Family Physical Therapy would like to wish our wonderful physical therapy assistant, Allison, a very happy birthday!!!! 

Over the past year, the staff at Family Physical Therapy has enjoyed Taylor's bright smile and incredibly caring heart in our clinic as she worked with physical Therapist, Ila Suplizio, during her last year of chemo treatments.  

This week, we are so excited to have Taylor as our superstar patient! Her brave and courageous spirit have inspired the entire staff at Family Physical Therapy, and today we are overjoyed to be able to give her this special shoutout...

Because this week...Taylor finished her LAST chemotherapy treatment! 

"I always feel so lucky to get to meet so many awesome kids through my job. Every once in a while, you meet a patient who really changes you. Taylor has been that person for me. She has not only reminded me why I absolutely love doing what I do, but she has inspired my life in so many ways. I feel so grateful to have met her, and to be able to call this little girl my friend! Seeing her smile can just brighten up my day!!! I am so excited for her to begin this new chapter in her life, and I can't wait to see what amazing things she chooses to do in the future!" -Ila Suplizio, PT, DPT, MFDc

​Taylor's giving heart has touched the hearts of so many people in our community. If you live in the Rocklin area, you may have been lucky enough to taste some of her famous cups of lemonade at her fundraiser lemonade stands she hosts during the summer!

This past weekend, Ila and Jaycie were very excited to join Taylor at her End of Treatment party, where they celebrated Taylor's last day of treatment! 

We had a great time seeing Taylor laughing and having water balloon fights with her friends! 

We would like to thank Taylor's family for sharing her story with us, and our entire community! She has inspired so many people with her loving and caring personality.

Taylor is continuing her community involvement! If you would like to see more about her
upcoming adventures, check out her Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/Taylorleesbutterflies/

1. Check out our previous blog post HERE, to learn more about funding and fundraising for pediatric cancer research. 

2. Follow Taylor Lee's Butterflies HERE, to keep up with upcoming fundraising efforts and community events. 

3. Keep up with current research and consider donating to UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

4. Check out Campaign One At A Time, St. Baldrick's Foundation, and our favorite clothing line Catch Some Air.

At Family Physical Therapy, we treat individuals of all ages, from infants who need a little help with reaching their developmental milestones, to athletes trying to improve their performance, to patients who have recently had surgery.  We commonly see members of our community who just need a little help strengthening and modifying activity so that they can perform their hobbies without pain.

​Now that the rain is starting to slow down and we are able to enjoy more sunny days, many people are starting to plant their spring and summer gardens. This is a great time of year to plant beautiful flowers, and delicious summer veggies! If pain is getting in the way of enjoying a gardening hobby, or getting that necessary yardwork done, consider seeing a physical therapist. ​

​​You don’t have to work through the pain! Many people feel their back pain is “normal,” but often receiving a few physical therapy suggestions regarding body mechanics, posture, and exercises can relieve your aches and pains. 

• Avoiding Back Pain:  ​​
  Warm up before you begin. Get your heart rate up by taking a 10-minute walk followed by some stretches for your upper and lower back, neck, arms and legs
  
  ​Start with a small garden that is close to your water source, so you don’t have to drag heavy hoses or watering containers.
  
  Bags of mulch, soil, and fertilizer are heavy. Instead of lifting the whole bag, divide it into smaller loads, and use a two-wheeled garden cart to move materials, as it is more stable than a wheelbarrow. When lifting a bag, use your leg muscles (not your back).
  
  Practice proper body mechanics. Bend at your knees when you grab something or pull a weed, bend your knees and contract your abdominal muscles to avoid straining your back.

 
Don’t overdo it. Be mindful of how your body feels. If you experience an aching back or neck, then slow down and stretch or stop and switch to a different task.

• Avoiding Knee pain:  
  Don’t kneel on both knees. Keep one foot on the ground to give your back more stability. If you have to kneel, use knee pads or a pillow to absorb some of the pressure.
  
  ​Change positions and take frequent breaks to avoid stiffness or cramping.
  
  
• Protect your joints:
  Select garden tools that have padded and curved handles to protect the joints in your hands and fingers from excess pressure and strain. If you have a weak grip, use pruners and clippers that have racheting or spring-action self-opening features. Avoid twisting and reaching while planting or pruning.
  
   End your gardening session with a short walk or some light stretching. Take a warm bath or shower to help prevent next-day soreness.

Graphic and info from:
​http://www.apta.org/uploadedFiles/APTAorg/Media/Releases/Consumer/2011/GerminateYourGardenandYourHealthThisSpring.pdf