PTSMC apart from other private practice PT in New England. Connect them to resources about the program on the PTSMC website or connect them to a graduate so they can hear more about the experience. Extend an invite to an upcoming program information session (reach out to Danielle Dunn).

Engage in Community Events Let students see the impact we make beyond the clinic. Invite them to join a community event with you or your team.

Offer a Surgery Observation Do you have a strong relationship with a physician group? Consider coordinating a surgery observation.

This is a highly requested and memorable experience for many students, helping them connect clinical decision-making with surgical procedures and post-operative care.

Happenings!

Brian Vo welcomed baby boy Oliver Louis Vo born January 28

Nate Gockel welcomed baby girl Amelia May born January 27

Mike Popolizio welcomed baby girl Aurora Julienne Popolizio born January 28!

Watertown surprised Pete Catuccio for his birthday with custom t-shirts The look on his face when he saw them was priceless!

😂

Glastonbury sponsored and stretched runners at the King of Pain race, a hilly and frigid "10(ish) mile run."

Eric Horne held his second of three seminars at CrossFit Wingman, this time on shoulder mobility.

The final session on spinal mobility will be March 21.

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The Admin Leadership team gathered to kick off 2026 sharing goals and review of PTSMC’s 1-3 year plan.

Watertown had a Winter Olympics themed day!

Glastonbury spreading the love on Valentine’s day!

The PTSMC Advisory Board met on February 27, hosted by board member Kevin Leahy at Connecticut Wealth Management.

UHC Rewards- Unlock More Value from your Health Plan!

Employees enrolled in medical benefits with UHC through PTSMC, it’s time to take advantage of the valuable incentives offered through the UHC Rewards program; make your health a priority and earn dollars for your efforts! This program provides up to $1,000 per year in rewards. Employees and enrolled spouses can earn rewards in the form of a Visa e‑gift card or an HSA contribution by reaching program goals and completing one‑time, daily, or weekly activities.

Below is a chart highlighting the opportunities to earn rewards dollars. Many activities can be completed using a fitness tracker, making it easy to participate and stay engaged.

Rewards dollars can be redeemed at any time once you reach a minimum balance of $5. Rewards can be redeemed through myuhc.com or the UnitedHealthcare mobile app, where you can make the selection of a Visa e‑gift card or an HSA contribution.

Get started, and begin earning TODAY!

1.Log in or create an account in the UntedHealthcare app, or on myuhc.com.

2. One you are in, select the “Menu” tab and choose “UHC Rewards”. Agree to the terms

$5.25/week

and conditions.

for 5k steps/day

3. Connect your tracker or phone’s health app.

4.Start earning by completing over 12 different tasks and daily goals!

$10.00 for tracking 14 days of sleep

Apple Watch Anyone?

With “Earn It Off”, you can pay it off over time using your earned rewards!

$50.00 for getting an annual check-up

The

Extra MILE

16

The Awkward Stuff: Supporting Patients in Their Most Vulnerable Moments Not every part of a patient visit feels easy or comfortable, and that’s okay. Physical Therapy is personal. Patients move in ways that feel unfamiliar. They talk about pain, money, and limitations.

They place their trust in people they may have only just met.

Along the way, there are moments that feel awkward, even if no one says it.

Sometimes, a patient feels embarrassed about their body or mobility.

Sometimes, they feel stressed when insurance or copays come up.

Sometimes, they worry about pain, doing something wrong, or being judged for not progressing quickly enough.

Sometimes, they simply feel rushed at a moment when they already feel vulnerable.

These moments don’t appear on schedules or treatment plans, yet they have a real impact on how supported a patient feels.

What going the extra mile means: Going the extra mile doesn’t mean solving every discomfort. It means noticing what is happening and taking a breath.

Slowing your pace. Offering reassurance. Making space for questions. Reminding patients that progress doesn’t have to follow a straight line.

When we acknowledge discomfort before a patient has to name it, we create room for trust. And trust is central to wellness.

Patients may not remember the exact awkward moment, but they will remember whether they felt respected, supported, and safe.

As we think about customer service and wellness, it’s worth asking: Where might a patient feel uncomfortable today? What small action could help them feel more at ease?

Meaningful care often happens in quiet moments – when patients feel seen, heard, and supported.

Clinicians Corner

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Snapshot of Clinical Overview and EvidenceBased Practice Roslin DellaVecchia, PTA Watertown Physical Therapist Assistant Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive intervention that delivers acoustic pressure waves to stimulate biological repair in soft tissue and bone.2 In outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, ESWT is valued for managing chronic tendinopathies and related musculoskeletal pain syndromes unresponsive to conservative care.1,2 Evidence supports its use for plantar fasciitis, Achilles and patellar tendinopathies, lateral epicondylitis, and calcific rotator cuff disease, with outcomes often matching or surpassing injection therapies in long-term function and pain relief.1,2 What Shockwave Therapy Is (Clinically) Clinically, ESWT delivers short-duration, high-pressure acoustic waves that produce controlled mechanical stress in target tissues. Two types of ESWT are used in the outpatient setting, either separately or in combination; focused ESWT (F-SWT), which concentrates shock waves deep to the point of contact, and radial ESWT (R-SWT), which exerts maximal pressure superficially at the site of contact with attenuation into underlying tissue.1,3 Optimal dosing combines the following variables to achieve mechanotransducive effect without excessive tissue disruption, providing a reproducible clinical framework for musculoskeletal application: energy flux density (EFD) measured in mJ/mm², frequency (Hz), and number of impulses (pulses per session) or the product of the pulse frequency (pulses per second) and the total treatment time (seconds).1,4

Figure 1: a. Focus Shockwave Device (EH-generated by means of spark gap); b. Pressure field of a radial shockwave device.3

Mechanotransduction Causes a Biological Cascade ESWT initiates a mechanotransduction cascade, where mechanical impulses are converted into cellular activity that promotes repair.1,3 The transient microtrauma generated by shockwaves increases membrane permeability, ion exchange, and local metabolism.1,3,9 This controlled stress stimulates the release of growth factors and signaling molecules that promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.5,6 The mechanical energy further reduces nociceptor sensitivity through the gate theory of pain via hyperstimulation analgesia, explaining the immediate pain relief observed clinically.1,2

Cellular & Molecular Effects At the cellular level, ESWT enhances angiogenesis via upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), promoting neovascularization.6,7 Collagen synthesis is driven by the transformation of growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and tenocyte proliferation, while osteogenesis involves bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and local nitric oxide signaling that activate osteoblasts and suppress osteoclasts.4,8 Anti-inflammatory effects include downregulation of IL-6, TNF-α, and Substance P, reducing pain transmission and cytokine-mediated degeneration.1,4,9 These responses collectively reestablish tissue homeostasis, supporting the therapeutic role of ESWT for use across tendon, bone, and fascial structures.9

Effects on Musculoskeletal Tissues In tendons, ESWT enhances collagen realignment, TGFβ1 expression, and tensile integrity, improving load tolerance.⁶ Fascial tissues respond with reduced stiffness and enhanced glide, optimizing movement efficiency.

Bone benefits through osteogenic signaling, angiogenesis, and accelerated healing of delayed unions or stress fractures.⁴,⁸ At the neural interface, reduction of Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) modulates nociceptive transmission.⁹ Functionally, these adaptations translate to pain reduction, restored mobility, and improved biomechanical function in chronic musculoskeletal disorders.

Evidence-Supported Clinical Uses 18 Evidence strongly supports ESWT in the management of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis, patellar tendinopathy, and calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy.10-14 Both F-SWT and R-SWT demonstrate efficacy, with combined application offering depth-specific benefits. In plantar fasciitis, ESWT significantly improves pain and function compared with placebo and provides longer-lasting outcomes than corticosteroid injections.11 In chronic Achilles and patellar tendinopathies, ESWT enhances tendon remodeling and load capacity compared to placebo group.12,13 Overall, ESWT outperforms passive modalities and yields clinical outcomes equivalent or superior to injection-based treatments in long-term followup.1,4,10

Contraindications, Precautions & Clinical Pearls Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is generally safe but contraindicated in active infection, malignancy, and pregnancy, with caution advised for coagulopathy, anticoagulant use, pacemakers, and recent corticosteroid injection.1,2,4 Minor adverse effects include transient pain or bruising; rare complications, such as tendon rupture, can occur with high-energy applications.1 Clinicians should avoid local anesthesia and NSAIDs post-treatment to enable pain-guided targeting, and integrate ESWT with rehabilitation to optimize outcomes.1,2 Ongoing clinician education in procedural safety, ergonomics, and dosing are essential to ensure efficacy and minimize patient risk.1 Click Here for References

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