September 2023 PULSE

PTSMC SOCIALS

On August 24th and 25th PTSMC hosted back-to-back “Socials!” We kicked it o on the 24th at Hammonasset Beach State Park in a private pavilion. The weather wasn’t what I’ve come to expect in late August. The evening was cloudy, a bit windy, and chilly with a few sprinkles!

The weather didn’t stop the 60 or so people from enjoying time together! Coolers were loaded up with a variety of adult and non-alcoholic beverage options. The food was provided in an encore performance by the Super Duper Weenie food truck from Fair eld. Options ranged from tricked out hot dogs to veggie burgers. I even saw more than a few people reliving their youth by chowing on chicken tenders from the kid’s menu.

Dessert was provided by PopCentric Popsicles in North Haven. Chilly or not, these were some fancy and delicious pops, and the novelty of Cosmo and Sangria popsicles created a little buzz (no pun intended). Who knew you could have vodka and wine in a popsicle?

Friday the 25th’s event took place under several PTSMC tents in the Admin parking lot in West Hartford. A few showers and plenty of humidity didn’t dampen the evening.

Another 50 PTSMC team members made the event to enjoy hotdogs and burgers from the Waterbury legend Frankies. Ice cream was provided by Main Street Creamery from Wethers eld. It was awesome! My hotdog quota is lled for 2023!

I took a few minutes at each event to stand back, listen and observe. I like to people watch. There were a lot of hugs and smiling faces. Laughter and excited conversations lled the air. As expected, most folks tended to start the event with their “core group” of friends and then mix and mingle as time passed.

More than once I heard an enthusiastic, “This is the rst time I’ve met you without being on screen,” or, “So this is you in person!” It was special to witness our people connecting with one another.

There are a lot of people who put time and e ort into making these events successful. Thank you! A special note of appreciation to Mallory Mason, Director of Culture & Employee Engagement, who led the charge with assistance from Executive Coordinator, Danielle Casey. They are also planning PTSMC’s biggest social event in years- since the 2019 summer family picnic to be exact! Mark your calendar for Casino Night on Saturday, September 30th. You will not regret it!

IN THIS ISSUE

Clinician’s Corner by Ally Hickey, Watertown Physical Therapist Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Congrats to Recent DOCS Graduate Employee Spotlight: Nick Scott Westbrook PTA

The Extra Mile: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself at the Front Desk

By Stevie Fell

DEI: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

By Marilex Santiago

See the attached yer for Casino Night!

As PTSMC’s geography expands, it’s di cult to nd convenient and centrally located venues to gather. I understand it can be challenging to travel to events like these. I want to thank everyone who took the time to make it happen. In two nights, we had representation from 20 clinics as well as Admin sta who are scattered remotely throughout various states. Several road warriors made both events on back-to-back nights! Partners Erin Walsh (Waterbury), Drew Gallagher (Southbury -PT For Life) and Pete Catuccio (Watertown) were among the few who made it out to both. They de ne “social” when it comes to PTSMC events!

When I consider spending time with others, the food and drink are just add-ons. For me, it’s nurturing and growing relationships. I’m grateful for the time we get to spend together.

One of my goals as PTSMC grows is to continue to support lifelong relationships among our people. I support personal growth and opportunity, strong teams, and an outstanding culture. In my mind, part of that commitment means seeking out ways to make big feel small. Thanks for being part of PTSMC!

Thanks, Alan

WELCOME BACK TO ATHLETIC TRAINERS!

StriveHub Fab 5

“The time and energy that Becky (Suave) puts into my sessions is important to me. She is very knowledgeable and is intune with my physical boundaries. She is amazing!” - Naugatuck

“The physical therapists are very professional, knowledgeable, caring and considerate of the care they provide. I have had di erent therapist through my visits and, each one are of the same experience.” - Orange

“I love the 1:1 attention. Many local PT facilities are seeing two and three clients at the same time and providing generic exercises to do without even watching you do them. Here, the exercises are tailored to your needs, and the therapist spends quality time really correcting or strengthening your issue.” - West Hartford

“Cody (Morrissey) was careful and clear with assessment and instructions. Made sure my questions were answered. I noticed a di erence right away. I was able to talk with him about my doctor's assessment and treatment (injection). He concurred and also gave me further information that set my mind at ease. My hip bursitis is almost resolved.” - East Hampton

“They are always there to help with any kind of problem you may be experiencing. Very knowledgeable about the human body and how it works. They give you appropriate exercises to ease the pain. They also massage the area that is giving you pain. Everyone very friendly and accommodating.”- New

Milford

“Amazing PT sta ! This is my 2nd rehab from surgery with Pete (Catuccio) and crew, and everything has gone great, and I feel I am on track to be 100% recovered!” -

Watertown

Ashley James New London East Lyme HS

Steve Dale Guilford Guilford HS

Michelle La Forte New London Waterbury HS

Jenna Bou ard Watertown Watertown HS

Erik Lanese Waterbury Holy Cross HS

CLINICIAN’S CORNER

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

By: Ally Hickey, PT, DPT Physical Therapist at PTSMC Watertown

Blood ow restriction therapy was originally created in Japan in the 1960s as a way to temporarily occlude venous and arterial blood ow with the goal of increasing muscle strength and size. This training technique has increased in popularity over the past decade in the physical therapy practice with the intent of creating metabolic cellular swelling for muscle hypertrophy. A recent study by Yinghao et al also determined in addition to muscle hypertrophy, blood ow restriction therapy has shown an increase in the release of growth hormone and insulin growth factor leading to further muscle development. One of the most frequent uses of blood ow restriction therapy has been seen with post-surgical knee patients with weight bearing restrictions, highlighting the intent to reduce muscle atrophy while maintaining precautions.

The versatility of blood ow restriction training creates an accessible form of care for various populations due to the low demand on joints as well as exercise protocols created to achieve maximum bene t from muscle strengthening. A study by Miller et al concluded for patients following total knee arthroplasty, e ects of blood ow restriction therapy have improved VO2 max with exercise of decreased intensity and volume. This allows for healing muscles to improve oxygen consumption in post-surgical care, in populations where higher-level exercise may not be attainable due to high levels of in ammation and pain. In addition to an increased VO2 max, recent studies also indicated blood ow restriction therapy combined with post-operative rehabilitation has proved more bene cial in improving muscular circumference, strength, and functional activities than standard physical therapy interventions alone.

To date there are few studies determining the impact of blood ow restriction therapy on patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, expert opinions detail the value of this alternative therapy approach. Since

the recruitment of type II muscle bers are crucial in ACL rehabilitation to produce stronger and faster muscle control, blood ow restriction therapy allows for development of this highly anaerobic muscle ber with less blood supply. Experts also found blood ow restriction therapy to have bene ts in reducing muscle atrophy, reducing pain symptoms, limiting scar tissue formation, and loading the joint all prior to weight bearing tolerance.

Blood ow restriction therapy follows a speci c protocol for most optimal results in muscle strengthening and development. After determining limb occlusion pressure (LOP), the participant will begin training at 60-80% of LOP for a lower extremity joint or 30-50% of LOP for an upper extremity joint. The rep scheme for the exercise completed entails a 30-repetition set, followed by a 30 second break, then 3 sets of 15 repetitions with a 30 second break in between each set. This can be completed for 2-3 individual exercises determined by the provider, but with a time limit of 20 minutes of occlusion utilizing the cu s.

Blood ow restriction has been proved to be a safe form of exercise with most common side e ects including delayed onset muscle soreness, dizziness, numbness, or discomfort. However, it is important to know contraindications including history of deep vein thrombosis, acute sickness or fever, blood pressure >180/110 mm Hg, or higher-class arrhythmias. Relative precautions include varicose veins, prolonged

Bibliography:

Author links open overlay panelBrendan R. Scott a, a, b, c, AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to collate current evidence regarding the e cacy of various blood ow restriction (BFR) strategies for well-trained athletes, Manimmanakorn, A., Sakuraba, K., West, D. W., Corcoran, G., Ho , J., Acsm, Takarada, Y., Yasuda, T., Loenneke, J. P., Scott, B. R., Pope, Z. K., Suga, T., Fry, C. S., Fujita, S., … Takada, S. (2015, May 9). Blood ow restricted exercise for athletes: A review of available evidence. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1440244015000961

Humes, C., Aguero, S., Chahla, J., & Foad, A. (2020, September). Blood ow restriction and its function in post-operative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction therapy: Expert opinion. The archives of bone and joint surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7547166/

Renty, C. D., Forelli, F., Mazeas, J., Kakavas, G., Hewett, T. E., Korakakis, V., FORELLI, F., MAZEAS, J., KAKAVAS, G., & HEWETT, T. E. (2023, April 20). Knee loading with blood ow restriction can enhance recovery after total knee arthroplasty. Cureus.

https://www.cureus.com/articles/150150-knee-loading-with-blood- ow-restriction-can-enhance-recov ery-after-total-knee-arthroplasty#!/

Role blood ow restriction therapy following knee surgery. (n.d.). https://drrobertlaprademd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/role-blood- ow-restriction-therapy-follo wing-knee-surgery.pdf

Yinghao L;Jing Y;Yongqi W;Jianming Z;Zeng G;Yiting T;Shuoqi L; (n.d.). E ects of a blood ow restriction exercise under di erent pressures on testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor levels. The Journal of international medical research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34486432/

EXCELLENCE

Upcoming Courses

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 Grad!

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

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

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

CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES LIST

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

STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE

We have a “QU Crew” starting their rst a liations with PTSMC clinics in September:

Jacob Hug will be working with Kevin Howard in Orange. Ashley Constantine will be working with Rebecca Petrosino and Andrew Kalach in Fair eld.

Isabella Sinibaldi will be working with Roy Colter in Newington. Jack Post will be working with Andrew Perazella and Russ Woodman in New Haven. Briana Avitable will be working with Liz Veilleux in West Hartford.

A friendly reminder that any CI who hosts a student that is hired as part of the PTSMC clinical team is eligible for a referral bonus!

Interested in learning more about PTSMC’s Student Program?

Please contact Juliann Chacko at Juliann.Chacko@ptsmc.com.

Steph was asked to re ect on her DOCS Program experience and share the most in uential parts of the program, as well as what she looks forward to pursuing next for continuing education:

Steph: The most in uential part of the DOCS Program for me was the mentorship program as well as the courses that are o ered. I was lucky enough to be mentored by my coworker Kristina Lipeika. She is an extremely experienced and knowledgeable clinician, and the mentorship experience made it possible to establish and build a strong relationship with her when I rst joined PTSMC. Because of this program, it made it both comfortable and convenient, coming in as a relatively new grad, and having someone in my clinic that I can go to for questions, guidance, and support. As far as continuing education goes, the next thing on my radar is Trigger Point Dry Needling. I have only been on the receiving end of this technique and have de nitely experienced the bene ts, so I am very much looking forward to being able to incorporate this technique into my treatment plan when indicated.

UPCOMING JOURNAL CLUB AND CASE DICUSSION DATES

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

Upcoming CD dates: 9/12, 10/10, 11/7

Upcoming JC dates: 9/26, 10/24, 11/28

Click HERE for the full 2023 schedule.

Email Meghan.Blanusa@ptsmc.com to be added to the meeting invites.

Stephanie Santos, PT, DPT - Watertown

Alessandra Prontelli Danbury PT Aide

Arber Karamanaj Newington PT Aide

Ashley Molina Middletown PSC

Jaclyn Fernandez Danbury Physical Therapist

Bryan Martin Wethers eld PT Aide

Carlos Arteta Glastonbury PT Aide

Chloe Pearce Admin Authorization Representative

Elaina Vilar Watertown PT Aide

Erin Du y Glastonbury PT Aide

Hayley Wilson Guilford PSC

NEW EMPLOYEES

The Extra MILE

TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF AT THE FRONT DESK

By Stevie Fell, Customer Experience Trainer & Float PSC

We all know that working in a customer service-based position can be challenging, especially when patients are coming to us in pain and perhaps just not feeling their best. Implement these tips and strategies to be the best version of yourself so that you can be there for our patients and our team.

Prioritize & Organize: Create a to-do list that outlines tasks by priority. Breaking down your workload into manageable chunks can reduce feeling overwhelmed. Check out this link for some great tips: How to Ruthlessly Prioritize Tasks to Get More Done

Time Management: Carve out speci c timeslots for each task so you can focus, therefore making your work more e ective and e cient.

Delegate & Collaborate: Delegate tasks when possible and collaborate with colleagues. Sharing responsibilities can lighten your load and foster teamwork. Trust that teaching others now helps in the long run!

Stay Organized: A cluttered workspace can contribute to mental clutter. Keep your workspace organized to minimize distractions and promote a more focused and calmer mindset.

Seek Support: Create or establish an open line of communication with your supervisor, director, or assistant director. Communication is the best way to voice concerns or discuss new solutions. Feel overwhelmed with your tasks? Have a new idea for a better process? Need to debrief a di cult or frustrating conversation? Talk about it as soon as you can. Leaders in your o ce are there to help you and hear YOUR feedback, especially if it is a di cult topic.

Break Tasks Down: Large projects can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, more achievable tasks. Completing these milestones can boost your con dence and motivation.

Celebrate Achievements: Be proud! Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small. Celebrating your progress can reduce stress by reminding you of your capabilities.

Using these tips and strategies helps balance the day and your emotional balance. When you help yourself by prioritizing, breaking down the big pieces into smaller pieces, using your colleagues for collaboration and emotional support, staying organized and celebrating your success, you can be there for our patients in the best possible way. Taking care of you, sets the stage for amazing customer service and a positive atmosphere for everyone around you.

Jenna Engels Fair eld PT Aide

Kate Riotte Middletown PT Aide

Kayla Barnett Orange PT Aide

Kyle Kortick Lock Street PT Aide

Michelle La Forte New London Athletic Trainer

Leah Cummings Orange Physical Therapist

Michaela Bull Westbrook PT Aide

Ryan Sember Branford PT Aide

Shane Cervone Wethers eld PT Aide

Syeda Rahman Plainville PT Aide

Ti any Oltjenbruns Middletown PT Aide

Veronica Rondinelli Wethers eld PT Aide

Employee Spot light

By Caty Mulligan, Sports Medicine Coordinator & Human Resources Coordinator

Westbrook Physical Therapist Assistant

Nick Scott, Physical Therapist Assistant at PTSMC Westbrook, always knew he wanted to work in the exercise setting. He was interested in the medical setting and wanted to gear his career towards health and tness, although he wasn’t sure exactly what his role would be. In high school, his rst “real job” was working as a personal trainer at a local gym. As an athlete, he had experienced pain and injury and had seen a physical therapist for many years, so he had an idea of what a day in the life was like.

After graduation, Nick took the leap from personal training to the physical therapy setting. He had many clients that were experiencing back pain, and he wanted to expand his background in corrective exercise. His prior experience was the perfect t for a position as a PT Aide, and he joined PTSMC Westbrook in 2014. After a few years in that role, Nick felt it was time to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. He completed his certi cate in 2017 and transitioned into his new role as a PTA at the Westbrook clinic.

After nine years at PTSMC Westbrook, Nick enjoys how familiar his work is from day-to-day. He is familiar with not only his patients but just about everyone that walks in the doors! The social aspect of knowing everyone you interact with and building relationships with them is something that Nick loves the most about his position and clinic.

Nick has built relationships with all his patients, and there is one patient in particular he has been working with since he began at PTSMC! They have created a friendship outside of the clinic and have started a tradition of having an annual steak dinner. Last summer, this patient was interested in going on an excursion to do the railbike experience in Essex, CT. Nick prepared him for the endurance he would need by seeing him three times a week and gradually increasing his time on the recumbent bike. Nick even joined him on the adventure & helped him to successfully complete the trail!

When Nick isn’t working or training for railbike excursions, he’s busy enjoying the outdoors. An avid golfer, Nick plays whenever and wherever he can. His favorite course so far was TPC Myrtle Beach, and he is looking forward to playing at more courses in the future. This summer he traveled to South Carolina again, this time to Charleston to spend a week with fourteen friends!

He proposed to his ancé, Kayla, in January 2023, and they are planning a wedding for next July in East Haddam, Connecticut. Plans for the honeymoon are still up for debate; sand or snow?! Somewhere they can spend time relaxing and taking in the views is ultimately what they want.

In the meantime, they recently purchased a condo in Branford and will be spending their time enjoying their new place. A native of the shoreline area, Nick has always loved spending time on the water. He and Kayla recently purchased a set of paddleboards and are nding time to explore the area. They certainly chose the right summer to pick up an aquatic hobby!

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Michele Sember 1 Branford

Jen Powers 1 Fair eld

Mike Stofko 1 Shelton

Eric Horne 1 Simsbury

Skyler Ibitz 3 West Hartford

Nick Scott 4 Westbrook

Shradha Rana 6 Lock Street

Joyce Mak 6 New London

Michele Shelbrack 6 Plainville

Lauren MacDonald 7 Essex

Kayla Barnett 7 Orange

Matt Baronowski 8 Avon

Thomas Bresnahan 8 New London

Jared Lynch 9 Admin

Jacey Bissell 9 Branford

Je Panepento 9 New Milford

Pete Cambi 9 Southington

Zachary Gardner 10 Glastonbury

Andrew Varcoe 10 Orange

Melissa Boutagy 11 Guilford

Trish McLean 12 New Milford

Roy Colter 13 Newington

Alex Chakar 14 Fair eld

Joe Caligiuri 14 Naugatuck

Mario Paredes 14 Orange

Camille Mogelnicki 15 Glastonbury

Brian Greer 16 Glastonbury

Mike Durand 17 Admin

Garrett Ludden 17 Plainville

Kevin Robinson 17 Shelton

Wanda Figueroa 19 Admin

Stephen Petrosino 19 Fair eld

Keren Deoliveira 19 New Milford

Colin Ketchel 20 Branford

Amy Demers 20 Branford

Carlos Arteta 20 Glastonbury

Kaylee Hall 20 Plainville

Renee Corsillo 22 Danbury

Andrea Petramale 23 Newington

Jurni Soares 25 Glastonbury

Marissa Goncalves 25 Glastonbury

Grace Burke 26 Admin

Sam Ostrowsky 29 Guilford

Anna DeBellis 29 New Milford

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Elmer Galvez PT Aide Lock Street

Olivia Matlosz PT Aide Naugatuck

Alexa Medor Patient Services Naugatuck Coordinator

Ashley James Athletic Trainer New London

Katie Scalora Patient Services Shelton Coordinator

Joslyn DePina PT Aide Shelton

Lucille Meyer PT Aide Shelton

Mike Stofko Physical Therapist Shelton

Katelyn Olson Physical Therapist Simsbury

Wesley Johnson PT Aide Southington

Xanti Sanchez Physical Therapist Southington

Reilly Merrill PT Aide Wallingford

Melissa Walton Patient Services Watertown Coordinator

Bernie Lapaan Physical Therapist Wethers eld

Director Of Culture & Admin Engagement Janet Tarasuk Practice Liaison Admin Danielle Butsch Director Lock Street

Mallory Mason

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Engagement & Wellness Calendar

SEPTEMBER

Monthly Awareness: Hispanic Heritage Month starting September 15

PTSMC Casino Night: September 30

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

DEI ¡Viva la Cultura!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

By Marilex Santiago, DEI Lead & Administrative Coordinator

Hispanic Heritage Month, spanning from September 15th to October 15th, is a vibrant celebration of the diverse contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to American culture. Established in 1968 by U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, it coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries. In Connecticut we have a Hispanic population of 17%. Our state is lled with Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses, o ering a vibrant mix of cultural experiences.

Hispanic and Latino culture encompasses a wide range of nationalities, backgrounds, and traditions from across Latin America, Spain, and the Caribbean. Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations while Latino refers to people who are from or descended from Latin America.

Family and community are central to Hispanic and Latino cultures. Strong family bonds, a sense of unity, and warm hospitality are values deeply ingrained throughout these cultures. Art, music, and food are staples in any household. From live music played among a circle of friends to listening to the newest hits from current stars like Bad Bunny, there will likely be dancing to the rhythms of salsa, merengue, bachata, and reggaeton. The Hispanic and Latino community are always happy to ll your belly and get you on the dance oor.

Check out events happening around Connecticut this year:

September 15th (6pm-9pm): New London’s Celebration of Latin Heritage & Fireworks- New London invites you to enjoy live music, native dancing, salsa lessons and reworks at 8:30.

September 16th (12pm-6pm): 1st Annual Bridgeport Latino Fest- This multi-cultural celebration will have live entertainment, craft vendors, food trucks, and more.

September 16th (7pm-9pm): Pratturday Night Live Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month- Enjoy live music, food, and drink specials on Pratt Street in Hartford.

September 23rd (12pm-6pm): East Hartford Latin Festival- The town of East Hartford invites you to celebrate Hispanic heritage month, sure to be one of the biggest family events of the season.

September 28th (6pm-8pm): Cooking with Ana: Empanadas from Colombia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico- Calling all foodies! Join Ana Avila at the Wallingford Public Library for a bilingual cooking demonstration (registration required).

All are great ways to celebrate the amazing contributions of Hispanics and Latinos who have made the culture of the United States richer.

OCTOBER

Monthly Awareness: National PT Month!

Fall/Winter Gear Order Store: October 16-26

#GetMoving Challenge Begins

Pumpkin Decorating Contest

NOVEMBER

Monthly Awareness: Military Family Appreciation Month

PTSMC Holiday Food Drives: November & December

Financial Wellbeing = Mental Wellbeing

By Mallory Mason, Director of Culture & Engagement

According to The Harris Poll (2023), almost 80% of employees say their mental health is a ected by their nancial wellbeing. How we feel about money often impacts the decisions we make in life and can a ect our overall wellbeing. Here are three tips to help you feel in control of your nances.

#1 Assess Your Situation

Taking a step back and assessing the bigger picture is a great way to put things into perspective.

1. Put all your expenses down on paper. This process may sound scary, but it is vital to declutter your mind of all the costs you’re tracking.

2. Gather your bank and credit card statements and categorize your monthly expenses. A budget list helps you visualize how much you’re bringing in and how much you’re taking out.

Instead of focusing on negative thoughts like “I spend too much” or “I’m falling behind,” take the information from your budget list to answer those worries.

1. What is taking up most of your expenses?

2. What are absolute necessities that are non-negotiable?

3. What can you cut back on?

#2 Lean into Support

Knowledge will always empower you when it comes to nancial decisions. Many negative emotions we experience with money come from the fear of the unknown. Once you understand the problems you are trying to solve, you can start learning how to x them.

PTSMC is hosting a Financial Wellness Webinar lead by Connecticut Wealth Management on October 31. This is a great opportunity to learn and ask questions. If you are interested, please ll out this survey to let us know what topics most interest you. That way we can bring the most popular areas of interest to the webinar.

#3 Take Action

Set clear and realistic goals for yourself. Everyone’s goals and nances are unique; only you know what’s best and doable for yourself. When you are proactive and working towards a solution, you can combat negative and uneasy feelings. Setting and acting on these goals allows you to set expectations for yourself and eliminate unpleasant what-ifs. The more in control you are of your nances, the more at ease you’ll feel.

Fall 2023 #GetMoving Challenge

Fall is coming, holidays are coming, and so is the #GetMoving Challenge.

There’s no better way to stick to daily activity than with a dream team(mate), because we all know…TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!

Dates: October 30th –November 30th

Team up with a coworker to reach exercise goals and compete against other PTSMC pairs.

Sign-up: Email Mallory Mason at wellness@ptsmc.com and CC your teammate. Full challenge details coming via email.

PTSMC Happenings!

SEPTEMBER

September 14 Glastonbury Marathon Sports 5k

September 23 Simsbury Simsbury River Run

September 30 Casino Night

Westbrook enjoyed a sta outing to celebrate PT Madison Stabile passing her exam and PT Aide Jacob Hurlbert starting nursing school.

Some remote admin sta gathered at Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford. Pictured left to right: Alison Pearce (Director of Revenue Cycle Management), Megan Morgan (Virtual PSC), Stevie Fell (Customer Experience Trainer & Float PSC), Jack Pearce (Senior Virtual Operations Coordinator), Chloe Pearce (Authorization Representative), Kristen Forster (Director of Operations), Stefanie Cagno (Veri cation Representative), Donna Baribault (Senior Veri cation Coordinator), Allyson Melillo (Remote Services Coordinator), Christine Ra one (Senior Authorization Coordinator), and Destinee Boyd (Veri cation Representative) who drove all the way from Virgina!

OCTOBER

October 1 Plainville/Southington Apple Harvest Festival 5k

October 21 Plainville Plainville Pumpkinfest

Are you participating in an event?

Reach out to Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com

Lock Street had another spirit daySports Day! Pictured from left to right: Danielle Butsch (Director), Kailey Hanks (Physical Therapist) , Linda Mullin (PCC), Natalie Swanson (Assistant Director), Taylor McDermott (PT Aide), and Shradha Rana (Physical Therapist).

MEN’S HEALTH EVENT

Certi ed instructor Joe Rapisarda, taught the science behind the Wim Hof Method and its health bene ts. He also led the practice of breathing techniques that aid in taking ice baths. Of course, the event could not go on with out the ice baths themselves!

Danielson hosted a back-to-school ra e, and pictured is the winner, patient Rylee. Rylee is pictured with PT Lisa Guilbault (left) & PTA

Alan’s Monthly Videos

The monthly communication went on vacation in August, preparing for next month's virtual check in on the PTSMC's rst half of 2023.

Click to catch up on past monthly videos!

Groton stretched runners out at the Blessing of the Fleet 5k.

Cameron Flanagan (right).

CONGRATULATIONS!

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

Evelyn Lane, Groton

Madeleine Morgado, Essex

Olivia Smith, Watertown

Jack Varcoe, Fair eld

BLOG POST

FEATURED CONTENT

Triple clap for our PTs and PTAs who recently passed their licensing exams:

Katherine Fan, PT, DPT, Shelton

Cody Filingeri, PT, DPT, Avon

Jackie Fernandez, PT, DPT, Danbury

Xavier Gibson, PT, DPT, Naugatuck

Congratulations to Danielle Dunn, Director of Clinical Excellence and PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency program on her selection to present at the CTAPTA this October. She will be presenting: “Unleashing Your Full Potential: How Understanding The Pelvic Floor Can Transform Your Orthopedic Physical Therapy Practice.”

Nathan Gockel, PT, DPT, Plainville

Jules Lusk, PT, DPT, Essex

Noah Rattet, PTA, Guilford

Daniel Scott, PTA, Orange

Madison Stabile, PT, DPT, Westbrook

Dan Vala, PT, DPT, Middletown

Katie Redman, West Hartford Assistant Director, welcomed Luke Redman on July 2nd, born 7b14oz and 21 inches.

The marketing team created an informational packet on running injuries and training with guidance from Steven de Castro (Groton Partner) and Spencer LeBel (West Hartford PT).

SoCIAl Media Sensation

Lock Street

We’ve been loving Lock Street’s Summer Spirit Day Series! So far they’ve done Pride Day, College Shirt Day, Crazy Sock Day (pictured), and Sports Day.

PTSMC CASINO NIGHT DETAILS

Saturday, September 30, 2023

7 pm - 11 pm

Hartford Yard Goats Club

1214 Main St. Hartford, CT 06103

Join us for an evening of casino games, music, food, and beverages on PTSMC!

PTSMC employees, plus 1 guest are invited You must be 21 or older to attend Casino attire - dress as you like

Receive $1,000 in Funny Money when you arrive to play: Blackjack, Craps, Poker, Roulette

Cash in your winnings for ra e tickets to win a variety of prizes!