September 2023 PULSE

SEPTEMBER 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

PTSMC SOCIALS On August 24th and 25th PTSMC hosted back-to-back “Socials!” We kicked it

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

off 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!

Congrats to Recent DOCS Graduate

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 Fairfield. 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.

Employee Spotlight: Nick Scott Westbrook PTA The Extra Mile: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself at the Front Desk

By Stevie Fell

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?

DEI: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

By Marilex Santiago

See the attached flyer for Casino Night!

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.

StriveHub Fab 5

As PTSMC’s geography expands, it’s difficult to find 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 “The time and energy that Becky (Suave) puts two nights, we had representation from 20 clinics as well as Admin staff who into my sessions is important to me. She is very Another 50 PTSMC team members made the event to enjoy hotdogs and are scattered remotely throughout various states. Several road warriors made knowledgeable and is intune with my physical burgers from the Waterbury legend Frankies. Ice cream was provided by Main Street Creamery from Wethersfield. It was awesome! My hotdog quota both events on back-to-back nights! Partners Erin Walsh (Waterbury), Drew boundaries. She is amazing!” - Naugatuck Gallagher (Southbury -PT For Life) and Pete Catuccio (Watertown) were is filled for 2023! among the few who made it out to both. They define “social” when it comes to “The physical therapists are very professional, knowledgeable, caring and considerate of the I took a few minutes at each event to stand back, listen and observe. I like to PTSMC events! care they provide. I have had different therapist people watch. There were a lot of hugs and smiling faces. Laughter and through my visits and, each one are of the same When I consider spending time with others, the food and drink are just excited conversations filled the air. As expected, most folks tended to start experience.” - Orange add-ons.

For me, it’ s nurturing and growing relationships.

I’m grateful for the the event with their “core group” of friends and then mix and mingle as time time we get to spend together. passed.

“I love the 1:1 attention. Many local PT facilities are seeing two and three clients at the same One of my goals as PTSMC grows is to continue to support lifelong More than once I heard an enthusiastic, “This is the first time I’ve met you time and providing generic exercises to do relationships among our people. I support personal growth and opportunity, without even watching you do them. Here, the without being on screen,” or, “So this is you in person!” It was special to strong teams, and an outstanding culture. In my mind, part of that witness our people connecting with one another. exercises are tailored to your needs, and the commitment means seeking out ways to make big feel small. therapist spends quality time really correcting or There are a lot of people who put time and effort into making these events strengthening your issue.” - West Hartford Thanks for being part of PTSMC! successful. Thank you! A special note of appreciation to Mallory Mason, “Cody (Morrissey) was careful and clear with Director of Culture & Employee Engagement, who led the charge with Thanks, assessment and instructions. Made sure my assistance from Executive Coordinator, Danielle Casey. They are also questions were answered. I noticed a difference planning PTSMC’s biggest social event in years- since the 2019 summer right away. I was able to talk with him about my family picnic to be exact! Mark your calendar for Casino Night on Saturday, doctor's assessment and treatment (injection).

Alan September 30th. You will not regret it!

He concurred and also gave me further information that set my mind at ease. My hip bursitis is almost resolved.” - East Hampton

WELCOME BACK TO ATHLETIC TRAINERS!

“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

Jenna Bouffard Watertown Watertown HS

Erik Lanese Waterbury Holy Cross HS

Michelle La Forte New London Waterbury HS

Ashley James New London East Lyme HS

Steve Dale Guilford Guilford HS

“Amazing PT staff! 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

CLINICIAN’S CORNER Blood Flow Restriction Therapy By: Ally Hickey, PT, DPT Physical Therapist at PTSMC Watertown

Blood flow restriction therapy was originally created in Japan in the 1960s as a way to temporarily occlude venous and arterial blood flow 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 flow 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 flow 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 flow 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 benefit from muscle strengthening. A study by Miller et al concluded for patients following total knee arthroplasty, effects of blood flow 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 inflammation and pain. In addition to an increased VO2 max, recent studies also indicated blood flow restriction therapy combined with post-operative rehabilitation has proved more beneficial 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 flow 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 fibers are crucial in ACL rehabilitation to produce stronger and faster muscle control, blood flow restriction therapy allows for development of this highly anaerobic muscle fiber with less blood supply. Experts also found blood flow restriction therapy to have benefits in reducing muscle atrophy, reducing pain symptoms, limiting scar tissue formation, and loading the joint all prior to weight bearing tolerance.

Blood flow restriction therapy follows a specific 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 cuffs.

Blood flow restriction has been proved to be a safe form of exercise with most common side effects 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 efficacy of various blood flow restriction (BFR) strategies for well-trained athletes, Manimmanakorn, A., Sakuraba, K., West, D. W., Corcoran, G., Hoff, 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 flow 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 flow 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 flow restriction can enhance recovery after total knee arthroplasty. Cureus. https://www.cureus.com/articles/150150-knee-loading-with-blood-flow-restriction-can-enhance-recov ery-after-total-knee-arthroplasty#!/ Role blood flow restriction therapy following knee surgery. (n.d.). https://drrobertlaprademd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/role-blood-flow-restriction-therapy-follo wing-knee-surgery.pdf Yinghao L;Jing Y;Yongqi W;Jianming Z;Zeng G;Yiting T;Shuoqi L; (n.d.). Effects of a blood flow restriction exercise under different pressures on testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor levels.

The Journal of international medical research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34486432/

CLINICAL 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

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

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!

Stephanie Santos, PT, DPT - Watertown Steph was asked to reflect on her DOCS Program experience and share the most influential parts of the program, as well as what she looks forward to pursuing next for continuing education: Steph: The most influential part of the DOCS Program for me was the mentorship program as well as the courses that are offered. 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 first 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 definitely experienced the benefits, so I am very much looking forward to being able to incorporate this technique into my treatment plan when indicated.

We have a “QU Crew” starting their first affiliations 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 Fairfield.

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.

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.

HUMAN HUMANRESOURCES RESOURCES

NEW EMPLOYEES

Alessandra Prontelli Danbury PT Aide

Arber Karamanaj Newington PT Aide

CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Ashley Molina Middletown PSC

Physical Therapist Groton Guilford New Haven New London" West Hartford (pt)" Westbrook" Windsor

Athletic Trainer Essex Westbrook

Patient Services Coordinator Avon (pt) Fairfield (pt) Westbrook Bryan Martin Wethersfield PT Aide

Carlos Arteta Glastonbury PT Aide

Chloe Pearce Admin Authorization Representative

Welcome Back!

Patient Accounts Receivable Representative Admin Practice Liaison Admin

PT Aide Avon Danielson East Hampton Essex Fairfield Groton Guilford Middletown Naugatuck New Milford Orange Simsbury Southbury Southington Waterbury Westbrook

Virtual Patient Services Coordinator Admin Elaina Vilar Watertown PT Aide

Erin Duffy Glastonbury PT Aide

Hayley Wilson Guilford PSC

Check www.PTSMC.com/job-openings for our most up-to-date postings, and feel free to share!

Jaclyn Fernandez Danbury Physical Therapist

Call Karen or email at Karen.Havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in a position.

The

NEW EMPLOYEES

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.

Jenna Engels Fairfield PT Aide

Kate Riotte Middletown PT Aide

Kayla Barnett Orange PT Aide

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 specific timeslots for each task so you can focus, therefore making your work more effective and efficient.

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!

Kyle Kortick Lock Street PT Aide

Leah Cummings Orange Physical Therapist

Michaela Bull Westbrook PT Aide

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 difficult or frustrating conversation? Talk about it as soon as you can.

Leaders in your office are there to help you and hear YOUR feedback, especially if it is a difficult topic.

Michelle La Forte New London Athletic Trainer

Syeda Rahman Plainville PT Aide

Ryan Sember Branford PT Aide

Tiffany Oltjenbruns Middletown PT Aide

Shane Cervone Wethersfield PT Aide

Veronica Rondinelli Wethersfield PT Aide

Break Tasks Down: Large projects can feel overwhelming.

Break them into smaller, more achievable tasks. Completing these milestones can boost your confidence 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.

Employee

Spot light

By Caty Mulligan, Sports Medicine Coordinator & Human Resources Coordinator

Nick Scott, 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 fitness, although he wasn’t sure exactly what his role would be. In high school, his first “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 fit 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 certificate 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!

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS Michele Sember Jen Powers Mike Stofko Eric Horne Skyler Ibitz Nick Scott Shradha Rana Joyce Mak Michele Shelbrack Lauren MacDonald Kayla Barnett Matt Baronowski Thomas Bresnahan Jared Lynch Jacey Bissell Jeff Panepento Pete Cambi Zachary Gardner Andrew Varcoe Melissa Boutagy Trish McLean Roy Colter Alex Chakar Joe Caligiuri Mario Paredes Camille Mogelnicki Brian Greer Mike Durand Garrett Ludden Kevin Robinson Wanda Figueroa Stephen Petrosino Keren Deoliveira Colin Ketchel Amy Demers Carlos Arteta Kaylee Hall Renee Corsillo Andrea Petramale Jurni Soares Marissa Goncalves Grace Burke Sam Ostrowsky Anna DeBellis

1 1 1 1 3 4 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 14 14 15 16 17 17 17 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 22 23 25 25 26 29 29

Branford Fairfield Shelton Simsbury West Hartford Westbrook Lock Street New London Plainville Essex Orange Avon New London Admin Branford New Milford Southington Glastonbury Orange Guilford New Milford Newington Fairfield Naugatuck Orange Glastonbury Glastonbury Admin Plainville Shelton Admin Fairfield New Milford Branford Branford Glastonbury Plainville Danbury Newington Glastonbury Glastonbury Admin Guilford New Milford

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Elmer Galvez Olivia Matlosz Alexa Medor Ashley James Katie Scalora Joslyn DePina Lucille Meyer Mike Stofko Katelyn Olson Wesley Johnson Xanti Sanchez Reilly Merrill Melissa Walton

He proposed to his fiancé, 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.

Bernie Lapaan

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 finding time to explore the area. They certainly chose the right summer to pick up an aquatic hobby!

Mallory Mason Janet Tarasuk Danielle Butsch

PT Aide PT Aide Patient Services Coordinator Athletic Trainer Patient Services Coordinator PT Aide PT Aide Physical Therapist Physical Therapist PT Aide Physical Therapist PT Aide Patient Services Coordinator Physical Therapist

Director Of Culture & Engagement Practice Liaison Director

Lock Street Naugatuck Naugatuck New London Shelton Shelton Shelton Shelton Simsbury Southington Southington Wallingford Watertown Wethersfield

Admin Admin Lock Street

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Engagement & Wellness Calendar

Email wellness@ptsmc.com to subscribe to the Employee Engagement & DEI Calendar.

DEI

SEPTEMBER

¡Viva la Cultura!

Monthly Awareness: National PT Month!

Fall/Winter Gear Order Store: October 16-26 #GetMoving Challenge Begins Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

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 filled with Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses, offering 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 fill your belly and get you on the dance floor.

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 fireworks 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.

Monthly Awareness: Hispanic Heritage Month starting September 15 PTSMC Casino Night: September 30

OCTOBER

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 affected by their financial wellbeing. How we feel about money often impacts the decisions we make in life and can affect our overall wellbeing. Here are three tips to help you feel in control of your finances. #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 financial 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 fix 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 fill 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.

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

#3 Take Action Set clear and realistic goals for yourself. Everyone’s goals and finances 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 finances, the more at ease you’ll feel.

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.

Fall 2023 #GetMoving Challenge

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).

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!

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

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

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!

UPCOMING PTSMC

EVENTS

!

SEPTEMBER

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

Some remote admin staff 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 (Verification Representative), Donna Baribault (Senior Verification Coordinator), Allyson Melillo (Remote Services Coordinator), Christine Raffone (Senior Authorization Coordinator), and Destinee Boyd (Verification Representative) who drove all the way from Virgina!

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

Lock Street had another spirit day Sports 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

Certified instructor Joe Rapisarda, taught the science behind the Wim Hof Method and its health benefits. 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!

September 14 Glastonbury Marathon Sports 5k September 23 Simsbury Simsbury River Run September 30 Casino Night

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

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

Alan’s Monthly Videos The monthly communication went on vacation in August, preparing for next month's virtual check in on the PTSMC's first half of 2023.

Click to catch up on past monthly videos!

PTSMC HIGHLIGHTS

Social Media

CATCH UP

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, Fairfield

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.”

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 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

BLOG POST

FEATURED CONTENT 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

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

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.

Follow PTSMC on social!

You ANd a guest are invited to

CASINO NIGHT September 30th @Dunkin Park

7pm-11pm Raffel Prizes Food and Drinks $1000 Funny Money

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 raffle tickets to win a variety of prizes!

Scan to RSVP by September 15th