How Physical Therapy Can Help You Get Healthier
From fad diets to detoxes, the media regularly bombards us with messages about how to get healthier. Even seemingly simple advice like “exercise regularly” can be difficult to navigate when fitness influencers battle it out to prove that their 30-day program is better than the rest.
At GTS Physical Therapy, we want to help you cut through the noise. Our trained experts take a holistic view of health and wellness and understand that good health isn’t just about physical health but mental and emotional health, too. We also know that everyone isn’t starting from the same place — and that’s okay! We’ll meet you where you’re at and help you develop strategies to find a health-promoting regimen that works for you.
Despite what you may have read on social media, evidence-based health-promoting behaviors are fairly straightforward. However, they can be difficult to implement, especially between work, family, and other obligations. We get it. That’s why we advocate for small, simple changes that can make a big difference.
What It Even Means to “Be Healthy”
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” which speaks to the complexities of health as a concept.
Good health also means different things to different people. For example, an 80-year-old on medication to manage high blood pressure and diabetes might consider herself healthy because she’s still physically active and can live independently. Meanwhile, a 20-year-old with no health conditions and excellent metabolic health might consider himself unhealthy because he struggles with exercise.
Living an entire life free of disease or illness is impossible for most of us. However, we can still strive to live as healthy as possible. Moving regularly, managing stress, and eating a nutritionally dense diet will help you feel your best, regardless of whether or not you meet the WHO’s (or anyone else’s) definition of “healthy.”
5 Simple Tips for Healthy Living from Our Team
- Get Enough Sleep: Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. A lack of deep REM sleep will have physical and psychological ramifications, affecting cardiovascular health, insulin levels, and cognitive abilities. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
- Move Your Body: Exercise is another health-promoting behavior that has a big impact. Regular exercise improves your metabolic health, elevates your mood, and helps you stay mobile even as you age. Aim for 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise (i.e., walking) each week–that works out to about 22 minutes daily!
- Eat a Nutritious Diet: Although it may seem like certain foods cycle in and out of “health food” status, research has confirmed the ideal diet: one that’s varied, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. One simple tip for eating healthier is to emphasize adding healthy foods to your meals rather than restricting less healthy choices.
- Stay Hydrated: As part of that nutritious diet, ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration helps prevent injuries and may lessen your chances of developing chronic illnesses. Current recommendations vary but usually land at around 8 cups a day.
- Meditate Daily: Taking five minutes each day to practice deep breathing and mindfulness can, like exercise, have a radiating effect on your physical and mental health.
Physical Therapy’s Role in Promoting Good Health
Our physical therapists have several tools to help you live the healthiest life possible:
- We can help you manage or resolve injuries and/or painful conditions that keep you from being physically active.
- We can help you develop a fun, effective exercise program that suits your interests and abilities.
- We can identify areas of musculoskeletal weakness or impairment that might cause problems for you down the road — and give suggestions for managing that impairment now!
- We can show you relaxation techniques to manage stress.
- And much more! When you visit us, we’ll create a customized program that addresses your unique needs.
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6027933/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315424/, https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/why-sleep-important
Exercise of the Month
Lower Trunk Rotations
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Gently drop your knees to one side while keeping your shoulders down, then return to center and rotate to the other side. This improves lower back flexibility.
Find Good Health with GTS Physical Therapy!
Our team of movement and musculoskeletal experts is here to help you live a full, healthy life. To get started, call us to schedule an appointment today!
Strengthening Our Hometown
Become strong by attending one of our hometown workshops.
Come out and attend our workshops! All are welcome, although spots are limited, so sign up today!
When? July 15th at 4 PM
Knee Workshop
- Mountain Home
- Flippin
- Calico Rock
- Yellville
- Melbourne
- Mountain View
- Horseshoe Bend
- West Plains
- Viola
Neck Workshop
- Batesville
- Southside
- Cave City
- Salem
- Tuckerman
- Mammoth Spring
Back Workshop
- Bentonville
- Jonesboro
- Highland/Hardy
- Paragould
- Pocahontas
- Walnut Ridge
5 Easy Tips for Sneaking in Physical Activity
- Park at the far end of the parking lot, so you have to walk a little further to get to the store.
- Take the stairs whenever possible.
- Do some stretches or core exercises while you’re watching TV.
- Go for a quick walk around your building during your lunch break.
- Try a micro-workout. Micro-workouts are short, 10-minute circuit-style workouts that pack a big punch. Keep a set of dumbbells by your desk and work out on your break!
Employee of the Month
Connor Sanders, PTA
Connor was born and raised in Calico Rock. After graduating from high school in 2019, he attended Arkansas State University, where he received his Bachelor of Health Sciences, and then went on to attend NWACC, where he received his Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant degree. Connor started with GTS in October of 2024 and is extremely thankful for the opportunity to work with amazing people and provide physical therapy treatment to the best of patients.
“I would like to nominate Connor Sanders for Employee of the Month. He joined our clinic as a new grad and was able to jump right in and provide help wherever needed with skill and compassion for his patients. He is great at making patients of all ages feel cared for and comfortable, and everyone loves him! He is a great addition to our staff and a wonderful coworker. We all feel thankful to have him on our team.” Charly Edmonds, PTA
June Hometown Strong Winner
Stacey Robbins!
Giving Back to Our Community, One Neighbor at a Time
We are thrilled to announce Stacey Robbins as the recipient of the June GTS Physical Therapy Hometown Strong $1,000 Giveaway! As part of this special program, Stacey received $500 to keep and $500 to donate to a local charity of her choice. Without hesitation, Stacey chose to support the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas, an organization close to her heart that provides vital resources to families and individuals facing food insecurity in our region.
In the photo, Stacey is seen proudly presenting the donation check to Jeff Quick, a representative of the Food Bank. Her generosity and community spirit are a perfect reflection of what the Hometown Strong program is all about—celebrating everyday heroes who make a real difference where we live and work.
GTS Salem Pelvic Floor Workshop
GTS Salem partnered with Soul Sweet Studio to host an informative Pelvic Floor Workshop for the Salem community and surrounding areas on June 7th.
